Cracking the Code for Wind Distress on Tile Roofs: A Regional Assessment

NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management estimates that climate disasters created $136 billion in damages over 2018 and 2019. Some years are worse; NOAA estimates that climate disasters cost over $300 billion in 2017. Many of these damages are created by wind forces acting on structures. Further, regional construction practices can make damage assessments challenging. Tile roofing is a favorite among architectural aesthetics utilized in Florida due to its visual appeal, durability, and wind resistance. With over one thousand miles of coastline, and the majority of the state consisting of a peninsula separating the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, it is not uncommon for tile roofs in Florida to experience hurricane force winds. Thousands of tile roof sections have been assessed for wind-related distress by the authors of this paper. This paper will provide case studies representing the distress patterns observed by the authors. Common forms of distress observed in tile roofing will be discussed, and the case studies will provide insight into the diagnosis of wind-related distress to both clay and concrete roof tiles. Understanding distress patterns common to tile roofing allows owners, engineers, code officials, manufacturers, insurance industry professionals, the tile roofing industry, etc., to better assess the extent of damage related to wind forces and to improve the resistance of tile roofing against wind forces during natural disasters. Examples of wind-related distress and common conditions encountered during windstorm investigations provide insight into the portions of the Florida Building Code (FBC) which address remediation of damaged tile roofing.