Roof Wind Uplift Testing

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.

Roof wind uplift testing.

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 specific test that pertains to wind uplift utilizes a test apparatus designed by fm approvals. A common point of system failure occurs when fasteners shear or pull loose from the underlying roof sheathing. The ul 1897 wind test is a continuation of ul 580 and is the standard for uplift tests for roof covering systems.

These tests are necessary to understand how a metal roof system can withstand both external and internal pressures which is important when trying to meet design and performance requirements in projects. The video below is a demonstration of the wind uplift tests on the butler mr 24 roof. Design and performance requirements there are three tests ul 580 ul 1897 and astm e1592 that are used to determine a metal roof s uplift rating. The test is performed on a 10 square foot section of the roof.

In laboratory testing wind uplift forces are applied and carefully measured in pounds per square foot psf gradually increasing the psf force until roof system failure occurs. The negative pressure test and the bonded uplift test. This creates an uplift form which is then measured. The negative pressure test utilizes a five foot by five foot dome that is placed over the roofing membrane surface.

The test frame has the appropriate roof deck attached to supports.