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A contractor is installing a tile roof in a hurricane zone. What is the minimum wind uplift rating required for the underlayment attachment?

Correct Answer

D) 150 mph

In Florida hurricane zones, roof underlayment must be attached to resist wind uplift of at least 150 mph. This higher standard helps prevent roof failure during severe weather events common in Florida.

Answer Options
A
60 mph
B
90 mph
C
120 mph
D
150 mph

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Florida's building code requires roof underlayment in hurricane zones to withstand wind uplift pressures equivalent to 150 mph winds. This stringent requirement reflects Florida's exposure to Category 4 and 5 hurricanes, which can produce sustained winds exceeding 130-157 mph. The 150 mph standard provides adequate safety margin and aligns with the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requirements found in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. This requirement is critical for preventing catastrophic roof failure during major hurricane events.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A: 60 mph

60 mph is far too low for hurricane zone requirements and would only be appropriate for areas with minimal wind exposure, not Florida's hurricane-prone regions.

Option B: 90 mph

90 mph represents a moderate wind zone requirement but is insufficient for Florida's hurricane zones where winds regularly exceed this speed during major storms.

Option C: 120 mph

120 mph, while closer to hurricane-force winds, still falls short of Florida's stringent requirements for hurricane zones and would not provide adequate protection during Category 4-5 hurricanes.

Memory Technique

Remember '150 for Florida storms' - the number 150 represents both the minimum mph requirement and roughly the wind speed of a strong Category 4 hurricane that Florida must be prepared for.

Reference Hint

Florida Building Code Chapter 15 - Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures, specifically sections on wind uplift resistance and hurricane zone requirements

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