Pull Tester for Anchor and Adhesion Testing

Behind The Scenes Of Pull Tests & Why Have One Done

A well-installed and properly maintained commercial roofing system is essential for protecting your building and the investment it represents. While modern roof coatings and materials are designed to handle a variety of weather conditions, extreme wind events can still pose a serious threat. Roofs may fail if subjected to wind forces beyond their design capacity.

To accurately evaluate how well your roof can stand up to wind pressures, a pull test is the best tool available. Let’s explore what a pull test involves and why having one performed is a critical step in safeguarding your commercial property.

The Wind Factor in Roofing

When wind hits a building, it doesn’t just pass by—it interacts with the structure. Airflow is deflected upwards and around the building, and this creates pressure differences across the roof system.

Wind uplift happens when the air pressure underneath the roof becomes greater than the pressure above it. As the wind flows over the roof, it reduces the pressure above (creating suction), while air that enters through small openings (like cracks in windows or gaps in doors) increases pressure underneath the roof surface. These opposing pressures—positive underneath and negative above—can stress the roofing system significantly.

This stress can lead to roof damage or detachment if the roofing materials and fastening system aren’t up to the challenge.

Several factors influence wind uplift pressure:

Location: Coastal or storm-prone regions can experience wind speeds well above 100 mph.
Building height: Taller buildings face stronger wind forces.
Openings: Unsealed doors or windows amplify internal pressure during storms.
Topography: Properties on hills or near water bodies face stronger and more variable wind loads, while surrounding buildings may offer partial shielding.

A pull test measures how much of this force your roof can resist before structural failure occurs.

Why Pull Tests Are Important

Even if your fasteners are high-quality and corrosion-resistant, time and weather can take their toll. Fasteners can loosen, adhesives can weaken, and deck materials may degrade—all without any visible warning signs.

By performing a pull test, you gain a clear understanding of the roof’s actual resistance to wind forces. It’s a proactive step that helps:

Identify weak spots before they fail.
Confirm that the roofing system meets local wind load codes.
Inform repair or reinforcement decisions.
Assist in evaluating the performance of roof ventilation.

Whether you’re planning a new installation, undergoing repairs, or preparing for seasonal storms, pull tests provide data that can help you avoid costly and catastrophic roof failures.

Need to ensure your commercial roof is up to the challenge? Get now y0our PFT2000A Pull tester

Understanding Roof Pull Tests: What They Are and Why They Matter

Behind The Scenes Of Pull Tests & Why Have One Done

The Wind Factor in Roofing

Why Pull Tests Are Important