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Fmdata1 49
PERIMETER FLASHING
Table of Contents
Page
List of Figures
Fig. 1. Perimeter edge flashing detail with roof edge cant. ........................................................................... 5
Fig. 2. With roof edge cant. ........................................................................................................................... 5
Fig. 3. With roof edge cant. ........................................................................................................................... 6
Fig. 4. With low parapet. ................................................................................................................................ 7
Fig. 4. Continued. ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Fig. 5. With high parapet. ............................................................................................................................. 10
Fig. 6. With roof edge cant, nailer bolted to roof joists. ............................................................................... 11
Fig. 7. With roof edge cant, nailer bolted to roof. ........................................................................................ 12
©2000 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced,
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1-49 Perimeter Flashing
Page 2 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
List of Tables
Table 1. Maximum Recommended ‘‘L’’ & ‘‘X’’ Dimensions and Metal Thicknesses for Roof Edge
Flashings & Hook Strip .................................................................................................................... 9
1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet deals primarily with wind uplift forces on the perimeter of industrial, commercial and
institutional buildings, and includes appropriate construction flashing details. Roofs considered in this standard
are basically flat or slightly sloped, are not limited to any particular type of material, and are limited to Class
1-60, Class 1-75 and Class 1-90 wind rated designs.
The objective is to provide some guidelines to assist in detailing perimeter flashing assemblies.
1.1 Changes
September 2000. This revision of the document has been reorganized to provide a consistent format.
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 General
Two classes of roof coverings are currently in use: the built-up roof (BUR) covering and the single-ply
membrane (SPM). Details appropriate to the BUR covering are included under ‘‘BUR Flashing Details’’; those
appropriate for the SPM are under ‘‘SPM Flashing Details.’’
The basic difference in flashing in the BUR and SPM is in the methods used to terminate these coverings
at the building perimeter.
The majority of roof covering failures resulting from windstorm involve improperly designed or constructed
perimeter flashings. A study of 145 FM Global losses involving BUR showed that 85 (59%) occurred because
the perimeter failed. Damage occurred at the edge of the roof in 29 additional cases, with no specific men-
tion in the loss report of flashing failure. However, poorly secured insulation or roof covering is subject to
damage even when perimeter flashing is properly designed and constructed. Since most windstorms are
accompanied by rain, contents are immediately vulnerable to damage due to leakage resulting from perim-
eter flashing and/or roof covering securement failure.
Perimeter flashing failures occur when wind suction or pressure exerts forces beyond the resistance strength
of the metal flashing fascia and/or wood nailer cant strip assembly. When the lower edge of the fascia is
not secured by a hook strip, the flashing can be bent outward and upward, exposing more of its area to the
wind. Resulting prying action and uplift forces may rip off the metal and/or the wood nailer cant strip assem-
bly. The roof covering is then vulnerable and may be easily peeled back, leaving the insulation and deck
unprotected. In some cases, steel deck panels along the perimeter have been blown off (see Data Sheet 1-28,
Wind Loads to Roof Systems and Roof Deck Securement).
Ribbed steel deck is commonly used today for the structural roof. If the edge flashing is bent outward, wind
can enter the ribs of the deck. Pressures are thus created on the underside or the roof covering, which add
to the suction caused by the wind blowing over the top of the roof.
Wind forces acting on a perimeter flashing assembly can vary greatly, depending on the building height, geo-
graphical location and ground roughness. For additional information, see the discussion and velocity pressure
tables in Data Sheet 1-28.
Upward forces on perimeter flashing may be estimated for design purposes by multiplying the velocity
pressures (Data Sheet 1-7, Wind Forces on Buildings and Other Structures, or Data Sheet 1-28, Wind Loads
to Roof Systems and Roof Deck Securement) by the pressure coefficients, -2.0 at the roof perimeter strip
and -3.0 at roof corners (Data Sheet 1-7). Outward forces on perimeter flashing may be estimated for design
purposes by utilizing the above-mentioned velocity pressures directly from Data Sheet 1-7 or Data Sheet
1-28.
Uplift forces at building corners when the wind blows along the roof diagonal are higher than in other areas.
Stronger securement is therefore needed at corners (Recommendation Nos. 2.2.4 and 2.2.8).
