How to Tie Down Your Roof

High winds during a heavy storm can damage your home if the roof materials and rafters are not properly secured to the structure. To protect the rafters from high winds, tie-downs can be installed. Tie-downs are metal braces that connect rafters together at the joint to prevent separation. An over-the-top tie-down is required for uplift winds, and a frame tie-down is required for oncoming lateral winds.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Tie-downs

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Hold the tie-down strap on the joists along the roof. Mark the location of the screw holes with a pencil.

   • 2

     Pre-drill holes into the wood, making the holes no bigger than 80 percent the size of the fasteners. Pre-drilling prevents damage to the seasoned wood beams.

   • 3

     Butt the tie-down against the two joists.

   • 4

     Place a washer over the hole and insert the screw. Tighten the screw with a drill.