What do hurricane straps look like

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Top Firefighter Training Articles. The Initial Line. Firefighter Training: Pump Operations and More. The tie works by creating a structural load connection that transfers forces made to the top of the building all the way to its foundation. This means that if a strong upwind impacts the roof, the tie will transfer the force from the framing of the uppermost parts of the roof through the walls to the foundation, creating a much stronger structure that will resist upwind forces that could lift the roof off.

A hurricane tie consists of a piece of heavy gauge galvanized or stainless steel that connects to the joists and top plates, to the rafters, or, in the case of a truss-style roof, to the top chords. For the load transfer to be successful, a hurricane tie must provide a secure connection from the top of the roof to the wall joists. A tie that does not engage the top chord of a truss, for example, could allow wind to pull apart the uppermost section of the roof. That means that when the roof is faced with potentially damaging winds, the foundation should be helping out.

The only way that is possible is if there is a strong connection from the roof to the foundation. Given the diverse design styles of roofs, with some having rafters and others using trusses, there are different types of hurricane clips you can use to adequately prepare your home or shed for damaging winds.

The bottoms of the clip engage with the top plate via four screws, creating a very secure connection between the roof and walls. Each clip is 5. The H1 uses gauge galvanized steel. In addition to preventing uplift, these rafter clips are also designed to resist downward pressure on the roof, such as from heavy snowfall, by providing reinforcement that prevents the rafters from disengaging from the wall plates and spreading outward, causing a collapse.

This tie can be installed on the inside or outside of the wall. Keep in mind that these ties create a strong connection between the top plate and rafter, so you may need an additional tie to reinforce the connection between the top plate and the wall joists. In the case of a truss, make sure you install this clip so it attaches to the top chord as opposed to the bottom chord to ensure maximum protection.

Similar to the H1s, which cover both sides, the H2. For maximum lift resistance, they can be installed on both sides of the rafter or joist. The H functions as a strap, wrapping entirely around the truss or rafter and under the wall top plates on both sides. This is an excellent option for trusses, where it may be difficult for other ties to reach the top chord.

The HS24 is sandwiched between the truss or rafter and wall plate, cradling the truss or rafter on two sides. A tab that runs down one side connects the tie to the wall plate. With its double shear nailing, this tie offers a high level of lateral wind resistance. Because it can be structurally stronger and more convenient, it makes the best sense to install hurricane ties on the outside of walls. That said, it is certainly possible to create an equally secure connection with an inside installation.

If the roof design uses ceiling joists that rest on the top plate adjacent to the rafters, an internal installation will force you to attach the tie to the joist, which will not secure the roof rafters. Hammer in 2 nails through the clip into the diagonal wood. The nails should be 2. This process forms the second part of attaching the clips.

Use a minimum of 2 nails here going into the beams. These nails do not go through the base plate of the clip they go through the small extension plate the diagonal beam actually sits in.

Feel free to use more nails if you feel that you need more to make sure the clip is held secure. Make sure to hammer in the nails all the way to ensure the clip is held in there as securely as possible. Repeat this process at each meeting of a horizontal and diagonal beam. Your roof or wall will probably have several places where these hurricane clips need to be installed. How many clips you install is completely up to you. However, for maximum security, install a clip at each point a diagonal beam meets a horizontal one.

If you do not install the clips at each opportunity, these spots will prove to be much weaker in a storm and are at risk of being blown off. If you have missed nails on any clips, simply go back and hammer in the nails where necessary to ensure maximum security. Did you know you can get answers researched by wikiHow Staff?

Unlock staff-researched answers by supporting wikiHow. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. When hammering, always start with some gentle taps while you hold the base of the nail. Then, once the nail is partially hammered in, take your hand away and hammer a bit harder at the nail until it is all the way in. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Related wikiHows How to.

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