Though the effects of wind uplift on roofing are widely understood and compensated for, the damage caused to balconies and terraces has not received the same level of attention. As our knowledge of wind uplift and its effect on balconies and terraces improves, a growing number of innovative construction solutions are appearing on the market.

In this article, we examine the science behind wind uplift, explore the potential consequences should architects and other industry professionals not implement new safety techniques, and look at industry-leading solutions.

What is wind uplift?

Wind uplift occurs when powerful winds encounter a building's vertical surfaces, forcing the wind to accelerate up and over the construction. If the wind meets a surface greater than 45 degrees to the vertical axis (i.e., a balcony, terrace, or pitched roof) as it moves up the building, the pressure below the surface increases, and the pressure above decreases. This pressure imbalance causes a push-pull effect that can detach the balcony and terrace flooring from the substructure that supports it.

What are the consequences of wind uplift?

Wind uplift causes considerable damage to balconies, terraces, and the building to which they are attached. In some cases, it can also result in damage to surrounding buildings and public infrastructure, endangering the safety of people in the vicinity. The remedial costs associated with repairing wind uplift damage can be significant.

Arguably just as important is the damage caused by wind uplift incidents to the professional reputations of the architects and construction specialists responsible for the building work. Expensive remedial works, extensive PR management and the potential for litigation ensure it pays to understand and mitigate wind uplift on balconies and terraces.

Wind uplift - a growing concern in the urban environment?

While cities are generally perceived to reduce wind speeds due to the significant friction forces produced by building surfaces, they also add an element of unpredictability. The frictional forces create turbulence, resulting in rapid and strong changes in wind direction and speed.

Tightly packed buildings can also create urban canyons, where the wind is channelled through narrow passes, accelerating as it does so. With 84% of the UK population living in an urban environment - a figure which has increased year-on-year since 1990 - and cities becoming more densely populated, new micro-climatic considerations will impact how we design and construct our urban spaces (Satista, World Bank). One of the key considerations will be wind uplift.

Climate change is also a crucial factor. While studies show that average wind speeds appear to be falling - a trend dubbed the "global stilling" - there are regional discrepancies. For instance, some studies point towards an increase in average wind speeds in northern Europe and a fall in central Europe (GreenMatters). However, there seems to be a general agreement that there will be global increases in maximum wind speeds and the number of Category 4 and 5 storms, both of which add to the challenges associated with wind uplift (MetOffice).

Is there a technical solution to prevent wind uplift?

To mitigate the effects of wind uplift, wind uplift specialists are developing innovative solutions for a wide range of balcony and terrace designs, including rail and pedestal systems.

One of these solutions accommodates a mechanical fixing to ensure the entire system is ‘clamped' securely in place. This involves a component which typically screws into the top of a pedestal or slides into the rail, while also acting as a spacer and slotting into grooved tiles.

In order to preserve the balcony finish, the solution above is integrated as an ‘out-of-sight' component. In this instance, particular attention has been paid to creating a solution that benefits from easy installation. This minimises installation costs and ensures the solution can be implemented without significantly adding to project timelines.

Such advanced wind uplift solutions protect the structural integrity of balconies and terraces even when exposed to winds of over 200 mph, offering construction professionals and property owners total peace of mind.

Want to learn more about wind uplift?

If you want more information on wind uplift, the associated risks to your project, and the technical solutions available, speak to a RYNO specialist. You may be surprised to discover how easy it is to de-risk your project or building. RYNO's expert surveyors can provide advice and guidance on implementing wind uplift solutions, securing your project and safeguarding against expensive remediation costs.

Why not explore RYNO's wind uplift solution further or get in touch, speak to an experienced team member, or request a call-back with one of our expert surveyors?