Roof Sheathing High Wind Areas

Sheathing type typically 15 32 inch or thicker panels are required in high wind areas.

Roof sheathing high wind areas.

In some regions the common practice is to place a moisture barrier over open sheathing to keep out wind driven rain. D for the roof framing to wall connection use an h1 or equivalent connector attached on the exterior sheathing side of the exterior walls. Use panels rated as exposure 1 or better. Consult with local codes and builders for the accepted practice.

Uplift resistance of the roof sheathing. Increase the uplift resistance of the roof sheathing. Roof slopes greater than 4 12 require only one layer of underlayment. When the sheathing is solid you can choose a proper material.

For pitched roofs wear skid resistant shoes. Building codes regarding the type number and spacing of fasteners must be followed. At intermediate supports fasten panels 12 inches on center. The roof to wall connection under high wind loads is subject to both uplift and shear due to positive or negative wind pressure on the walls below.

If the sheathing is properly installed there will be no damage made by high winds. Shingle and shake roofs may also be applied to solid sheathing at exposed eaves and rakes and similar locations. The ability of a roof sheathing panel to resist high winds is directly related to how well it is secured to the roof framing. The sheathing is the fastened to the rafters it acts like a top layer of the roofing.

Oriented strand board osb or plywood can be used although plywood will provide higher nail head pull through resistance. Fasteners should be 3 8 inch from panel ends and 3 8 inch from panel edges see hints below. When the wind pressures the roof it lifts the sheathing off the roofs structure and frame. Windstorm panels are engineered to allow the use of the continuous sheathing methods allowed by building codes.

In very windy areas solid sheathing is often used. Use panels rated as exposure 1 or better. Sheathing type typically 15 32 inch or thicker panels are required in high wind areas. Oriented strand board osb or plywood can be used although plywood will provide higher nail head pull through resistance.

In high wind areas more fasteners may be required. Special wind regions and topographic factors identified in asce 7 engineered design is recommended. In areas prone to hurricanes and high winds loss of roofing materials and sheathing is a primary concern. As a best practices approach an augmented underlayment can provide an effective secondary.