Select a Roof Shape and Slope to Minimize Potential for Wind Damage

Hip roofs and gable roofs which have a pitch between 5:12 and 6:12 have been shown to perform exceptionally well during severe wind events (Figure 9–3). Moderately pitched hip roofs provide a more “streamlined” building compared to other roof geometries regardless of which direction the wind blows. Moderate roof slopes aren’t as prone to uplift that can pull off entire roofs and they also limit the lateral force that can cause building collapse.

An optimal roof slope can reduce lateral wind load by as much as a factor of three and reduce uplift loads by 50% or more!