Where Are Wind Pressures Strongest on a Roof? (Video)

“Hi, my name is Greg Batista here to answer another question from the internet.

StormWatcher asks: On a roof, where is the wind pressure the strongest during hurricanes?

The corners and edges take the worst beating. Wind creates suction, called uplift, and the effect is magnified at corners where air rushes around edges. ASCE 7, the design standard, shows that pressures at roof corners can be up to three times greater than at the center. That’s why you’ll see extra fasteners and straps at corners and perimeters during construction in Florida. Failure at the edges often causes catastrophic roof loss. Strong roofs aren’t just about the middle — they’re about the weakest points where wind attacks first.

For more content, follow me. Please comment since I personally read all of them. Ask me a question — I may feature the answer in an upcoming video.

Authoritative references: ASCE 7 – Minimum Design Loads for Buildings; FEMA wind damage assessments.

The author, Greg Batista, PE, CGC, SI is owner of G. Batista Engineering & Construction and is a nationally-recognized engineer and contractor with more than 35 years of experience and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.