Roof Wind Zone

When building a structure it is important to calculate wind load to ensure that the structure can withstand high winds especially if the building is located in an area known for inclement weather.

Roof wind zone.

Interior zones zone 1 have the lowest load and account for about 80 of the roof surface. This zone accounts for approximately 80 of the roof surface represented in the interior zones of the roof. These zones are defined as follows. Here is a breakdown of what each wind zone rating means.

This downward imposed load on the home is also known as the snow load. Things get a bit more complicated for wind zones 2 and 3. Per asce 7 10 buildings are composed of 5 different zones depending on the wind loading they are subjected to. Zone 2 designed to resist wind speeds up to100 mph.

Roof loads are a downward vertical force on the home. They represent the perimeter of the roof and account for approximately 15 of the roof surface. Has the lowest load. This translates to about 70mph in basic wind speeds.

In order for a structure to be sound and secure the foundation roof and walls must be strong and wind resistant. Zone 3 designed to resist wind speeds up to 110 mph. Corner zones zone 3 have the highest load. Zone 1 designed for the interior of the country where hurricanes are not expected.

Homes built for zone 1 should be able to resist horizontal wind loads of no less than 15 psf and upward roof lifting loads of no less than 9 psf.