Wind Uplift Resistance: How Butler Roof Systems Are Designed to Perform in Harsh Weather
When constructing buildings in areas prone to high winds or hurricanes, roof systems must be engineered to withstand extreme conditions. Butler Manufacturing, known for its robust construction solutions, designs its roof systems with unparalleled wind uplift resistance, making them a reliable choice for harsh weather environments. The Butler MR-24 roof system stands out for its rigorous testing and superior design, ensuring performance in even the most extreme conditions.
Rigorous Wind Uplift Testing
Butler’s MR-24 roof system undergoes extensive testing to meet and exceed industry standards for wind uplift resistance. These tests simulate real-world hurricane conditions to ensure that the roofing can handle extreme pressures. For instance, the MR-24 system has passed tests certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), including the Class 90 rating, which corresponds to a wind speed of 200 mph and 105 pounds per square foot of uplift pressure.
Testing at Butler’s facility and independent labs like the Hurricane Testing Lab shows that the MR-24 system can withstand continuous pressure and high-speed wind gusts. During tests, Butler roof systems undergo cyclic wind-load testing, simulating how real wind gusts fluctuate in intensity. This comprehensive testing approach sets Butler apart from competitors, ensuring the durability of the roof’s seams and overall structure.
The Science Behind Wind Uplift Resistance
Wind uplift occurs when wind flows over a building, creating a vacuum effect that pulls at the roof. The faster the wind, the higher the uplift pressure. On flat or slightly sloped roofs, this force is magnified around the edges, corners, and seams. Butler addresses this with the design of the MR-24 roof system, incorporating features like its 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock seam. This seam design forms a watertight, airtight lock, ensuring that the roof stays intact even under intense pressure.
Butler also uses wide tabs on its roof clips, which provide additional hold in high-wind areas. For buildings in regions prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, Butler recommends closer purlin spacing to increase structural support. This level of detail in their engineering ensures that the roof remains secure and functional even during powerful windstorms.
Proven Performance in Real-World Conditions
The MR-24 roof system’s performance isn’t just theoretical—it’s been proven in the real world. One notable example is the Hurricane Testing Lab in Florida, where Butler’s MR-24 roof was chosen to cover the facility. The lab, known for testing building materials under hurricane-like conditions, needed a roof system that could withstand the harshest weather. The MR-24 system met all their stringent requirements, including Miami-Dade County’s hurricane building codes.
Additionally, the New Orleans Saints’ training facility, which used the MR-24 roof and Widespan structural system, survived the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Katrina. The building not only withstood the storm but also served as a rescue center during the aftermath, further demonstrating the system’s resilience.
Why Butler Roof Systems Are a Top Choice
Butler’s commitment to research and testing ensures that their roof systems offer unmatched wind uplift resistance. The MR-24 roof system, in particular, provides:
- UL Class 90 certification for extreme wind conditions
- 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock seams that remain secure even in the toughest storms
- Wider roof clips for enhanced hold in high-wind areas
- Proven success in real-world disasters like hurricanes.
When building in regions prone to hurricanes or high winds, choosing a roof system like Butler’s MR-24 can provide the peace of mind that your building will withstand even the harshest weather conditions. If you are in need of Butler MR-24 parts or an entire roofing system - reach out to us. Not only are we an Authorized Butler Dealer, we are also Butler Builders, who specialize in all the systems Butler offers. We’re here to help.