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Better prevention than cure says an old adage. That certainly applies to valuable commercial buildings with their machinery and goods that you want to protect from fire, weather or flooding. Utilizing knowledge and experience in design and applying quality materials are two keys to success. American insurer FM Global stands out in offering that knowledge and certifying sound materials. Thomas Roche, Senior Consultant at the insurer and Maarten Coenen, account manager at Tectum Group, give us an insight and practical tips.
FM Global is unique in the insurance world. The international player places a strong focus on preventing damage rather than compensating for it. "To live up to that vision, we put a strong emphasis on research into risk drivers on the one hand and testing products, from sprinklers to roof waterproofing. We award FM Approval to products and roof structures that have risk-reducing properties. From that knowledge and based on the certified products, we give our customers targeted advice to reduce their risks of building damage," opens Thomas Roche.
Maarten Coenen confirmed, "We find that some clients consciously choose FM Approved roof structures, even if it is not an obligation. It provides a foothold and a certain guarantee of quality in the long term."
Theimpact of climate change is one of the greatest risks for buildings today. FM Global is responding to this by conducting extensive research into possible scenarios and their consequences, and all over the world. "We have an extensive research team doing global research on all forms of natural hazards. For example, what is the impact of precipitation and wind on flooding. We use the information from that research to estimate whether we need to adjust our guidelines."
According to Thomas Roche, climate change not only has a global impact, but local differences play a big role. "So it's not like you can lump an entire region together. You could really see local differences," he states. Therefore, the specific climatic conditions of a region should be taken into account when designing buildings.
Wind uplift is a major concern for industrial roofs. According to Thomas Roche, there are currently no revolutionary new fastening techniques: "As far as I know, there are no new systems. Either you glue something on a roof, ballast it or screw it on. "However, he notes that due to changing wind patterns, certain regions may require higher wind classes.
Green roofs were once an emerging trend for industrial properties, but today the focus is more often on solar panels. "Many companies are now opting for solar panels, not only because of regulations in certain European countries, but also because of the possibility of energy generation.
Yet solar panels also bring challenges. Thomas Roche warns of potential fire risks: "Solar panels can burn. They contain a lot of plastic. Some have a plastic backing. There is also a lot of wiring and electrical installation involved where there is a potential fire hazard." This makes it important to carefully evaluate solar panel installation and mounting in consultation with your roofer and installer of the PV system.
"At Tectum Group , we are increasingly guiding clients in an integrated approach. PV installations must be matched to the roof structure, both in terms of load and safety," Maarten adds.
Maarten: "Water accumulation on flat roofs remains an issue. Preventive maintenance is essential. Too often we only see it done after damage has already occurred."
Thomas Roche adds that many people forget that drains can get clogged: "What continues to amaze me is that people design buildings without thinking about the fact that rain drains can get clogged. And then when the water starts to accumulate on the roof, it has to go somewhere." This highlights the importance of properly designed emergency drainage systems to ensure the structural integrity of a roof as well as the importance of structurally maintaining flat roofs.
Below is an example of a cloudburst where emergency drains kick in, despite a well-functioning and properly sized storm drain system. However, these situations are exceptional, but not inconceivable with the changing climate changes in our minds.
Water accumulation on flat roofs remains a concern. Preventive maintenance is therefore essential. Too often we see this done only after damage has already occurred.
Roof design is often based on historical rainfall data with a certain return interval, such as 50 to 60 years. Thomas Roche points out that these are standards that can be exceeded: However, he stresses that it is not necessary to simply increase everything by a 20% safety margin, but that it is important to make thoughtful and effective adjustments.
Climate change is having a clear and increasing impact on industrial flat roofs. Heavier rainfall, stronger winds, higher temperatures and increased fire risk create new challenges, so approaches must evolve with them. For companies with large buildings, relying on traditional design standards or minimum requirements is no longer enough. A proactive, risk-driven approach is essential.
By identifying regional climate hazards, choosing certified materials and roof structures, and designing with sustainability in mind, companies can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Preventive maintenance, thoughtful integration of solar panels and emergency drainage systems, and alignment with international standards such as those of FM Global are indispensable elements in this process.
With references such as DAF, Montea, Johnson & Johnson, Caterpillar, Sanofi, ... Tectum Group has extensive expertise in the guidelines of FM Global and applying them in FM Approved products. Our specialists are happy to provide the necessary advice to align your roof structure with the vision of FM Global. Contact us.
Better prevention than cure says an old adage. That certainly applies to valuable commercial buildings with their machinery and goods that you want to protect from fire, weather or flooding. Utilizing knowledge and experience in design and applying quality materials are two keys to success. American insurer FM Global stands out in offering that knowledge and certifying sound materials. Thomas Roche, Senior Consultant at the insurer and Maarten Coenen, account manager at Tectum Group, give us an insight and practical tips.
FM Global is unique in the insurance world. The international player places a strong focus on preventing damage rather than compensating for it. "To live up to that vision, we put a strong emphasis on research into risk drivers on the one hand and testing products, from sprinklers to roof waterproofing. We award FM Approval to products and roof structures that have risk-reducing properties. From that knowledge and based on the certified products, we give our customers targeted advice to reduce their risks of building damage," opens Thomas Roche.
Maarten Coenen confirmed, "We find that some clients consciously choose FM Approved roof structures, even if it is not an obligation. It provides a foothold and a certain guarantee of quality in the long term."
