Wind Uplift
Wind Uplift | Metal Roofing | Roofing | Cowan
When Cowan’s seasonal storms barrel through with gales that can peel shingles in seconds, HEP’s wind-uplift engineered metal roofing stands its ground. Precision-seamed panels interlock to form a sleek, watertight shell that resists hurricane-force winds, shrugs off hail, and reflects punishing summer heat. The result is a roof that not only protects your home but also boosts curb appeal and may even lower energy bills.
Backed by local crews who know Cowan’s climate inside and out, we custom-fabricate each system on-site for a flawless fit and quicker installation. Add industry-leading warranties, a spectrum of colors and styles, and prompt, neighborly service, and you have the last roof you’ll ever need. Ready to feel secure when the next storm warning hits? Let HEP show you how metal roofing redefines peace of mind.
FAQs
What is wind uplift and why is it important for metal roofing in Cowan?
Wind uplift is the upward pressure created when wind flows over a roof surface and tries to pull the panels away from the deck. In Cowan, occasional straight-line storms and the tail end of Gulf hurricanes can generate gusts over 120 mph, making wind uplift resistance critical. A properly specified and installed metal roof prevents panel detachment, water intrusion, and structural damage during these high-wind events.
How are metal roofs tested and rated for wind-uplift resistance?
Panels, clips, and fasteners are mounted to a test deck and subjected to negative pressure in a laboratory chamber. The most common protocols are UL 580, UL 1897, FM 4471, and ASTM E1592. The pressure is increased in stages until failure occurs, and the assembly earns a rating such as UL Class 90 or an FM 1-90. These ratings tell you the maximum uplift pressure the roof can withstand when installed exactly as tested.
What wind-uplift rating should I look for in Cowan?
Cowan falls in a 115–130 mph 3-second-gust zone under ASCE 7-16. For low-slope metal roofs on typical one-story buildings, this usually translates to an uplift design pressure of −30 psf at the field of the roof and up to −60 psf at corners and edges. A UL Class 90 or FM 1-90 assembly (−90 psf) provides an ample safety margin and is the rating most architects and insurers require for our area.
Does my building’s height or location change the required rating?
Yes. Wind pressure increases with building height, exposure (open terrain vs. surrounded by trees), and roof geometry. A two-story warehouse on an open ridge outside Cowan may need uplift resistance 1.5 × higher than a sheltered single-story shop downtown. Your contractor or engineer will run ASCE 7 calculations to determine the exact design pressure for each roof zone (field, edge, corner).
How does installation affect wind-uplift performance?
Even the best-rated panel will fail if installed incorrectly. Critical steps include using the specified clip spacing, tightening fasteners to the right torque, anchoring purlins or decking securely to the structure, and sealing sidelaps. A qualified metal-roof installer will follow the manufacturer’s engineering drawings and provide photos or field pull-tests to verify compliance.
Are there code or warranty requirements I should know about?
Franklin County follows the 2018 International Building Code, which references ASCE 7 for wind design. Inspectors may ask for uplift test data and manufacturer’s engineering details before issuing a permit. Most metal-roof manufacturers offer 25- to 40-year weather-tightness warranties, but they are valid only if the roof is installed to the tested uplift rating and inspected by the manufacturer’s representative. Keep all documentation to maintain warranty coverage.