FM Global

Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 1-60

October 2017
Page 1 of 6

ASPHALT-COATED METAL AND PROTECTED METAL BUILDINGS

Table of Contents
Page

1.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.1 Changes ............................................................................................................................................ 2
2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................ 2
2.1 Protection ......................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.1 Asphalt-Coated Metal Buildings ............................................................................................. 2
2.2.2 Protected Metal Buildings ..................................................................................................... 2
2.2.3 Exterior Fire Exposure ............................................................................................................. 2
3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................... 2
3.1 Asphalt-Coated Metal Buildings ....................................................................................................... 2
3.2 Protected Metal Buildings ................................................................................................................. 3
3.2.1 Identification of Asphalt-Coated and Protected Metal Panels ................................................ 3
4.0 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 5
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS ........................................................................................................ 5
APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ........................................................................................ 6

List of Figures
Fig. 3.2.1-1. Asphalt-coated metal with asphalt-saturated asbestos felts and asphalt coating ..................... 4
Fig. 3.2.1-2. Asphalt-coated metal with only asphalt coating ......................................................................... 4
Fig. 3.2.1-3. Protected metal, material A (zinc adhesive) or material B (thermoplastic resin bond) ............. 4
Fig. 3.2.1-4. Protected metal, material C ........................................................................................................ 5

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1-60 ACM and Protected Metal Buildings
Page 2 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet contains recommendations for reducing fire hazards in buildings with metal roofing and siding
that use asphalt, including asphalt-saturated asbestsos felts, in the weather protection coating. These are
buildings constructed with aspahalt-coated metal (ACM) or types A, B, or C protected metal.
For new construction, refer to the following data sheets:
• Data Sheet 1-1, Firesafe Building Construction and Materials
• Data Sheet 1-28, Wind Design
• Data Sheet 1-31, Panel Roof Systems
• Data Sheet 1-54, Roof Loads for New Construction
Use RoofNav to select FM Approved roof panels and the Approval Guide to select FM Approved protected
metal panels.

1.1 Changes
October 2017. This document has been completely revised. Guidance was evaluated and updated, and
additional background information was added.

2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

2.1 Protection

2.1.1 Asphalt-Coated Metal Buildings

2.1.1.1 Provide automatic sprinkler protection throughout the entire building based on the occupancy (see
Data Sheet 3-26, Fire Protection Water Demand for Nonstorage Sprinklered Properties; Data Sheet 8-9,
Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities; or other applicable data sheets). Install sprinklers in
accordance with Data Sheet 2-0, Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers.

2.2.2 Protected Metal Buildings

2.2.2.1 Provide automatic sprinkler protection over and 40 ft (12 m) in all directions beyond the combustible
occupancy. (See Data Sheet 3-26, Fire Protection Water Demand for Nonstorage Sprinklered Properties,
Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities, or other applicable data sheets. Install
sprinklers in accordance with Data Sheet 2-0, Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers.)

2.2.3 Exterior Fire Exposure

2.2.3.1 Provide protection from exterior fire exposure in accordance with Data Sheet 1-20, Protection Against
Exterior Fire Exposures; Data Sheet 8-24, Idle Pallet Storage; and Data Sheet 9-19, Wildland Fire.
2.2.3.2 Maintain a 25 ft (7.5 m) distance around building(s) clear of combustibles, including trash containers
and parked vehicles.

3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Asphalt-Coated Metal Buildings

Asphalt-coated metal buildings use the first type of asphalt-coated metal panels with a very common US
brand first manufactured in 1906. Although these panels have not been produced in the United States for
many years, there are still many buildings present that were constructed with it. Most of the present production
of coated metal sheets do not use asphalt and are either galvanized, painted, or vinyl coated. (See Section
3.2, Protected Metal Buildings.)
In the absence of automatic sprinkler protection, fires have spread over and seriously damaged large areas
of asphalt-coated metal buildings. Dripping, burning asphalt has been the cause of fire spreading to
separated areas of combustible contents within buildings and has interfered with manual fire ighting under
the burning area.
The asphalt used for coatings starts to soften and melt at about 200°F (93°C), will pilot ignite at about 500°F
(260°C), and will autoignite when it reaches 900°F (482°C).

