What is the effect of wind on roof failure?

What is the effect of wind on roof failure?

• A. Wind increases positive pressure pushing the roof down
• B. Wind has no effect on roof failure
• C. Wind seals gaps and improves airtightness
• D. Wind creates negative pressure that pulls the roof assembly away from the structure

Answer: (D)

Wind creates suction on the roof surface, producing negative pressure that tends to pull the roofing assembly away from the structure. This uplift forces the roof upward, especially at edges, corners, and around penetrations where flow separates and suction is strongest. Gusts amplify these forces, and if fasteners, edges, or flashing aren’t adequately secured, the roof can fail due to this uplift. The other ideas misstate wind’s effect: wind does not primarily seal gaps or improve airtightness, and while some areas may experience downward pressure, the dangerous mechanism for roof failure is uplift from negative pressure.

Wind creates suction on the roof surface, producing negative pressure that tends to pull the roofing assembly away from the structure. This uplift forces the roof upward, especially at edges, corners, and around penetrations where flow separates and suction is strongest. Gusts amplify these forces, and if fasteners, edges, or flashing aren’t adequately secured, the roof can fail due to this uplift. The other ideas misstate wind’s effect: wind does not primarily seal gaps or improve airtightness, and while some areas may experience downward pressure, the dangerous mechanism for roof failure is uplift from negative pressure.