Roof Curb Design: For Compliance with Building Code Seismic and Wind Load Requirements

In the years prior to the full development and implementation of comprehensive building codes, it was common practice for rooftop equipment to be installed without being firmly attached to the building structure. The thinking was that the weight of the roof top unit would be sufficient to keep the roof curb and rooftop unit on top of the building. Recent research into the effects of major natural disasters has shown that in order to resist significant seismic and wind loads, rooftop units must be firmly restrained from movement off of their curbs, and the roof curbs must be positively attached to the building structure. These requirements are changing the way that roof curbs are designed, built and installed.