With the Florida population closing in on 22 million (and that was a couple of years ago), there are clearly a number of individuals who prefer gorgeous weather practically all year long over snow, sleet, ice, etc. Sure, there are storms and the occasional hurricane, but it's a small price to pay as far as many couples, families, and individuals are concerned. Those storms and hurricanes can kick up some pretty intense winds, however. Because of that, Florida enacted a regulation that states that hurricane ties are required on homes built after 2001. What's the big deal about hurricane ties?
The following will be information about these special ties, and a simple guide as to how to install hurricane ties.
Hurricane Ties – What Are They?
To securely join your wall structure and roof, steel connectors referred to as hurricane ties are designed to withstand winds typical of major storms and/or those which are hurricane-strength. In the case of strong winds, the pressure put on your roof’s overhang could prove hazardous. Serious damage could result. Hurricane winds can peel the roof off a home like the lid off a can of sardines. To put it simply, hurricane ties help keep the roof on your house.
Hurricane ties go by several names including the following:
- Hurricane brackets
- Hurricane strips
- Hurricane clips
- Hurricane anchors
Hurricane Tie Installation on the Existing Roof of Your Home
To install hurricane ties for securing the roof of your home:
- The place where beams and trusses come together will need to be located.
- If you're attempting to locate outside rafters, you might have to uninstall soffits.
- If you are installing hurricane ties from your home's interior, drywall should be removed.
- In the places where the beams and trusses come together, mark the spots and get an accurate count.
- The length needed to securely join beams and trusses with the ties will need to be measured before you can purchase the ties themselves.
- Purchase the hurricane ties that are most appropriate, according to your measurements.
- Purchase the nails you will need and that, ideally, are made from the same material as the hurricane ties. This can help prevent corrosion.
- Hurricane ties can then be fastened to wall construction and the wooden roof.
- After the project is complete, check and recheck all your work.
- Finally, repair drywall and/or reinstall soffit panels as needed.
Things to Consider Before Installation
Here are a number of things to keep in mind and factor in when choosing the appropriate hurricane ties:
- Demand load of the beams or trusses
- Whether or not the walls and roof are precisely aligned
- The dimensions (measurements) of the beams and trusses
- Whether or not specific hurricane ties/clips are required by your municipality or state
Note: Installing hurricane clips and hurricane straps follows the same guidelines, more or less, as installing hurricane ties.
Now that you know the finer points about installing hurricane ties, where can you find the tools and other supplies needed for your project? Here’s where to shop…
Looking for Hurricane Clips/Straps/Ties?
Factory Direct Supply carries the hurricane clips, straps, and/or ties you need. Take for example our Simpson 18-gauge galvanized hurricane ties. These hurricane ties help provide a positive connection between rafters/trusses and your structure’s wall to resist seismic forces and wind.
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