How Wind Uplift Can Affect a Commercial Building’s Roof

When you think about storm damage, you must imagine broken windows, flooding, or tree limbs crashing down. But one of the biggest threats to a commercial building’s roof is wind uplift. 

If the roof of a commercial building is not designed or maintained properly, strong winds can cause severe damage over time or all at once.

What Exactly is Wind Uplift?

Wind uplift is an invisible force; it’s just like wind blowing across your roof and creating suction, like peeling the lid of a container. That suction can tug at roofing materials, and over time, it may pull them loose or even rip them off completely.

It does not take a tornado or hurricane; even regular windstorms can create enough pressure to create a difference between the inside and outside of your building to cause problems. That’s why your roofing system should be appropriate.

Why are Commercial Building Roofs More at Risk?

All roofs are not made the same. The roof on a home is usually sloped, but the roof on a commercial building doesn’t have such a noticeable slope. The roofs on the commercial buildings are more at risk because:

• They are big: the larger the surface area, the more wind there is to lift it.
• They are flat: flat roofs give wind a smooth runway to do damage
• They have stuff on them: HVAC units, vents, and solar panels can make things worse by disrupting air flow. It adds pressure.

Common Damages on Commercial Building Roofs Caused by Wind Uplifts

Here’s a list of the most common types of damage caused by wind storms, from surface-level issues to structural failures:

Lifted ot Torn Roofing Membrane

The most common effect of wind uplift is the loosening or peeling of roofing materials. Single-ply membranes like TPO and PVC are more likely to get torn or lifted if improperly installed.

Edge and Corner Failure

The first attack of wind is on the perimeter of the roof. If it is not installed correctly with the required adhesives or there are flashings, the roof can tear off, exposing the structure to water and further wind damage.

Roof Punctures or Tears

If the roof membrane is lifted and flapped in the wind, cracks, rips, or punctures can develop near the joints or rooftop equipment. 

Detached Flashing and Copings

Flashing around HVAC units, vents, and parapet walls can become detached due to repeated uplift pressure. Once flashing is compromised, moisture infiltration often makes its way.

Water Infiltration and Interior Leaks

Once the roofing system of a building is breached, water can easily seep into insulation, decking, or the interior of the building. Such leaks can damage the structure and support the growth of mold.

How to Spot Wind Uplift Damage?

Sometimes, damage by a windstorm is obvious, like when a chunk of roofing material goes missing after a storm. Well, there are some other signs to notice, such as:

• Roofing membranes that look loose or wrinkled
• Flashing that’s bent or starting to peel back
• Water is pooling in new areas on the roof
• Interior water stains or small leaks
• Popping or flapping noises when it’s windy

If you notice any of these signs, it’s good to call a professional and inspect the roof before it becomes a major problem.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Roof from Wind Uplift

The good part is that the damage caused by strong winds is preventable. A little planning and maintenance can help you with it:

Hire the Right Installer

Always choose experienced, certified professionals for roof installation or maintenance, especially if it is for a commercial building. The roof should be structurally sound enough to deal with the wind conditions in the area.

Use Wind-Rated Materials

Choose an appropriate roofing system for the winds in your area. Pay special attention to the perimeter details and fasteners. 

Inspect Your Roof Regularly

Visit your roof regularly, and if there are any signs showing roof damage, schedule a commercial roof inspection and let the experts detect what’s wrong with it. Identifying the problem at an initial stage can save you from a bigger loss.

Secure Equipment on Roof

Whether there are HVAC units or solar panels on your roof, make sure everything is anchored tightly and installed correctly to deal with high wind pressure. 

Upgrade If Needed

If your current roof has reached its age or it is not designed to deal with the strong winds, it is better to replace it with a newer and better one. This way, you can save the structure and other vital components of the building from damage.

Conclusion

Wind uplift may not be visible, but it has a very real impact on your commercial building roof. Whether it starts with a loose seam or lifted panel, the damage can escalate quickly.
To avoid severe damage, it is better to take precautionary steps and get a professional inspection to determine the condition of the roof. 

The certified inspectors at Elite Commercial Inspections check every detail and provide a thorough inspection report regarding the current status and potential issues.