All recommended details shown in Figures 1 through 18 are applicable where estimated roof field area veloc-
ity pressures do not exceed 45 lb/ft2 (2.15 kPa) or is Class 1-60, 1-75 and 1-90. However, additional fastening
is needed for certain parts of the flashing assembly where these pressures are in the range of 30 to 45 lb/ft2
(1.44 to 2.15 kPa) or is Class 1-75 and 1-90. Special design assemblies are needed where estimated roof field
area velocity pressures exceed 45 lb/ft2 (2.15 kPa), or is greater than Class 1-90 and are not included in
this data sheet (see Recommendation No. 2.2.13). Factory Mutual Research Approved (see Appendix A for
definition) perimeter flashing systems can be used wherever the application of such a system does not
exceed the Approved wind rating of that particular system.
in. (1.02 mm) aluminum in maximum 10 ft (3.05 m) lengths. The ‘‘L’’ dimension should not exceed the dimen-
sions shown for those gauges (Table 1). For attachment of the metal, first drill holes into which the anchors
are inserted. Resistance is provided by expansion sleeves or threads on the anchor.
*Note: Plastic parts used in masonry anchors are not recommended.
The sections are joined by ‘‘S’’ slips blind nailed at the joints to minimize stresses due to expansion or con-
traction (Figs. 4 and 5, Detail B). The thickness of the metal should be in accordance with Table 1.
A reglet approximately 1 in. (25 mm) deep also may be cut into the wall. The reglet is primed and filled with
a high grade caulking compound. The counterflashing is then inserted into the reglet and secured with
masonry anchors 3 ft (914 mm) on center. Use ‘‘S’’ slips at laps.
When the parapet is too low for an insert or reglet on the vertical surface, the wall top can be covered with
a metal coping. (Fig. 17.)
Fig. 4. Continued.
Table 1. Maximum Recommended ‘‘L’’ & ‘‘X’’ Dimensions and Metal Thicknesses for Roof Edge Flashing & Hook Strip.
Note: Not applicable for metal gravel guard and fascia — Fig. 11 (See text).
Type of Metal Maximum ‘‘L’’ Dimension Hook Strip Maximum ‘‘X’’ Dimension
Velocity Pressure (pounds per square foot) Velocity Pressure (Pounds per square foot)
*
Class 1-60 Class 1-75 Class 1-60 Class 1-75
and 1-90 and 1-90
10-20 21-30 31-45 10-20 21-30 31-45
Galv. Iron or
Soft Stainless (0.48-0.95 kPa) (1.0-1.44 kPa) (1.48-2.15 kPa) (1.48-0.95 kPa) (1.0-1.44 kPa) (1.48-2.15 kPa)
Steel
Ga. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) Ga. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
26 (0.45) 6 (150) 6 (150) 4 (100) 24 (0.61) 3 (75) 21⁄2 (65) use thicker metal
NOTES:
*
1. Additional fasteners are required near top of cant. One screw with washer at center of each section of fascia and one through joint cover.
See Detail ‘‘A’’.
**
2. Temper ‘‘O’’ aluminum, although easily formed, has a low bending strength. High tempers are advised when using aluminum.
is provided on the outside. Walls to which flashing assemblies are attached should be independently sup-
ported by the building frame, and should not create a stress on the flashing assembly (Fig. 10).
When the fascia over an existing metal panel wall has no hook strip, and a loss has occurred, installation
of a new hook strip under the metal may be difficult. Instead, the flashing can be fastened directly to the wall
in accordance with the hook strip fastening given in Recommendation No. 2.2.9.
the nail heads 2 in. (51 mm), and over the roofing felts 3 in. (76 mm). A second strip 9 in. (229 mm) wide is
extended onto the gravel guard flange to the gravel stop at least 4 in. (102 mm) and over the roofing felts
a minimum of 4 in. (102 mm). It is important that the second layer have a good overlap on the metal flange
beyond the first layer (Fig. 11).
drains become plugged or do not exist, the weight of water buildup can be up to 30 lb/ft2 (1.44 kPa) at the
roof edge and higher toward the interior. It is not advisable to allow that much water to stand on the roof, as
it may lead to collapse.
The depth of water can be significantly reduced by setting metal-lined overflow scuppers at intervals in the
cant strip. The bottom of the scupper should be at an elevation such that only a minimal amount of water
will stand on the roof at its lowest point (see Recommendation No. 2.2.14 and Data Sheet 1-54, Roof Loads
for New Construction).
