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Evaluating storm damage to flat roof assemblies

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Abstract
Roof systems are one of the most commonly damaged elements of the building envelope during natural disasters such as tornados and hurricanes. Determining if damage has occurred to a roof and the extent of the damage related to a storm event can be a difficult and controversial issue among building owners, professionals, and insurance companies. This paper will discuss how to utilize wind uplift field-testing procedures as a tool to assess and determine if an adhered roof system has failed from a storm event. The presentation will also review some of the tasks and procedures to follow when performing a detailed damage assessment. These tasks include collecting weather data, performing code research, documenting visual observations, and performing additional testing such as nondestructive testing (electrical capacitance meter, infrared imaging, etc.) and destructive test openings. Information gained from these tasks will assist in determining the existing conditions and the extent of damage from the storm event.
Date
3/2009
Author(s)
Christopher Giffin; James Brown
Page(s)
55-69
Keyword(s)
storm damage; hurricane; tornado; flat roof; wind uplift


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