FM Global recommends performing field uplift testing as a
quality-assurance measure on most membrane roof systems in
hurricane-prone regions of the U.S. NRCA has concerns about whether FM
Global's test method provides an accurate prediction of quality
installation and actual uplift performance.
For buildings located in hurricane-prone regions where the
design wind speed is 100 mph or greater, FM Global recommends to
its insurers that acceptance of and final payment for most new
membrane roof systems be based on satisfactory completion of a
field uplift test. In the U.S., this recommendation applies along
the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and in American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii,
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FM Global recommends such testing be conducted according to Loss
Prevention Data Sheet 1-52 (FM 1-52), "Field Uplift Tests." FM 1-52
provides two methods of testing membrane roof systems: bonded
uplift...
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