Wind Load / Uplift Calculator

Estimate the wind uplift pressure on your roof sheathing using simplified ASCE 7 methods. Compare field, edge, and corner zone pressures and see how many fasteners each 4x8 sheet needs to resist uplift.

Basic Wind Speed (mph)

Building Height (ft)

Building Width (ft)

Roof Pitch

Exposure Category

Roof Zone

Velocity Pressure

20.1 PSF

Kz = 0.70, Kd = 0.85

Net Uplift Pressure

25.8 PSF

GCp = -1.1, GCpi = 0.18

Uplift per 4x8 Sheet

825 lbs

32 sq ft sheet area

Min 8d Nails / Sheet

11 nails

Standard 6"/12" pattern

Roof Zone	Uplift (PSF)	Force per Sheet
Field (Interior)Best value	25.8 PSF	825 lbs / sheet
Edge / Eave	39.9 PSF	1,276 lbs / sheet
Corner	60.0 PSF	1,921 lbs / sheet

Wind Resistance FasteningAt 115 mph design wind speed, use hurricane clips or straps at every rafter-to-wall connection. In the corner zones, uplift reaches 60 PSF — consider structural screws (e.g., #8 x 2½" at 4" o.c.) instead of standard nails for sheathing in edge and corner zones.

High Corner Zone PressureCorner zone uplift pressure is 60 PSF, exceeding 50 PSF. Standard nailing patterns are insufficient in these areas. Use enhanced fastening (structural screws, closer spacing, or proprietary high-wind clips) in the corner zone, which typically extends 10% of the building width or height (whichever is smaller) from each corner.

This is a simplified estimate based on ASCE 7 methods for enclosed buildings. It does not replace a full components-and-cladding wind analysis. Actual design must account for building geometry, openings, internal pressurization, and local code amendments. Consult a licensed structural engineer for final design.