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Roofing for High Wind Areas: Special Considerations

Posted by Art Valentz on June 7, 2023

Commercial roofs are particularly susceptible to wind damage. Compared to residential structures, the low slope and differing material types makes these structures vulnerable when winds kick into high gear.   

When located in an area with high wind conditions or seismic activity, there are special considerations you must follow to ensure that your roof will be able to withstand high winds during storm events.

Keeping your roof in good condition is one way to ensure that your commercial roof will be able to withstand high winds during storms. Another way to protect your commercial roof is to use the proper equipment supports to ensure that rooftop equipment is stable and protected and your roof is protected from your equipment.

Below is what you need to know about protecting your commercial roof from wind events. 

How High Winds Impact Roofing Requirements for Equipment Support

Many buildings have equipment stored on their rooftops. This equipment varies from heating and cooling elements to communications equipment, electrical components and others. How this equipment is stored can have a big impact on the equipment and on your roof. 

Buildings located in regions that commonly encounter high winds, fierce storms, or seismic activity require more than just a traditional roof equipment support system to protect the structural integrity of the roof, preserve equipment, and meet building codes. It takes a strong, stable support system that's designed to withstand adverse weather and other difficult conditions to protect your commercial building and its various parts. 

Shop With PHP to Purchase Your Rooftop Support System

PHP Systems/Design specializes in replacing old, dysfunctional rooftop supports with earthquake-resistant designs that are specifically designed to endure severe natural events.

Our team will work with a licensed PE to ensure that the high wind or earthquake resistant design we create is up-to-code per your state requirements and suitable for your rooftop equipment. Our advanced high wind and seismic, earthquake-resistant designs are manufactured from hot-dipped galvanized steel and supported by high-density polypropylene bases.

How to Ensure Your Roof Is Ready for the Next Wind Storm

If you live in an area that's prone to wind storms, then your commercial building's rooftop equipment could be at risk, unless you take the proper precautions. Performing regular inspections, maintaining your commercial roof and using the right equipment support systems can all help. Here's what we recommend.

Inspect Your Roof Regularly

Inspect your commercial rooftop twice per year and following big storms to check for signs of deterioration and damage. Water leaks can lead to structural damage, which then leads to wood rot and other forms of deterioration. When your roof sustains this damage, it becomes far more vulnerable to damage from wind, rain and other elements. 

When inspecting your roof, look for the following:

  • Deteriorated or missing caulk
  • Standing water (after it rains)
  • Warped roof deck or damaged membrane
  • Soft spots
  • Damaged flashing (corrosion, rust, etc)
  • Detached membrane
  • Loose roof fasteners

If you find any evidence of damage or deterioration, have your roof inspected and then repaired by a roofing professional.

Perform Regular Roof Maintenance

Your roof needs regular maintenance in order to perform its best. Hire a roofing company to perform maintenance on your roof as needed. Some ways that they can maintain your roof include:

  • Clear the gutters
  • Clean debris from the roof
  • Remove moss and organic material
  • Make small repairs (replace caulking, repair damaged flashing, etc)

If your roof begins to leak, address this as soon as possible. 

Purchase Quality Equipment Supports

Roof equipment support structures are designed to keep your rooftop equipment up off the fragile part of your roof deck. This prevents your rooftop equipment from damaging your roof and helps keep your roof safe from structural damage. Ultimately, good equipment support can help keep your roof safe under a variety of conditions, including during storms and high wind events. 

Contact PHP Systems/Design

At PHP Systems/Design, we help commercial building owners like you keep your roof in good condition by selling strong, stable rooftop equipment support structures. Our reputation among roofers and commercial building owners speaks for itself. 

Our structures can be designed to meet the building codes in your particular state. To purchase high quality supports for your commercial building, contact us today to get started.

Topics: Roofing Maintenance

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