Theimpact of climate change is one of the greatest risks for buildings today. FM Global is responding to this by conducting extensive research into possible scenarios and their consequences, and all over the world. "We have an extensive research team doing global research on all forms of natural hazards. For example, what is the impact of precipitation and wind on flooding. We use the information from that research to estimate whether we need to adjust our guidelines."
According to Thomas Roche, climate change not only has a global impact, but local differences play a big role. "So it's not like you can lump an entire region together. You could really see local differences," he states. Therefore, the specific climatic conditions of a region should be taken into account when designing buildings.
Wind uplift is a major concern for industrial roofs. According to Thomas Roche, there are currently no revolutionary new fastening techniques: "As far as I know, there are no new systems. Either you glue something on a roof, ballast it or screw it on. "However, he notes that due to changing wind patterns, certain regions may require higher wind classes.
Green roofs were once an emerging trend for industrial properties, but today the focus is more often on solar panels. "Many companies are now opting for solar panels, not only because of regulations in certain European countries, but also because of the possibility of energy generation.
Yet solar panels also bring challenges. Thomas Roche warns of potential fire risks: "Solar panels can burn. They contain a lot of plastic. Some have a plastic backing. There is also a lot of wiring and electrical installation involved where there is a potential fire hazard." This makes it important to carefully evaluate solar panel installation and mounting in consultation with your roofer and installer of the PV system.
"At Tectum Group , we are increasingly guiding clients in an integrated approach. PV installations must be matched to the roof structure, both in terms of load and safety," Maarten adds.
Maarten: "Water accumulation on flat roofs remains an issue. Preventive maintenance is essential. Too often we only see it done after damage has already occurred."
Thomas Roche adds that many people forget that drains can get clogged: "What continues to amaze me is that people design buildings without thinking about the fact that rain drains can get clogged. And then when the water starts to accumulate on the roof, it has to go somewhere." This highlights the importance of properly designed emergency drainage systems to ensure the structural integrity of a roof as well as the importance of structurally maintaining flat roofs.
Below is an example of a cloudburst where emergency drains kick in, despite a well-functioning and properly sized storm drain system. However, these situations are exceptional, but not inconceivable with the changing climate changes in our minds.
Roof design is often based on historical rainfall data with a certain return interval, such as 50 to 60 years. Thomas Roche points out that these are standards that can be exceeded: However, he stresses that it is not necessary to simply increase everything by a 20% safety margin, but that it is important to make thoughtful and effective adjustments.
Climate change is having a clear and increasing impact on industrial flat roofs. Heavier rainfall, stronger winds, higher temperatures and increased fire risk create new challenges, so approaches must evolve with them. For companies with large buildings, relying on traditional design standards or minimum requirements is no longer enough. A proactive, risk-driven approach is essential.
By identifying regional climate hazards, choosing certified materials and roof structures, and designing with sustainability in mind, companies can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Preventive maintenance, thoughtful integration of solar panels and emergency drainage systems, and alignment with international standards such as those of FM Global are indispensable elements in this process.
With references such as DAF, Montea, Johnson & Johnson, Caterpillar, Sanofi, ... Tectum Group has extensive expertise in the guidelines of FM Global and applying them in FM Approved products. Our specialists are happy to provide the necessary advice to align your roof structure with the vision of FM Global. Contact us.
Better prevention than cure says an old adage. That certainly applies to valuable commercial buildings with their machinery and goods that you want to protect from fire, weather or flooding. Utilizing knowledge and experience in design and applying quality materials are two keys to success. American insurer FM Global stands out in offering that knowledge and certifying sound materials. Thomas Roche, Senior Consultant at the insurer and Maarten Coenen, account manager at Tectum Group, give us an insight and practical tips.
FM Global is unique in the insurance world. The international player places a strong focus on preventing damage rather than compensating for it. "To live up to that vision, we put a strong emphasis on research into risk drivers on the one hand and testing products, from sprinklers to roof waterproofing. We award FM Approval to products and roof structures that have risk-reducing properties. From that knowledge and based on the certified products, we give our customers targeted advice to reduce their risks of building damage," opens Thomas Roche.
Maarten Coenen confirmed, "We find that some clients consciously choose FM Approved roof structures, even if it is not an obligation. It provides a foothold and a certain guarantee of quality in the long term."
Theimpact of climate change is one of the greatest risks for buildings today. FM Global is responding to this by conducting extensive research into possible scenarios and their consequences, and all over the world. "We have an extensive research team doing global research on all forms of natural hazards. For example, what is the impact of precipitation and wind on flooding. We use the information from that research to estimate whether we need to adjust our guidelines."
According to Thomas Roche, climate change not only has a global impact, but local differences play a big role. "So it's not like you can lump an entire region together. You could really see local differences," he states. Therefore, the specific climatic conditions of a region should be taken into account when designing buildings.
Wind uplift is a major concern for industrial roofs. According to Thomas Roche, there are currently no revolutionary new fastening techniques: "As far as I know, there are no new systems. Either you glue something on a roof, ballast it or screw it on. "However, he notes that due to changing wind patterns, certain regions may require higher wind classes.
Water accumulation on flat roofs remains a concern. Preventive maintenance is therefore essential. Too often we see this done only after damage has already occurred.
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