Wind Uplift on Roof Terraces | Design Challenge Solved

The Challenge

Roof terraces are often installed on an existing flat roof, where vents, drains and other features prevent an uninterrupted, flush-fitted terrace. To achieve this, the terrace will be raised above the roof on a supporting structure, which creates a pocket of air under the terrace surface.

In windy conditions, the flat, unobstructed surface of the terrace will act like the top of an aircraft wing and exert upward force on the terrace.

To enable access to the roof layer for maintenance and repair, the decking or tiles used for the terrace are often loose-fitted into a framework so they can be easily removed. But this means they are vulnerable to uplift in windy weather.

The Solution

As terraces need to be designed with access to the roof below for inspection, maintenance, servicing and repair, it is not possible to permanently fix decking or tiles into place with adhesives or mastic, and fixings such as bolts and screws are unsightly.

At Raaft®, we have solved this problem by cutting discreet grooves into the edges of our composite decking, porcelain decking and porcelain tiles. Our design-protected stainless steel and Nylon 12 RP anti-uplift clips clip into this groove to unobtrusively hold the decking or tiles into position on our terrace system with little to no visibility.

When access is required to the space below the terrace, the clips can be easily unfastened to allow removal of the decking or tile, but they are sufficient to hold the terrace intact when subjected to typical UK windspeeds.

Download our Free Wind Uplift Resistance Guide

Download wind uplift guide

Benefits of the Raaft terrace system

Design freedom

Terrafina, Atria® and Farrino is available in a variety aesthetically-pleasing colours, effects and finishes. The terrace system is further complemented by a range of beautiful steel planters and exciting roof-top furniture.

Quick to install

The Raaft® support structure is quick and easy to install without the need for specialist tools. A series of innovative clips hold the surfaces in place and can be quickly removed to allow for access and essential maintenance.

Non-combustible

Farrino Porcelain Decking and Fire-rated Pedestals and Joists (all core components in the fire-rated system) through to the planters are made from Class A fire-rated materials.

Anti-slip

Atria® and Farrino Porcelain is a safe, non-slip terrace. It has a slip resistance of R11 when tested to DIN 51130 (the Ramp Test) and Class 3 when tested to UNE-ENV 12633: 2003 (the Pendulum Test).