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What is FM Approvals?

FM Approvals is a company providing a globally recognised testing and certification service provided by the global group FM, a leading insurance and risk management organisation  dedicated to advancing loss prevention strategies. Through a robust framework of scientific research, rigorous testing, and thorough evaluation, FM Approvals certifies products and services that meet the most stringent standards of quality, technical integrity, and reliable performance.

The FM Approvals process involves subjecting products to a series of tests designed to ensure their effectiveness in preventing loss, whether from fire, explosion, natural disasters, or other hazards. Products that earn the FM Approved mark demonstrate exceptional resilience, reliability, and compliance with internationally acknowledged safety standards.

The certification is widely respected by industry professionals and accreditation bodies across the globe. It is a trusted benchmark for identifying products that contribute to safer, more resilient buildings and systems, providing confidence to manufacturers, engineers, facility managers and end-users alike.

By achieving FM Approval, manufacturers validate the safety and quality of their products and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. For industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to energy and healthcare, FM Approval is a symbol of excellence in loss  prevention and risk management.

What does FM Approvals testing involve?

FM Approvals testing for construction systems is a rigorous and detailed process designed to evaluate the safety, durability, and performance of materials and systems. The goal is to ensure these systems meet the highest standards for loss prevention, especially in mitigating risks such as fire, wind, water damage and structural failure.

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The certification process

There are five steps involved in gaining certification:

1. Testing request

Firstly, the manufacturer submits a request for Approval for a product or assembly, providing full details of what is to be tested, including product literature.

2. Proposal

Secondly, FM Approvals provides a proposal with the scope of work, estimated cost, schedule, test and sample requirements, along with a contract for signature and requests for any other information that the manufacturer needs to supply. As many of these tests are conducted on a large scale, the investment for manufacturers is significant.

3. Review, testing and first audit

The review, testing and first audit of the products and the manufacturing site(s) comes next. Products are compared to their specifications to ensure that what is being tested is what is being placed on the market, testing is carried out, and the investigator visits the manufacturing facility to review quality control procedures on the site.

4. Testing report

FM Approvals produces a report on the testing, which is reviewed for technical accuracy. Samples are either retained and archived, returned to the customer or disposed of in accordance with instructions. Once the final report is submitted, Approval is effective from the report date and the product is listed on FM Approvals’ online platforms.

5. Ongoing surveillance

Many might think that this is the end of the process, but one of the things that makes it so robust is step five, which is ongoing surveillance audits of the manufacturing facilities to ensure that the products they send to the market will achieve the same standards as those that were tested. FM Approvals states that “Continuance of Approval and listing depends on compliance with the Approval Agreement, satisfactory performance in the field, on successful re-examinations of equipment, materials, and services as appropriate, and surveillance audits of the manufacturing facility.” Any products or practices found to be falling short can lose their approved status. It’s critical to remember that the certification is only relevant for the specified build ups that were tested. Using an alternative product, changing the formula or using any materials other than those specified would need to be reported to FM Approvals and potentially re-tested to be considered certified; or accepted by FM through their product modification process for technical revision, known as Revision Request.

Typical Testing for Construction Systems

Here’s an overview of what FM Approvals testing typically involves for construction systems:

1. Fire Resistance and Flame Spread Testing

Construction materials are subjected to tests that simulate fire conditions to evaluate their ability to resist combustion, contain fire spread, and maintain structural integrity under high heat. This includes:

  • Flame spread testing: Measuring how quickly fire propagates across the surface of a material.
  • Fire endurance testing: Assessing how long a material can withstand fire exposure without  structural failure.

2. Wind Uplift and Impact Resistance Testing 

Roof and wall systems, in particular, undergo tests to measure their resilience against wind forces and impacts caused by flying debris during storms or hurricanes.

  • Wind uplift testing: Simulates extreme wind pressure to assess the adhesion and structural stability of roofing and cladding systems.
  • Impact resistance: Evaluates the ability of materials to withstand strikes from hailstones, debris, or other projectiles.

3. Water Penetration and Leakage Testing

Systems are tested for their ability to prevent water intrusion under various conditions, including heavy rain, wind-driven rain and standing water. This ensures that the systems maintain structural integrity and avoid water damage.

4. Structural Performance Testing

Construction materials and assemblies are subjected to mechanical loads to determine their ability to bear weight, resist bending, and remain stable under pressure.

  • Tests may simulate scenarios like snow loads, thermal expansion, or vibrations caused by machinery or earthquakes.

5. Corrosion and Environmental Durability Testing

To ensure long-term reliability, materials are tested for resistance to environmental factors such as humidity, salt spray, extreme temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is especially critical for materials used in exterior applications or harsh environments.

6. Compatibility and System Integrity Testing

FM Approvals evaluates how construction components perform together as a system. For example:

  • Compatibility between adhesives, insulation and membranes in roofing systems.
  • Seam integrity and joint performance under stress or environmental exposure.

7. Specialised Testing for Fire Protection Systems

Systems designed for fire suppression, such as sprinklers, fireproof coatings or flame-retardant panels, undergo tailored testing to ensure they perform effectively in real world fire scenarios.

Once all tests are complete, FM Approvals reviews the results to ensure the product or system meets their stringent performance criteria. If successful, the product is issued the FM Approved mark, indicating it’s suitable for use in applications prioritising safety, resilience and loss prevention.

This thorough testing process gives stakeholders such as architects, engineers and building owners confidence that FM Approved materials and systems will perform reliably, even under extreme conditions. It also helps reduce risks, protect property and ensure compliance with local and international building codes.

Kingspan Insulation products

To search for products that are FM Approved, please visit the FM Approvals online listing website `Approval Guide’ at www.fmapprovals.com/approval-guide or www.approvalguide.com.

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