#AskCentiMark Series: Navigating FM Global requirements for your commercial roofing needs.

Ready to learn about all things FM Global? This organization focuses on commercial and industrial property insurance, with an emphasis on risk prevention. Their insurance policies typically have strict safety-focused requirements for fireproofing, wind resistance and other features. If you have FM Global insurance or are considering working with them, understanding their requirements is crucial for your roofing project to safeguard your building. This article will be your guide on all things FM Global by giving you the inside scoop on what it’s like working with them.

To ensure your roofing project meets FM Global’s standards, you might need some help from CentiMark’s industry professionals! Introducing two of CentiMark’s very own knowledgeable roofing professionals to help you navigate FM Global: Wayne Barr, Senior Vice President of Global Accounts and James Wistrand, Sales/Operations in the West. They are here to hit the ground running with helpful insights on exploring all things FM Global, from overall benefits to specific requirements! 

What are the biggest challenges you face when roofing FM Global-insured facilities?

Wayne: Selecting the most economical choice that meets all of FM Global’s criteria can be quite challenging with so many roofing options available. Today, they have approved millions of different roofing products and assemblies. This means that they have conducted extensive testing such as evaluating uplift resistance, fire ratings and determined the optimal roofing solutions to meet their requirements on each of these. With such a vast amount of options available, narrowing it down can be tough at times. 

What specific FM Global guidelines should be prioritized when planning a roofing project? 

Wayne: The main factor that should be taken into consideration is the location of the facility. FM Global approves different roofing assemblies based on regional factors. For example, coastal properties need to prioritize wind rating due to the influx of hurricanes within the region, whereas properties located in the midwest should prioritize hail. 

James: Exactly, FM Global’s focus on hail resistance is a recent development that has garnered significant attention. This has led to stricter enforcement of severe hail ratings, emphasizing the need for comprehensive roof performance rather than just addressing individual components. 

In addition to this, you will have to combine state and local codes as well. When taking both of these into account, you may have to adhere to additional standards that FM Global may not require, such as insulation or drainage upgrades.

What are the tools and resources FM Global provides for our customers to help them with safeguarding their properties? 

Wayne: FM Global is extremely active in conducting site assessments. They're looking at every aspect of the building including risk assessment reports of the roof. Over the years, I’ve found that reviewing these reports with your contractor can potentially lead to insurance savings by checking off some of the things they are concerned with. 

James: I completely agree! Effective collaboration between the contractors installing the roofs and the owners of the building is crucial. We find that many sites have had numerous inspections completed by FM Global. During these inspections, we review the site reports, along with the location's needs, communicate with an FM Global representative and figure out the best solutions. I have learned that collaboration and teamwork from all parties is key to a successful solution and execution of any FM Global Project.

Can you give us some insight on how adhering to FM Global’s strict standards can significantly benefit a building’s performance?

James: No matter where you are located, you will see the devastation from hurricanes, hail, high wind events and other weather events at times. Although a facility can never be 100% stormproof, those who invest in FM Global’s standards typically experience minor damages compared to the catastrophic loss we see on buildings that don't comply with them. In most cases, the facilities that comply with FM Global’s standards are up and running again in no time. Furthermore, complying with FM Global’s standards can significantly reduce premiums and result in better coverage with carriers.

Wayne: I have seen this first hand after Hurricane Irma hit Florida a few years back. We saw that the commercial roof that CentiMark constructed complying with FM Global’s standards had no damage and remained watertight after the category 5 hurricane! Yet, the buildings across the street had their roofs blown off or severely damaged. The wind uplift standards that were enforced by FM Global for that area definitely paid off. 

As for roofing, do you have any advice on what our customers should do to make the most of insurance coverage through FM Global?

Wayne: FM Global is truly committed to working together to come up with solutions that benefit you and your building. My advice is to voice your concerns if their requirements are driving up roofing costs substantially or affecting daily operations within your facility. They've been very receptive to feedback and are willing to explore every aspect of your building to devise the most effective strategies to deliver the best outcomes.

How do FM Global compliance requirements impact the overall cost of a roofing project?

James: The requirements they have in place will save you time and money down the road! The potential for total destruction of the facility, loss of production and loss of life outweighs the initial cost of installing the correct roof against these elements. If you are able to invest on the front end, it will have a significant impact on the life of your roof. It can be costly to maintain your roof at all times but it is essential in order to protect the investment of your building. 

What are your recommendations for customers who manage roofing projects across multiple locations while having to ensure each site meets FM Global standards?

Wayne: In my opinion, the best thing you can do is make sure that you follow the risk assessment reports that FM Global generates for your facility. FM Global has been around long enough to learn from experience and be able to anticipate potential issues that can arise for commercial buildings. The key to improving your position with FM Global is to make sure you’re looking at them closely in order to follow their guidelines! 

James: Exactly, CentiMark does an amazing job with this because we use various tools to document the services and solutions done on the roof. When roofing projects come up, you need to be able to understand what was there, how it was installed and what needs to be done in order to protect your building.

Understanding FM Global’s requirements, adhering to their standards and making the most of their coverage can be a challenge and we are happy we could help! Let’s start with a comprehensive evaluation to assist you in determining the condition of your roof. Feel free to contact us any time and be sure to stay tuned for the next #AskCentiMark panel for more expert advice on all things roofing. 

About our panel:

Wayne Barr 

Senior VP of Global Accounts

Wayne has been working in the commercial roofing industry for over 30 years now. He has held multiple different positions and is now the Senior Vice President of Global Accounts with CentiMark! With years of hands-on experience working with FM Global, he has watched it continuously improve and evolve over time.

James Wistand

Sales/Operations for the West

James has about 28 years of experience in the commercial roofing industry and has enjoyed working with FM Global. He has seen what it can do for the roofs on commercial buildings and has come to learn about how it leads to peak roof performance for commercial buildings.