Uplift force
An uplift force is any upward pressure applied to a structure that has the potential to raise it relative to its surroundings. Uplift forces can be a consequence of pressure from the ground below, wind, surface water, and so on.
Water pressure can exert an uplift force on a structure due to high rainfall, for example by causing clay soils to expand. This can be problematic if the upward forces are greater than the forces being exerted downwards by the structure. To overcome this risk, the structure must be appropriately designed to provide greater resistance against uplift forces, and also a drainage system to relieve the water pressure.
For more information, see Ground heave.
All roofs are subject to wind uplift, which will vary according to location, terrain, height, size, shape, exposure and so on. Wind uplift occurs when the air pressure under the roof is greater than the air pressure above it. This can be exacerbated during high wind, as air infiltration into the building can increase pressure below the roof, whilst the speed of wind over the roof surface can reduce air pressure above it, in much the same way it does over an aircraft wing. This can cause damage to the roof if the difference in pressure becomes too great.
'BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010 Eurocode 1. Actions on structures. General actions. Wind actions' defines the methodology for calculating likely wind loads which then allow a roofing system to be appropriately designed.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bearing capacity.
- Floor loading.
- Ground heave.
- Hurricane design considerations.
- Lateral loads.
- Limit state design.
- Moment.
- Racking.
- Roofing defects.
- Settlement of buildings.
- Subsidence.
- The design of temporary structures and wind adjacent to tall buildings.
- Types of structural load.
- Uniformly Distributed Load.
- Vibrations.
- Wind comfort simulations.
- Wind load.
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.