FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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July 2008 Page 1 of 3

REMOVAL AND SHIPPING OF ROOF DECK SAMPLES FOR CALORIMETER TESTING

Table of Contents
Page 1.0 SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.1 Changes ............................................................................................................................................ 2 2.0 MATERIALS ............................................................................................................................................. 2 3.0 EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 2 4.0 TOOLS ..................................................................................................................................................... 2 5.0 SAMPLE AREA ....................................................................................................................................... 2 6.0 ATTACHING AND CUTTING THE SAMPLE .......................................................................................... 2 7.0 COMMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 3

List of Figures
Fig. 1. Location of carriage bolts on roof sample template. .......................................................................... 3

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Roof Deck Samples for Calorimeter Testing

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

1.0 SCOPE It is sometimes necessary to remove a roof deck sample (steel, cementitious wood fiber, etc.) from an existing roof for calorimeter fire hazard evaluation. Use the following procedure, materials, equipment, and tools to prepare and send a sample to FM Global Research for testing. 1.1 Changes July 2008. Minor editorial changes were made for this revision. (Shipping address was corrected.) 2.0 MATERIALS Two 412 ft 5 ft 34 in. (1.4 m 1.5 m 19 mm) sheets of plywood. If standard plywood is used, four standard sized (4 ft 8 ft) (1.2 m 2.4 m) sheets will be needed. A tennis table (ping-pong table) can be used, in lieu of plywood, half the table for the top and half for the bottom. Four 12 in. 7 in. long (13 178 mm) (minimum) carriage bolts with nuts and washers (7 in. [178 mm] is a minimum length for 112 in. [38 mm] deep deck). For a deeper deck, increase the bolt length by the increase in deck depth over 112 in (38 mm). Appropriate deck, vapor barrier (if used), insulation, mechanical fasteners, roof cover adhesive, and appropriate roof cover in sufficient quantities to repair the 412 ft 5 ft (1.4 m 1.5 m) opening. 3.0 EQUIPMENT Staging to support roof sample. Waterproof coverings. 4.0 TOOLS 1 heavy duty reciprocating saw with minimum 7 in. (178 mm) metal cutting blade. 1 crescent wrench (8 or 10 in., 200-250 mm). 1 heavy duty drill with 916 in. (14 mm) bit. 1 tape measure. 5.0 SAMPLE AREA When selecting a sample area, make certain that it is between roof supports so that the sample will not be fastened to the supporting steel. The sample area should include a seam where the deck has been side lapped. The seam should run as close to the center of the sample as possible. After the sample roof area has been chosen, remove any stock or equipment from within the building immediately below and within a 10 ft (3 m) radius of the area. Equipment that cannot be moved should be covered with waterproof covers. Place one sheet of plywood over the other and drill four 916 in. (14 mm) holes through both sheets 12 in. (305 mm) in from each corner measured diagonally (Fig. 1). Leave one piece of plywood in the building; take the second piece to the roof. The tools and materials should be brought to the roof at this time also. 6.0 ATTACHING AND CUTTING THE SAMPLE 1. Place the 412 ft 5 ft (1.4 m 1.5 m) sheet of plywood on the sample area. Make certain the 5 ft (1.5 m) dimension is parallel to the ribs of the steel deck if applicable. The sample must be 412 ft 5 ft (1.4 m 1.5 m). If the sample is cut too small, the test cannot be conducted as the sample will not fit within the testing apparatus. 2. Using the plywood or table tennis table as a template, drill four 916 in. (14 mm) holes through the roofing and steel deck. 3. Place the bolts through the plywood and holes.
2008 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Roof Deck Samples for Calorimeter Testing

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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Fig. 1. Location of carriage bolts on roof sample template.

4. From the underside, place the second piece of plywood over the bolts and tightly fasten with the washers and nuts. 5. Provide support for the sample from the underside so that when the roof sample is cut, there will be no collapse. 6. Cut around the full perimeter of the plywood with the reciprocating saw. 7. Remove the sample carefully so as not to disturb any of the components. Wrap the sample (including the bolted-on plywood) to protect it from the weather. Crate the sample and ship to the following address: FM Global Research Campus Attn: Steve Francisco 743 Reynolds Road West Glocester, RI 02814 USA Roof repair work should be started as soon as the sample has been removed to avoid the possibility of water damage. It is advisable to have a qualified roofing contractor make these repairs. 7.0 COMMENTS The primary use of the calorimeter test is to determine the combustibility of an insulated roof deck when some or all of the roof components are unknown or in question. The combustibility would then be used to classify the roof as a Class I or Class II insulated roof deck. (See Data Sheet 1-28R/1-29R). This data sheet does not conflict with NFPA standards.

2008 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.