The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) conducts research that leads to stronger and safer structures. At their research center in South Carolina, the institute tests full-scale one- and two-story residential and commercial buildings in a specially designed wind tunnel. Measuring 6 stories tall and 145 feet wide by 145 feet long, it has an enormous wall of 105 fans—each nearly 6 feet in diameter and equipped with a 350 HP engine. Together the fans can replicate realistic weather conditions including Category 1, 2 and 3 hurricanes.

A high-wind test was conducted on two similar full-scale commercial building mock-ups.

• One was built using common standard practices of the time.
• A second was built “stronger” using contemporary (for the time) codes.
• Both used similar materials.
• The difference between the structures: stronger, safer, wind-resistant details and installation for the second structure

After the test,

• Damage to the standard structure was 10 times greater than its counterpart.
• Construction costs were only 5% higher in counterpart.

IBHS researchers and architects recommend simple changes that could make a big difference in increasing resiliency:

• Roof cover: Enhance perimeter and corner attachment of membrane roof versus typical roof membrane attachment.
• Flashing: Crimp metal fascia over continuous metal cleat versus unsupported metal fascia with intermittent metal cleats.
• Rooftop equipment: Secure to structural mounting curbs that directly attach to the open-web bar joists supporting the structural steel frame of the roof deck versus securing equipment on unattached sleepers with only four small aluminum connectors at base.
• Masonry walls: Build walls following industry guidance with steel reinforcement to create continuous load path from roof to foundation versus typical poor detailing/missing reinforcement.

Proper installation directly impacts a roof’s long-term performance and ability to protect during extreme weather, making your choice of a roofing contractor more important than ever. Tri-State/Service Roofing & Sheet Metal Group is your experienced choice.