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Tremco Fire Test Lab
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The necessary test criteria which are predominant in the area of built-up roofing are ASTM E108. UL
(Underwriters laboratories) 760 and FM (Factory Mutual System) Class I. All of these criteria are specific
to a designed system. It is therefore incorrect to say that a particular product meets UL, FM, or ASTM criteria.
It is only completely specified system configuration, including combustible or noncombustible deck, insulation
type and thickness and fastening, that a roof can potentially receive these approvals.
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ASTME E108 and UL 790 are virtually identical tests of the fire resistance of a roofing system but there
is a difference between the two. A certification of passing an ASTM E108 test indicates that the system, as
tested, passed the criteria for this test method.
A UL 790 classification indicates that UL witnessed the construction of the panels using representative
materials from the manufacturer. A UL classification also indicated that the materials used in a classified
system carry a UL label which indicates that UL periodically analyzes them and inspects their production to
assure that they are the same as those tested. Additionally, UL reserves the right to periodically retest
any system at their discretion to assure that the system is still capable of passing the test. A UL 790
classification will satisfy the requirements of ASTM E108, however, certification of passing ASTM E108
is not equivalent to UL 790 classification. Be sure to check the specifics of the applicable code requirements
on this important safety related issue before specifying a system.
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Tremco has an in-house, fire test laboratory which is capable of testing products to either ASTM E108 or UL
790 test criteria. This in-house laboratory testing apparatus is so accurate and its test procedures so rigorous
that it is the only roofing material manufacturer's test laboratory at which UL will confer a UL 790 classification.
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This valuable asset can substantially reduce the time necessary to obtain approval for a new system configuration
(this can typically take up to a year through standard UL testing procedures) and can aid in the rapid
design of a new system which will obtain approval.
FM is a large insurance underwriter of buildings. They have established criteria for roof construction and
performance which make, in their estimation, a particular roof an acceptable risk to ensure.
An FM system approval implies the successful FM testing of a roof system to FM 4470 test criteria. These
criteria include fire resistance (I-60 or I-90), hail damage testing, fastener corrosion resistance, ultra-violet
weathering and leakage. Only those systems which meet all of the criteria will receive a class I rating and
are FM approved. Class I roofs are subclassified as I-60 or I-90 for wind uplift and A, B or C for the ASTM
E108 rating. They also indicate slope limitations as part of their approval.
Failure to meet any of the FM criteria will automatically result in Class II approval. FM standards require
the installation of sprinkler systems in the buildings with Class II approval.
Understanding the various codes and approvals and their ramifications represents a critical element
in the proper design and specification of a roof.
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