Roof Wind Uplift Testing

The objective of this document is to provide perspective around specifying wind uplift requirements.

Roof wind uplift testing.

Abendroth rro rrc cdt csi principal and president building exterior solutions llcfactory mutual fm global insurance company recommends that field uplift testing be conducted for most adhered roofing systems in the hurricane prone regions of the united states and the caribbean. Consider avoiding projects where field uplift testing is indicated in the contract documents as a basis for acceptance of roofing work. The test increases psf in increments and records pressure at the moment the roof system experiences wind uplift failure. Mutual wind uplift testing on various projects for the past ten years.

A roof system s ability to pass wind uplift tests and meet designated uplift pressures depends on numerous factors a roofing contrac tor s installation of the materials is one factor. Fmrc became the default specification for wind uplift criteria whether the building was insured by fmrc or not. Ul 580 is the standard for tests for uplift resistance of roof assemblies. The ul 1897 wind test is a continuation of ul 580 and is the standard for uplift tests for roof covering systems.

For mechanically attached single ply roofing systems the test involves building a roof assembly on a test frame that measures 12 feet by 24 feet. The test frame has the appropriate roof deck attached to supports. Building codes are modeled. The specific test that pertains to wind uplift utilizes a test apparatus designed by fm approvals.

This test determines the uplift resistance of roof assemblies consisting of the roof deck and roof covering materials by evaluating the comparative resistance of roof assemblies to positive and negative pressures. Burning brand testing ul 790 impact test ul 2218 intermittent flame testing ul 790 solar reflectance thermal emittance coating thickness astm c1549 and c1371 wind resistance astm d3161 wind uplift ul 1897 10x10 and 12x24 deck wind uplift ul 580. States testing and approving roof assemblies with ratings related to wind uplift fire and hail resistivity. Ul 1897 testing is the roofing wind resistance standard that ensures compliance with the international residential code irc or the international building code ibc on which most u s.

Types of wind uplift tests. During this same period both men have conducted forensic investigations of hurricane related roof damage throughout the gulf coast region. This testing has includ ed negative chamber testing and bonded uplift testing.