How to Strap the Roof

Roof straps are an essential construction component in places commonly in the path of hurricanes. In hurricane-prone areas, they are often required on all new construction for insurance. Ideally, hurricane straps are installed during roof construction, because their installation on an existing roof is difficult and can be costly. Compared to the cost of losing a roof during a storm and all the damage that may entail, however, installing roof straps is a small price to pay.

Heavy-duty gloves
Protective goggles
Hurricane roof straps
Screws, bolts or nails
Hammer
Power drill
Screwdriver with bolt driver bits
Wrenches

Instructions

- 1
  Contact your area's building licensing authority to obtain appropriate licenses and specifications for hurricane roof strap installation. Some locations have specific requirements for materials and installation that may not match the roof strap manufacturer's instructions.
- 2
  Install hurricane straps on each truss or rafter in your home according to your area's regulations. Do not combine welds, screws, bolts and nails. Nails designated as 8d, 10d and 16d commonly meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requirements. Nails should be long enough to protrude from the other side of the rafters or trusses, unless otherwise specified by the regulations.
- 3
  Bend down the protruding end of nails with a hammer to ensure they can't be pulled loose by strong wind. Doing so increases the wind load of the roof straps.
- 4
  Complete required inspections and make suggested changes to bring the roof strap installation up to local standards. An insurance company may require a copy of the passed inspection before it writes an insurance policy for the house.

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