A small-scale experimental study was carried out to investigate the pull-through failure of the C-shaped Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) roof purlin sections subjected to wind uplift force. The parameters investigated to comprehend the pull-through behavior of roof purlin are thickness, web depth, flange width of the CFS purlin section, and size of the screw head diameter. The test specimens experienced two different modes of pull-through failure (rupture and bearing) along with the prying effect. It was observed that the pull-through failure mode transitions from rupture of the purlin section around the screw fastener in 1 mm thickness to bearing type in 2 mm and 3 mm thicknesses. The test results were compared with existing design limits and previous studies from the literature which concluded that the existing elastic design approach for the service limit state is unconservative. Hence, a suitable design limit to predict the critical pull-through capacity of C-shaped roof purlins under high wind load is proposed. Additionally, reliability studies were carried out to determine the resistance and safety factors for the proposed design equations. The suggested design specifications are applicable and conservative for the material strength in the range of 350 MPa. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd