The Wisconsin Roofing Contractors Association (WRCA) has published a position paper dealing with the newly-revised FM Global 1-29 Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet.  The revisions to FM 1-29 could significantly affect design considerations for Wisconsin commercial and industrial roofing systems.

In January 2006, FM Global revised 1-29 to address wind uplift issues where there is potential for significant system damage.  The adopted position of the WRCA states that in Wisconsin "a roof designed to the FM Class 1-90 standard results in an over-designed roofing system.".  The FM Class 1-90 standard is rated for wind speeds exceeding 150 MPH, which is a wind speed which Wisconsin simply doesn't experience.  The resulting design for commercial and industrial roofing systems would be cost prohibitive when compared to the risk involved.  The WRCA Position Paper can be found on the web at http://www.wrcaonline.org/advocacy/PositionPaperFM129.pdf