Wind Load

The Impact of Wind Load and Why It's Important

Every structure faces challenges, but wind is one of the most dynamic forces to contend with. But what is wind load? The term 'wind load' describes the pressures and forces exerted by wind on buildings, components, and structures - whether 'positive' as in pressure/pushing or 'negative' as in suction/pulling. These stresses arise from wind speed, velocity, topography, height and pressure - all critical elements that influence the stability and safety of a structural design.

As a specialist glazing company, Solarlux by Reveal integrates wind load calculations into every project as standard to ensure our designs perform as intended under varying conditions. We specialise in glass structures including wintergardens / glass extensions, glass rooms, sliding and bi-fold doors, and windows. While others may overlook such critical details, we prioritise them, aligning every design with safety and strength from the start.

The Effects of Wind Load Explained

Wind is one of nature's most powerful forces, and as buildings grow larger and more advanced, its impact becomes impossible to ignore. The size, shape, and orientation of a building all determine how it interacts with wind, which directly affects its structural stability down to the foundations.

During severe weather events like hurricanes or thunderstorms, intense wind forces can cause significant stress, especially on tall, wide-span and slim structures. Even moderate, everyday gusts can create vibrations or fluctuating movements over time. For these reasons, wind load analysis isn't just a formality - it is now an industry standard. Architects and engineers must make wind load calculations a high priority without compromise, as incorrect analysis can lead to design modifications, construction delays or, worse, total failure. The associated costs that this could bring are not worth the risk.

The Key Components of Wind Load Analysis (Basic or Simplified Calculation)

At Solarlux by Reveal, we leverage three critical components to accurately evaluate wind load, ensuring all glass windows, doors and roof products are manufactured and installed correctly in order that they can perform safely:

Location

We evaluate the project's exact geographical position, incorporating details such as base wind speed, proximity to the sea, and surrounding terrain exposure. These factors define the intensity and consistency of wind loads in the area.

Topography

Using Ordnance Survey data, we meticulously study the surrounding terrain, including elevation, slope angles, and zoning. These elements determine how wind interacts with the location and the distribution of forces.

Building Height

We then assess the structure's height, evaluating where the windows, doors, or glass structure (such as a Solarlux Wintergarden) are located above ground level. This approach helps us identify how wind pressures vary with every elevation and ensures the accuracy of the design.

The Types of Wind Load

Knowing how wind impacts buildings is essential for long term durability as well as structurally stable and secure windows, doors, screens and glass structures. Wind load forces vary based on their direction, and structures are exposed to these forces in three main ways:

How Solarlux by Reveal Considers Wind Load Analysis

Our team at Solarlux by Reveal, including a structural engineer, recognises the importance of conducting wind load analysis and adhering to established industry standards with absolute accuracy. With our in-depth knowledge and industry experience, we provide wind load calculations for our products across every project. Here's how it works:

BS 6375-1 Annex A

Our approach begins by applying formulas defined by BS 6375-1 Annex A, a guideline that outlines procedures for assessing the performance of windows and doorsets under real-life environmental conditions. By referencing this guide, we determine exposure categories and test pressure levels tied to air permeability, watertightness and wind resistance.

BS 1026 -- Air Permeability Testing

We follow this by adhering to BS 1026, a British Standard that specifies testing methods for air permeability in fully assembled windows and doors. This standard allows us to classify air tightness based on measured leakage across a pressure range (measured in pascals) from 50Pa to 600Pa, representing wind speeds up to approximately 60mph. Regular classification analyses help us set concrete benchmarks.

CWCT Guidelines

Our methods also include calculating the Ixx and Iyy (cm⁴) for mullions and transoms following guidelines provided by the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT), a recognised information provider and publisher of standards and guidance in the field of building envelopes and glazing. Positive and negative pressure testing during CWCT protocols simulates realistic wind scenarios, measuring deflections to confirm structures can handle extreme forces. For complete accuracy, we apply trapezoidal calculations for smaller structures like doors and windows, though we use rectangular computations for larger screens and structures.

Structural Engineers

Wind load analysis is a very important part of providing a high-quality, safe and robust glazing solution for your home. Although we are in the minority of companies that provide this (Basic or Simplified Calculation), we believe it should be the minimum for all standard designs and solutions.

However, it doesn't replace the critically important need for a structural engineer for larger designs or more complicated solutions, where elevations and levels for every window, door, screen/curtain walling or glass structure must be looked at.

Get Built-In Wind Load Precision for Every Project

Wind interacts with buildings in ways many don't consider, transmitting forces that can dramatically affect their structural stability. Our team at Solarlux by Reveal includes detailed wind load analysis as a standard service in every quote, and we carefully reassess our calculations before manufacturing your new Solarlux products. Whether you're considering expanding your home with a beautifully bespoke glass extension or have your eye on our range of Cero sliding door systems, we maintain rigorous monitoring and work with structural engineering specialists to exceed the industry standard every time.

How do we ensure the correct wind load for our glass home extensions? Read our article about how Solarlux Wintergardens are engineered for stability and safety.