10 Ways to Reduce Job-Site Wind Damage

Heather McCune, Editor in Chief
October 1, 2002
Professional Builder

The Inland Marine Underwriters Association offers 10 suggestions to keep your construction site safe from wind damage.

1. Determine the meteorological history in the area, including prevailing winds and speed. With that information, ensure that the various building components used can withstand anticipated wind velocities and loads.
2. Plan construction schedules so that framing is adequately braced and walls are anchored to the framework as soon as they are erected.
3. Remove loose equipment that can become airborne.
4. Install the perimeter flashing assembly as soon as possible to minimize wind damage to roof coverings. If the edge of the insulation and covering has to be exposed, weight all temporary edges with closely spaced concrete blocks or the equivalent until flashing is complete.
5. Establish a plan to monitor weather forecasts on a continual basis.
6. All masonry work and structural steel should be secured at day's end.
7. Unfinished roofs should be secured or weighed down at the close of each workday.
8. Eliminate large openings in the building envelope that can contribute to additional loads on interior walls and lift the roof during a storm.
9. Roof decking should be permanently installed as soon as it is laid in place. All vapor barriers, roofing materials and insulation should be attached to the roof decking immediately.
10. Anchor movable structures (trailers, scaffolding, tool sheds) with ground anchors.