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ACM and Protected Metal Buildings 1-60
FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 3

If heat is confined, or if the surface temperature over more than a small area is raised to the fire point of
the asphalt (500°F, 260°C) fire will spread rapidly up vertical sides and over roof surfaces. An exposing air
temperature of about 650°F (343°C) or sufficient radiant heat is necessary for this to occur. If one side of the
asphalt-coated metal is subjected to a rapidly spreading fire, it is likely that the asphalt coating on the other
side will be ignited. If a heat source within a building is able to raise the temperature of a large asphalt-coated
surface to the point where it ignites readily, the resulting fire will spread rapidly. The area of burning may be
limited only by the extent of the asphalt-coated metal.
The amount of asphalt on each side of sheets having asphalt-saturated asbestos felts has approximately
the fuel value of the same area as a 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) thickness of wood.
When roofs of asphalt-coated metal buildings are involved in fire, hot or burning asphalt drips from interior
surfaces, prevents entrance by firefighters, and may ignite combustible materials even if these are so
separated that a spreading fire would not develop otherwise. Burning asphalt produces a smoky fire, further
hindering firefighting efforts.
Fire damage to sheets having asphalt-bonded felts may vary from little more than loss of bond, with the inside
asbestos felt sagging away from the steel and still retaining unburned asphalt saturant, to a complete burnout
of the asphalt with the felt disintegrated or in shreds and with steel sheets distorted.

3.2 Protected Metal Buildings

Protected metal buildings with types A, B, or C protected metal are the second generation of metal buildings
that used asphalt with or without asphalt-saturated felts in the weather-protection coating. These do not
self-propagate fires because the surface exposed to the weather contains approximately 50% as much
asphalt and, when present on the inside, contains about 15% as much asphalt as in ACM panels. These
panels are also harder to ignite. They were produced in the United States from the 1940s until the late 1970s.
When the asphalt coating is on the outside only there is much less fuel to contribute to a fire because there
is no dripping asphalt and they will not spread fire in building contents or interfere with manual firefighting.
Consequently, damaged areas will be smaller where this type is used. However, the asphalt coating on an
exterior surface will burn if exposed to high temperatures from an inside or outside fire.
When there is an additional asphalt coating on the inside for corrosion resistance, this surface, under severe
exposure, will burn and some burning asphalt may drip. Dripping, however, is confined to the area of severe
fire exposure, and material coated on both sides is suitable for use where necessary for corrosion resistance.
Most current types of protected metal are coated with organic or inorganic paints 5 mils (0.005 in., 0.13 mm)
or less thick, with FM Approved panels listed in the Approval Guide.

3.2.1 Identification of Asphalt-Coated and Protected Metal Panels

Where steel sheets are coated on one or both sides with tar-like coatings, over 30 mils (0.003 in., 0.8 mm)
thick, the material should be considered asphalt-coated metal unless it was FM Approved or passes the FM
calorimeter test. (See Data Sheet 1-5, Removal and Shipping of Roof Deck Samples for Calorimeter Testing.
Materials with asbestos cannot be tested.) Such coatings can be scratched with a knife or nail and the coating
pushed back with thumb pressure (see Figure 3.2.1-1).
Steel sheets with coatings approximately 15 mils (0.4 mm) thick are more difficult to identify in the field since
they could be either asphalt-coated or protected metal (see Figures 3.2.1-2, Fig. 3.2.1-3, and Fig. 3.2.1-4).
Where the material cannot be identified in the field and a test is not practical, the material should be
considered asphalt-coated metal.

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1-60 ACM and Protected Metal Buildings
Page 4 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Steel sheet
Asphalt bond
Asphalt saturated asbestos felt
Surface asphalt weather coating

Surface asphalt weather coating

Asphalt saturated asbestos felt
Asphalt bond
Steel sheet

Fig. 3.2.1-1. Asphalt-coated metal with asphalt-saturated asbestos felts and asphalt coating

Asphalt coating
on both sides of steel sheet

Steel sheet

Fig. 3.2.1-2. Asphalt-coated metal with only asphalt coating

Steel sheet
Zinc adhesive or thermoplastic resin bond
Asbestos felt impregnated with
small quantity of asphalt
Weatherproof asphalt or plastic
coating for ordinary conditions

Asbestos felt impregnated with

small quantity of asphalt
Zinc adhesive or
thermoplastic resin bond
Steel sheet
Fig. 3.2.1-3. Protected metal, material A (zinc adhesive) or material B (thermoplastic resin bond)

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ACM and Protected Metal Buildings 1-60
FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 5

Plain steel sheet or

steel sheet with zinc coating
Asphalt, rust inhibitor & plastic adhesive
*
Thermoplastic asphalt with filler *
Mineral mica *

* Outside coating only for ordinary conditions.

Outside and inside coating for severely corrosive
conditions.