Flanges of gutters and scuppers are set in a bed of roofing cement to level them and to prevent water from
seeping through the joints into the wall below.
2.1.4.1 General
See Data Sheet 1-29, Above-Deck Roof Components for single-ply secured membranes and ballasted
membranes.
Wind forces acting on a particular perimeter flashing assembly are not significantly influenced by the type of
covering. Therefore, anchorages of nailers, cant strips, hook strips, etc. and metal thicknesses can be in
accordance with the BUR Flashing Details discussed previously.
2.1.4.3 Reglets
Reglets are notches that are built, cut or formed on the inside face of a masonry parapet wall to receive
the upper termination of the metal counterflashing. The metal protects the membrane termination from the
weather (Fig. 15).
A reglet having an upward slope is preferred, as the metal also can be sloped. This will prevent water from
seeping in behind the metal and finding its way under the membrane. The space between the metal and
upper surface of the reglet should be caulked with a specified, good quality caulking compound.
When the wall is concrete, the reglet can be constructed by use of a sheet metal form. An exception may
exist when the wall is precast and relatively thin. In this case, the wall could be significantly weakened by form-
ing or cutting a reglet. When the wall is masonry, the reglet can be made at a joint by raking out the mortar.
The sheet metal should be sloped outward and, in masonry walls, the metal should have a 135° bend that
will help to hold it in place after it is inserted.
When a concrete wall or parapet does not have a formed reglet, one can be cut using a concrete saw and
chisel. This may be difficult, however, and there are other methods, such as: a) terminating the membrane at
a point above the roof higher than the maximum expected rain or snow elevation and protecting it with a ter-
mination bar (Fig. 16), or b) fastening the membrane to the face of the parapet under the coping cap and
adhering it to the wall by adhesives (Fig. 17). Caution should be used, however, because the distance a single-
ply membrane or flashing can be run up a wall depends on variables such as membrane strength, adhesive
type, wall roughness, etc. The safe distance is usually no more than several feet; however, it can be greater
when several rows of reglets or termination bars are used.
as closely. Termination bars are of many shapes, such as angular, channel-shaped or curved. Good stiff-
ness is needed to distribute the forces at the fasteners. As the membrane termination needs caulking to
prevent entry of water behind it, the bar sometimes has the top turned outward to hold the caulking. Also, the
bottom of the bar can be bent outward to direct dripping water away from the wall [Fig. 16 (a)].
Termination bars are not preferred over metal flashing inserted into reglets. They may be used in special
cases where cutting a reglet may weaken the wall, or where it is difficult to cut a reglet into an existing wall.
A good quality specified caulking compound is necessary to seal the space between the termination bar
and the wall.
Sheet metal also may be utilized to protect the membrane termination [Fig. 16 (b)].
however, spacing and type of fastener should be according to the membrane manufacturer’s specifica-
tions. When a sheet metal flashing covers the termination, the same fastener may be used to secure both
membrane and metal.
2.1.4.7 Parapets
Sometimes owners wish to carry the membrane up the face of the parapet and under the coping cap. This
may be done when the parapet is low, or if the owners wish to cover deteriorating masonry. As it may be dif-
ficult to fasten the membrane under some masonry copings [Fig. 17 (b)], it may be simpler to remove the
coping and carry the membrane partly under it. The coping can be either reset or replaced with sheet metal
[Fig. 17 (a)].
2.2.2 When the velocity pressure for the roof field area is >30 psf or is Class 1-75 or Class 1-90, and the wall
is of hollow block masonry, all cores or voids in the top course should be solidly filled with concrete.
2.2.3 When masonry wall block is lightweight aggregate (cinders, slag, etc.), embed nailer anchor bolt at
least 12 in. (305 mm); when heavy aggregate (sand and gravel) is used, embed bolt at least 8 in. (203 mm)
into the block cores filled with concrete.
2.2.4 Bolts anchoring wood nailers to concrete block walls should be 1⁄2 in. (13 mm) diameter spaced 4 ft
(1.22 m) apart, staggered if the nailer is wider than 6 in. (152 mm). At outside building corners, bolts should
be 2 ft (610 mm) apart, for 8 ft (2.44 m) each way from the corner. As an alternate, 3⁄8 in. (10 mm) bolts can
be spaced 2 ft 8 in. (813 mm) apart and 16 in. (406 mm) apart at corners. When a steel beam has been
installed at the top of the wall, the nailer may be bolted to it. Wood filler blocks may be required.
