Wind-Rated Roofs: Designing Commercial Roofs to Withstand Wind Uplift Forces

The roof system is an integral part of any structure, but designing and building commercial roofs for wind uplift resistance is particularly crucial in coastal and other high-wind areas. Many insurance companies require roof systems to be rated for wind uplift resistance before they will insure the building.

This publication is designed for: builders, designers, architects, engineers

This publication provides assembly details for roof systems with APA wood structural panels as the substrate. Each assembly contains a classification based on Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or FM Approvals testing that determines the maximum wind uplift the roof system can resist.

Key sections include:

• Wind uplift ratings

  • Table – wind speeds and pressures

  • Table – minimum wood structural panel requirements for panelized roof systems

• Wood structural panel benefits

• UL roof assemblies

• FM Approvals-tested roof assemblies

  • Decks

  • Insulation/cover boards

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.