More specifically, it changes the uplift (or negative pressures –referred to as "pressures" in this article) that roof coverings are required to resist. ASCE, the American Society of Civil Engineers, creates the structural standards that are referenced in the major building codes. ASCE 7 is called the Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures. That’s a mouthful. The 7-16 is due to the year it was promulgated. A slightly modified version of ASCE 7-16 is the most recently adopted version in the Florida Building Code (FBC) 7th Edition (2020) that goes into effect December 31, 2020. All roof coverings except asphalt shingles and metal shingles will be impacted. Asphalt shingles use the FBC’s Classification of Asphalt shingles Table 1507.2.7.1 (R905.2.6.1). Metal shingles use the FBC’s Classification of Metal Roof Shingles Tested in Accordance with ASTM D3161 Table 1504.3.3 (R905.4.4.1). These tables use wind speed in miles per hour (mph) instead of pressure. All other roof coverings and roof systems must meet the FBC’s requirements for components and claddings in ASCE 7-16. ASCE 7-16 didn’t change the wind speeds, however it did change the coefficients used in the calculations that generally increases the pressures. The information included here should allow you to determine the proper pressures on most jobs without doing the actual calculations. Read more.
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