Wind Effects on Roof Ballast Pavers

Abstract

Wind‐blown debris from roofs result in major building damage and failure during severe wind storms. Typically, roofs are only 2% of a building's cost, but their failure represents about 25% of hazardrelated lawsuits. The response of different types of roofing systems to wind loads induced by high wind speeds can be investigated in wind tunnels. Fluid model experiments that have identified the primary failure mechanisms of roofs covered by various combinations of single‐ply membranes, tiles, pavers, insulation boards, and gravels are reviewed. New data are presented on the uplift performance of pavers with overlap joints, the advantages of paver clips, and the influence of exposure and parapet height on paver movement.