scope:

This standard sets the performance requirements for exterior wall panel systems that are exposed to natural hazards such as wind, hail, and windborne debris. Exterior wall panel systems include, but are not limited to, wall panels constructed of metal, plastic, mineral wool, composite, or glass fiber.

Exterior wall panels systems shall be FM Approved with specific installation requirements and ratings including a:

• wind zone category,

• wind pressure rating, and

• hail resistance rating.

Exterior wall systems shall be FM Approved with specific building installation requirements, including, but not limited to:

• the support thickness and yield strength of the supports,

• the support spacing use in the building construction, and

• the fasteners, fastening accessories, and fastening scheme of the panels to the supports.

Any component which may be used in the installation of an exterior wall panel system such as fasteners, clips, or any other accessories, are considered part of the scope of the product and must be evaluated as part of the system. At the discretion of FM Approvals, any component that may affect the test performance must be included in the test sample construction.

Since environmental conditions can vary by location, this standard is not intended to determine the suitability of the use of a product at a particular location.

This standard shall not be used to qualify metal composite materials (MCM), cavity walls, fenestration products such as doors, windows and storm shutters, exterior insulated finish systems (EIFS), or other exterior wall coating systems.

Purpose

This standard states Approval requirements for exterior wall systems which are subjected to natural hazards and weather conditions (e.g. wind, hail, and windblown debris).

All exterior wall systems shall be FM Approved with a Class 1 fire rating. Therefore, FM Approval of Class 4880, Approval Standard for Class 1 Fire Rating of Building Panels or Interior Finish Materials, is a prerequisite for all exterior wall systems.