Wind Uplift At Parapet Walls On Roofs

1 their major function today aside from confusing architects is to protect the edge of roof assemblies from wind uplift forces.

Wind uplift at parapet walls on roofs.

Parapet walls can serve several purposes. Parapets are a combination of wall and roof pressures. Parapetitus they have a long history which of course is not always clear that allows me to embellish without threat of peer review reversal. Has the highest load.

Fire protection as the wall is extended past the roof plane the parapet wall prevents flames from coming up through the exterior. Any areas between the wall corners that are not included within zone 5. Roof damage caused by wind occurs when the air pressure below the roofing assembly is greater than the air pressure above the building s roof. As wind flows over the building the pressure directly above the surface of the roof decreases.

Before we can answer the question however we must first define wind uplift. Historically so many problems have occurred with parapets that we have a name for it. The parapet walls helps keep the wind resistance from compromising the roof s edge. Improves wind uplift resistance wind is a major culprit for roof damages.

The exact height of the parapet is not factored into the roof wind uplift calculations but if the parapet is 3 feet or higher the perimeter values can be used at the corners lowering the uplift requirements for that portion of the roof area. Wind damage to buildings is primarily caused by roofing damage under high uplift forces caused by wind action. Used for roof overhang area along the perimeter of zone 3.