How are wind uplift forces in the construction industry measured in the US?

Wind uplift forces in the construction industry, particularly in the context of roofing systems and other structural applications, are commonly measured in pounds per square foot (psf) in the United States. This unit of measurement provides a practical and relevant way to quantify the pressure exerted by wind on a flat surface, which is critical for assessing structural integrity and ensuring buildings can withstand wind forces.

Using pounds per square foot allows engineers and architects to easily calculate the total uplift force by considering the area over which the wind is acting. This approach aligns well with common U.S. construction practices and materials, making it intuitive for those in the field.

Other units, such as Pascals or Newtons, are used in different contexts or regions, but psf is specifically favored in the U.S. construction industry due to its direct application to the imperial system commonly employed in American engineering and architecture. Kilograms, while a measure of mass, are not directly applicable to pressure or force measurement without conversion to appropriate units.