Protecting Standing Seam Roofs from Wind Damage/Blow-off

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Join a panel of metal roof experts as they discuss wind uplift on standing seam metal roofs. 

In the first part of Insights with Experts video series on Wind Design, Dustin Haddock from S-5!® discussed the purpose of WindClamps or “external seam clamps” (ESCs) and how they can help building owners avoid costly wind uplift damages.  And in part two, Dustin was joined by a panel of experts from FM Global, Metal Construction Association (MCA) and Metal Building Components Inc., (MBCI). 

Part three of the video series continues with this panel diving into the topic of wind uplift on standing metal seam roofs. In this video, they cover: 

• The best ways to strengthen a roof 

• The most economical options available 

• Types of clamps that can be used to retrofit an existing building 

• Thermal expansion 

Kenny Buchinger, formerly of MBCI, leads the discussion explaining why WindClamps are a more economical option. “These clamps can be used to retrofit existing buildings and preserve thermal expansion,” he explains. “The WindClamps versus additional purlins often are a more economical solution because there are different wind zones on a roof, and quite often the five-foot joist [or purlin] spacing parameter will work quite well for the main part of the roof.” This often allows installers to increase the capacity of the roof in only the areas necessary. 

When it comes to new construction, using WindClamps or ESCs can be a more cost-effective option over adding purlins or heavier gauge roofing material. The panel of experts adds that working on an existing building with clamps is an even better option than other alternatives. 

Mike Mutua with FM Global says that when he started in 2018, he was taught the solution to strengthening the roof was to add penetrating fasteners to the purlins on standing seam roof panels, which restricts the thermal movement of the panels, affixing them directly to the structure. 

The panelists discuss how vital it is to choose the right clamp or the resulting increase in strength gained may be negligible. Taking into account the type of roof clips you're working with will help you negotiate the risk of impinging the thermal movement of your roof. 

Learn more about S-5! in their directory or visit www.S-5.com.