Concealed wind uplift restraint for rooftop pavers under ASCE 7-16

A concealed wind uplift paver pedestal system that mechanically restrains rooftop pavers on pedestals where uplift forces exceed paver self-weight, without visible hardware or design compromise
  • Mechanically restrained pedestal pavers designed for ASCE 7-16 wind uplift conditions
  • No visible caps, plates, or surface-mounted hardware
  • Ideal for parapet rooftop paver system edge and corner zones
  • Compatible with concrete and porcelain pedestal pavers
  • Ships from our New Jersey warehouse with short Northeast lead times
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Mechanically restrained pedestal pavers for rooftop pavers on pedestals

Mechanically restrained pedestal pavers are now a requirement on many rooftops where wind uplift forces exceed the self-weight of traditional pedestal pavers.
Urbanstrong’s Concealed Wind Uplift Assembly system provides positive mechanical restraint for rooftop pavers on pedestals, eliminating reliance on gravity alone and reducing the risk of wind damage to roof assemblies, parapets, and membranes.
Designed for pedestal pavers, roof pavers, and rooftop paver systems:
  • Suitable for large roof deck paver systems and pedestal deck systems
  • Protects against wind damage to roof surfaces in high-wind areas
  • Preserves clean architectural layouts without visible restraint hardware

A concealed solution for pedestal pavers without visible hardware

This system solves wind uplift compliance by restraining each paver at the pedestal connection point, rather than on the surface, preserving clean paving on pedestals while meeting modern wind uplift requirements.
No exposed clips, caps, or surface plates
  • Compatible with Urbanstrong’s Atlantic Line paver roof deck pedestal systems and raised paving systems (more lines being added later in 2026)
  • Suitable for high wind resistant roofing material strategies
  • Designed for rooftop pavers, podiums, and parapet conditions

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Why teams choose this approach

  • Meets ASCE 7-16 uplift requirements without visible hardware
  • Avoids late-stage redesigns and retrofit costs
  • Preserves architectural intent in parapet and edge zones
  • Reduces long-term wind damage to roof assemblies

  • Why rooftop pavers on pedestals now require mechanical restraint under ASCE 7-16

    ASCE 7-16 changed how wind uplift on roofs is calculated, replacing uniform assumptions with zone-based pressures that intensify at edges, corners, and parapets. As this standard is adopted across more jurisdictions, many projects now calculate uplift forces that exceed the self-weight of pedestal pavers, making gravity-only systems inadequate.

    - Roof uplift is calculated by zone, not averaged

    - Parapet rooftop paver system conditions see the highest pressures

    - Rooftop pavers are treated as components subject to uplift

    - Mechanical restraint is required to prevent wind damage to roof assemblies

  • What happens when pedestal pavers are not restrained against wind uplift

    Unrestrained pedestal pavers increase the likelihood of roof damage from storms, safety hazards, and costly post-event remediation.

    - Wind damage to roof membranes and assemblies

    - Pavers becoming airborne during severe weather

    - Failed plan review or permitting delays

    - Wind damage roof repair and retrofit costs

    - Increased liability exposure for designers, contractors, and owners

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The problem with most pedestal paver systems

Most pedestal paver systems address wind uplift with visible, surface-mounted clips or caps. While effective structurally, these elements often disrupt the clean, uniform appearance designers are trying to achieve on rooftop decks.

Our concealed approach eliminates that tradeoff by restraining each paver at the pedestal connection point rather than on the surface, preserving clean paving on pedestals while meeting modern wind uplift requirements.
  • No exposed clips, caps, or surface plates
  • Compatible with Urbanstrong’s Atlantic Line paver roof deck pedestal systems and raised paving systems (more lines to be added in 2026)
  • Suitable for high wind resistant roofing material strategies
  • Designed for rooftop pavers, podiums, and parapet conditions

