Roof Wind Uplift Testing

Mutual wind uplift testing on various projects for the past ten years.

Roof wind uplift testing.

This testing has includ ed negative chamber testing and bonded uplift testing. The specific test that pertains to wind uplift utilizes a test apparatus designed by fm approvals. Know the parameters and use the information wisely monica keels. The test frame has the appropriate roof deck attached to supports.

Building codes are modeled. The objective of this document is to provide perspective around specifying wind uplift requirements. Ul 580 is the standard for tests for uplift resistance of roof assemblies. States testing and approving roof assemblies with ratings related to wind uplift fire and hail resistivity.

Types of wind uplift tests. 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. 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. Fmrc became the default specification for wind uplift criteria whether the building was insured by fmrc or not.

The purpose of this test is to gain uplift resistance data for the panel assembly and evaluate the attachment of the roof covering systems to the roof decks. The ul 1897 wind test is a continuation of ul 580 and is the standard for uplift tests for roof covering systems. 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. An uplift chamber test is nondestructive on properly installed roofs and utilizes our custom 5 x5 aluminum chamber that simulates wind uplift pressure by suctioning critical areas of the roof one pressure step at a time to the required pressure.

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. Consider avoiding projects where field uplift testing is indicated in the contract documents as a basis for acceptance of roofing work. 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.