In roofing performance discussions, wind uplift resistance refers to the system's ability to resist what?

• A. Static water pressure.
• B. Wind-induced lifting forces on the roof assembly.
• C. Thermal expansion stresses.
• D. Vibration from equipment.

Answer: (B)

Wind uplift resistance is the roof system’s ability to withstand wind-induced lifting forces that act to peel the roof covering and its components away from the building. When wind moves over a roof, it creates pressure differences that generate uplift forces normal to the roof surface, often strongest at edges, corners, and around penetrations. The system resists these forces through proper fastening, adhesion, edge details, flashing, and continuity of the roof assembly, along with correct installation to maintain attachment under design wind loads (as covered in standards like ASCE 7). It’s not about static water pressure, thermal expansion stresses, or equipment vibration, which involve different loading concerns.