Fig. 3.2.1-4. Protected metal, material C

4.0 REFERENCES
Data Sheet 1-0, Safeguards Construction, Alteration and Demolition
Data Sheet 1-5, Removal and Shipping of Roof Deck Samples for Calorimeter Testing.
Data Sheet 1-10, Interaction of Sprinklers, Smoke and Heat Vents, and Draft Curtains
Data Sheet 1-20, Protection Against Exterior Fire Exposures
Data Sheet 1-28, Wind Design
Data Sheet 1-21, Fire Resistance of Building Assemblies
Data Sheet 1-31, Metal Roof Systems
Data Sheet 1-54, Roof Loads for New Construction
Data Sheet 2-0, Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers
Data Sheet 3-26, Fire Protection Water Demand for Nonstorage Sprinklered Properties
Data Sheet 8-24, Idle Pallet Storage
Data Sheet 9-19, Wildland Fire

APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Asphalt-coated metal (ACM) buildings: ACM buildings are usually steel frame buildings having ACM exterior
walls and/or roofing. The asphalt used in the coating increases the fire hazard substantially.
Asphalt-coated metal (ACM): Steel sheets, usually corrugated, with a coating of asphalt on one or both sides
of the steel (Figure 3.2.1-2) or asphalt-saturated felts bonded to the steel with asphalt and an outer coating
of asphalt on one or both sides (Figure 3.2.1-1). Considered protected metal if it passes the FM Global
calorimeter test or was FM Approved.
Draft Curtain: Also referred to as a curtain board, a draft curtain is a solid continuous material that is installed
perpendicular to a ceiling with the intent of preventing the flow of hot gases from a fire from traveling
horizontally beyond the curtain. Draft curtains are typically not recommended for buildings equipped with
sprinkler protection except where recommended in an occupancy - specific data sheet. Install draft curtains,
when recommended, in accordance with Data Sheet 1-10, Interaction of Sprinklers, Smoke and Heat Vents,
and Draft Curtains.
Limited-combustible construction: Consists of materials that will not release sufficient fuel to allow a
self-propagationg fire.

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1-60 ACM and Protected Metal Buildings
Page 6 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Protected metal (PM) buildings: PM buildings with type A, B, or C PM cladding are similiar to ACM buildings
except that roofing and siding have considerabley less asphalt in the coating. Currently manufactured PM
panels are coated with paint 5 mils (0.005 in., or 0.13 mm) or less, or are coated with zinc or zinc-aluminum
alloys (galvanized). Considered limited combustible.
Protected metal sheets: Types A, B, and C protected metal sheets are similar to ACM but have much less
asphalt and do not support a self-propagating fire. The side exposed to the weather contains about 50% as
much combustible material as the combustible asphalt-coated metal type, and the side used on the inside
of the building (as manufactured for ordinary use) about 15% as much. These sheets have considerably higher
resistance to ignition from an interior fire, are less subject to spread of fire over the inside surface, and do
not drip burning or melted asphalt inside the building. They are less subject to damage by heat under light fire
exposure.
Protected metal, material A: Has asphalt-impregnated felt bonded to both sides of the metal sheet with a
zinc adhesive (Figure 3.2.1-3). As manufactured for ordinary use, the side exposed to the weather has an
asphalt or plastic coating for weatherproofing. Material A is also available with an inside surface coating, the
same as that on the exterior, for added resistance against corrosive conditions.
Protected metal, material B: Is similar to material A, except a thermoplastic resin is used instead of a zinc
adhesive to secure the felt to the metal sheet (Figure 3.2.1-3). For added resistance against corrosive
conditions, material B is available with an asphalt coating on the inside also, or with the uncoated felt on the
inside sprayed with aluminum paint.
Protected metal, material C: Has a core of a plain steel sheet or a steel sheet with a zinc coating (Figure
3.2.1-4). As manufactured for ordinary use, the side exposed to the weather has an asphalt coating composed
of a bond coat and a top coat. The bond coat is a mixture of asphalt, rust inhibitor, and a plastic adhesive.
The top coat consists of a thermoplastic asphalt with suitable fillers and is covered with a layer of mica.
Normally, the inside surface is painted or galvanized, but, for added resistance against corrosive conditions,
it is also available with the same protective coating that is used on the outside surface. No impregnated felts
are used with this product.

APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY

October 2017. This document has been completely revised. Guidance was evaluated and updated, and
additional background information was added.
January 2000. This revision of the document has been reorganized to provide a consistent format.
This document was previously revised in 1998.
A Loss Experience section was added in May 1998.
The 1978 revision involved a reorganization and clarification of the material on Pages 5-8 to 5-10 of the
Handbook of Industrial Loss Prevention. There were no new recommendations, but some had been revised.

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