Fig. 18. Edge detail with gravel stop and PVC membrane.
2.2.5 Wood nailers anchored to masonry or steel should be a minimum of 1-1⁄2 by 5-1⁄2 in. (38 by 140 mm).
They should be Douglas Fir, Southern Yellow Pine or of wood having similar decay-resistant properties.
Fiberboard or other insulating materials are not recommended as cant strips.
2.2.6 Nailer parallel to ribs: When fastening wood nailers that are parallel to steel deck ribs (deck span 7 ft
[2.13 m] or less), attach the nailer to each roof joist with a 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) steel bolt (Fig. 6). For deck spans
greater than 7 ft (2.13 m), a steel angle welded to the structure is advised to limit nailer deflection. Use 3⁄4 in.
(19 mm) steel bolts spaced 4 ft (1.22 m) apart to attach nailer to angle (Fig. 9).
As an alternate method, the nailer can be secured to the deck with two rows of No. 10 (5 mm) galvanized
steel metal screws at 24 in. (610 mm) centers or equivalent (Fig. 7). A galvanized steel washer 5⁄8 in. (16 mm)
outside diameter should be used under the screw heads.
2.2.7 For nailers at 90° to steel deck ribs, the nailer should be fastened to the deck with two rows of No.
10 (5 mm) galvanized sheet metal screws at 24 in. (610 mm) centers or equivalent. When the deck is non-
metal, use anchors of equivalent strength at the same spacing (Fig. 8).
2.2.8 Nails used to secure wood such as fascias, cant strips and top nailers to other wood members should
be long enough to penetrate 1-1⁄4 in. (32 mm). Two rows are recommended, staggered if feasible. Spacing
in any one row should not exceed 24 in. (610 mm). Spacing should not exceed 12 in. (305 mm), 8 ft (2.44 m)
each way from outside corners. Withdrawal resistance should be 100 lb (45 kg) per nail minimum. Lag
screws of equivalent strength may be used if desired.
2.2.9 Hook strips should be continuous, and at least one gauge heavier than the fascia metal (see Table
1). They should be secured with annular threaded nails long enough to penetrate the wood 1-1⁄4 in. (32 mm).
The nail head should be 3/16 in. (5 mm) minimum. When screws are used, they should be No. 8 (4 mm) mini-
mum and long enough to penetrate wood 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) or metal 3⁄8 in. (10 mm). Fasteners should be either
corrosion-resistant steel or treated to resist corrosion. When an existing metal panel wall has no hook strip,
the fascia metal should be fastened directly to the wall with No. 8 (4 mm) galvanized sheet metal screws,
through neoprene washers. Where estimated roof field area velocity pressures are ≤ 30 lb/ft2 (1.44 kPa) or
Class 1-60, the maximum fastener spacing should be 24 in. (610 mm). For pressures greater than this and
≤ 45 lb/ft2 (2.15 kPa), this spacing should be 16 in. (406 mm) maximum.
2.2.10 Metal fascia and cant flashing should be secured to wood nailers at the bottom edge with a continu-
ous hook strip (Recommendation No. 2.2.9). Metal sections should be secured at each end under the joint
cover in the outside face with two large nails through slotted holes to permit expansion and contraction. Nail
heads should be somewhat larger than the slotted holes. Four in. (100 mm) wide joint covers should be
hooked over the metal at the upper and lower ends. A bead of caulking should be applied under the joint
cover approximately 1 in. (25 mm) from the end of each metal fascia section. Where estimated roof field area
velocity pressures are in the range of 30 to 45 lb/ft2 (1.44 to 2.15 kPa), or are Class 1-75 or Class 1-90,
add a screw with neoprene washer through the ‘‘X’’ dimension at the center of each section, and center of
the joint cover (Detail ‘‘A’’). The sections of the metal fascia should be separated 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) so that the
screw through the joint cover clears the fascia metal.