How the concealed wind uplift paver pedestal system works

Hidden paver pedestal wind uplift detail

This system uses a concealed mechanical connection that locks the paver to the pedestal without penetrating the top surface.
  • Precision kerf cut creates a concealed engagement point
  • Lockdown component connects paver directly to pedestal head
  • No surface penetration or visible fastening
  • Each pedestal paver is mechanically restrained against uplift
The result is a secure, level roof deck pedestal system that meets wind uplift demands while preserving clean detailing

Roof paver pedestal wind testing and high-wind performance

The concealed wind uplift paver pedestal system has been validated through extreme wind testing to support use on exposed rooftops and high-risk wind zones:

  • Wind uplift performance tested in Florida to 165 mph, exceeding Category 5 hurricane thresholds (157+ mph)
  • Verified using ASTM D3161 wind resistance testing, a nationally recognized standard
  • Engineered to resist uplift forces calculated under ASCE 7-16
  • Suitable for high-wind, coastal, and elevated rooftop environments

Adjustable pedestal and pedestal system for pavers

The system integrates with common pedestal configurations used across rooftop installations:

  • Works with Urbanstrong’s adjustable pedestals and adjustable paver pedestals
  • Supports tile pedestal systems, including deck tile pedestal systems
  • Compatible with Urbanstrong’s floating pavers, floating paving, and raised paving systems
  • Suitable for rooftop deck pedestals, balcony pedestals, and patio pedestal system

Roof deck paver system applications

This system is used wherever rooftop pavers are exposed to wind uplift and edge conditions.
  • Rooftop pavers and rooftop deck pedestals 
  • Pedestal paver pool deck installations 
  • Multifamily and condo podiums 
  • Hospitality rooftops and terraces 
  • Universities and institutional buildings 
  • Green roofs with integrated paving on pedestals

Who specifies and installs pedestal paver systems

  • For architects and engineers

    Architects and engineers specify this system to address wind uplift requirements without compromising design intent.

    Alignment with ASCE 7-16 wind uplift calculations

    Cleaner detailing for parapet and edge zones

    Reduced plan review risk

    Lower professional liability exposure

  • For contractors and installers

    Contractors choose this system for faster installation, fewer callbacks, and predictable performance.

    No surface hardware to align or conceal

    Reduced wind damage roof issues after installatio

    Lower long-term maintenance risk

    Reliable availability from a Northeast distribution point

architectural details of concealed paver pedestal wind uplift
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Short lead times for roof pedestal systems in the Northeast

All systems ship from our New Jersey warehouse, supporting fast delivery for active construction schedules.
  • Short lead times across the Northeast
  • Reliable supply for phased rooftop projects
  • Ideal for time-sensitive installations

Warranty and long-term performance

  •  Urbanstrong’s Atlantic Line pavers used with the concealed wind uplift system carry a 5-year standard warranty
  • An additional 5-year warranty extension is available with documented owner participation
  • This represents one of the longest warranties currently available for wind uplift–rated pedestal paver system

 Pedestal paver system FAQ

  • Insurance claims related to wind damage to roof systems may be challenged if pedestal pavers are not properly restrained. Mechanically restraining pavers helps reduce both physical risk and coverage disputes.

  • Mechanically restrained pedestal pavers are pavers that are physically locked to their pedestals to prevent uplift and movement caused by wind forces.

  • Rooftop pavers are exposed to wind uplift forces that can exceed their weight, especially under ASCE 7-16. Without restraint, pavers can lift and cause roof damage.

  • Cap-based systems rely on visible surface hardware. A concealed system restrains the paver at the pedestal connection point, preserving clean design while improving performa

  • Yes. The system has been tested to extreme wind speeds exceeding 160 mph to verify high-wind performance.

  •  Yes. Preventing paver movement reduces membrane damage, displaced materials, and ongoing roof maintenance needs.

Talk to us about your rooftop paver project

We support architects, engineers, and contractors with complete system guidance:

  • Pedestal paver system details and technical documentation
  •  Design and specification support
  •  Lead times and pricing
Detailed specifications, installation guidance, and wind uplift details are available in the technical guide upon request.
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