2.2.11 Metal coping and counterflashing should be secured by a hook strip attached to the wall exterior (Rec-
ommendation No. 2.2.9). It should be secured on the inside with No. 10 (5 mm) galvanized screw fasteners
through neoprene washers at 30 in. (762 mm) spacing, long enough to penetrate the wood 1 in. (25 mm)
(Fig. 10). Where estimated roof field area velocity pressures are in the range of 30 to 45 lb/ft2 (1.44 to
2.15kPa), or are Class 1-75 or Class 1-90, place the fasteners 20 in. (508 mm) apart. Holes should be over-
sized to permit movement when heavy gauge metal or aluminum is used.
2.2.12 Metal counterflashing should be attached to masonry walls with masonry anchors (metal with no plas-
tic materials) at 36 in. (914 mm) spacing (Fig. 5). Each anchor should have a minimum pull-out resistance
of 200 lb (91 kg). The anchor should be at least 1 in. (25 mm) below the top edge of the felt base flashing and
should penetrate the masonry wall 1 in. (25 mm).
2.2.13 Where estimated roof field area velocity pressures exceed 45 lb/ft2 (2.15 kPa), or are greater than
Class 1-90, the design of the flashing components should receive particular attention. These components
should be designed by a professional engineer or other specialist, and be capable of withstanding appli-
cable wind forces outlined in Data Sheet 1-7, Wind Forces on Buildings and Other Structures.
2.2.14 An overflow scupper approximately 6 in. (152 mm) wide should be installed at one-half the depth of
cant for flat roof areas, and at roof edge height through parapet walls. Where the roof slopes away from the
edge, it may be necessary to set the scupper invert at roof level. At least one overflow should be provided
per 5000 ft2 (465 m2) area and, in the case of large areas, at least one per roof drain.
It is essential that good workmanship, attention to detail, and proper supervision be employed at all times
in the construction of the perimeter flashing assembly.
Refer to the latest edition of the Factory Mutual Research Approval Guide for Approved perimeter flashing
assembly manufacturers.
3.1.2 Solution
According to Data Sheet 1-28, the roof field area velocity pressure is 37 lb/ft2 (1.77 kPa).
a) All cores or voids in the top course of masonry blocks or the bond beam are to be filled level with
concrete (Recommendation No. 2.2.2).
b) Cores that contain anchor bolts will be filled to a depth of 12 in. (305 mm) (Recommendation No. 2.2.3).
c) Spacing of the 1⁄2 in. (13 mm) anchor bolts securing the basic wood nailer will be 4 ft (1.22 m). The
bolt spacing for 8 ft (2.44 m) each way from outside corners will be 2 ft (610 mm) (Recommendation No.
2.2.4).
d) Nailer size will be 1-1⁄2 by 5-1⁄2 in. (38 by 140 mm) minimum. The wood should be Douglas fir, Southern
Yellow Pine or their equivalent. (Recommendation No. 2.2.5).
e) Two rows minimum of nails or other fasteners of equivalent strength, having a penetration of at least
1-1⁄4 in. (32 mm) into the wood and a withdrawal resistance of at least 100 lb (45 kg) spaced at 24 in.
(610 mm) apart, are needed to adequately attach the wood cant strip to the nailer. Space nails 12 in. (305
mm) apart for 8 ft (2.44 m) each way from outside corners (Recommendation No. 2.2.8).
f) An ‘‘L’’ distance of 8 in. (203 mm) calls for a minimum fascia metal thickness of 0.060 in. (1.52 mm).
For this thickness, an ‘‘X’’ distance up to 3-1⁄2 in. (89 mm) is acceptable. Hook strip thickness should be
0.070 in. (1.73 mm) (Table 1). Install metal hook strip and fascia in accordance with Recommendation
Nos. 2.2.9 and 2.2.10. Also see Detail ‘‘A.’’ Where estimated roof field area velocity pressures are in the
range of 30 to 45 lb/ft2 (1.44 to 2.15 kPa), or Class 1-75 or Class 1-90, fastening the metal to the inside
sloping surface of the wood cant is required per Recommendation No. 2.2.10.
4.0 REFERENCES
4.1 FM Global
Data Sheet 1-7, Wind Forces on Buildings and Other Structures.
Data Sheet 1-28, Wind Loads to Roof Systems and Roof Deck Securement.
Data Sheet 1-29, Above-Deck Roof Components.
Data Sheet 1-54, Roof Loads for New Construction.
Factory Mutual Research Approval Guide.
Fig. 19. Examples of perimeter flashing installations THAT ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.