Hurricane Straps Can Save Your Home and Your Life

When hurricane winds topping 100 mph threaten to tear the roof off of your home, you'll be thankful that you installed heavy-duty hurricane straps. Hurricane straps have the potential of saving you from some major structural damage. In fact, there is no more effective prevention for hurricane damage than galvanized hurricane straps.

Why Hurricane Straps?

Veterans of the vicious Florida hurricane seasons will tell you that hurricane straps are a must-have if you want to minimize the damage wrought by the storm. Hurricane straps give your home added staying power against the brutal, gale-force winds that are typical characteristics of hurricanes. This extra protection could be what saves your home from total destruction as well as save your life and the lives of your family members. There are a few simple things you need to keep in mind when considering installing hurricane straps in your home that will save you both time and money in the process.

What are Hurricane Straps?

Hurricane straps are joints of galvanized steel that secure your roof to the walls of your home. There are a variety of styles of hurricane straps that are available to choose from to fit the particular type of construction of your home. Hurricane straps resist the natural structural movement of your home in major storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Hurricane straps are versatile and can be attached to window sills, wall intersections, and upper and lower floor wall studs. When installed correctly, hurricane straps increase the strength of your home's construction significantly. The benefits are so pronounced that hurricane straps are now considered essential by code officials and insurance companies.

How Do I Install Hurricane Straps?

Most new homes in hurricane-prone areas of the country are built with hurricane straps included in the blueprints. Because hurricane straps are a part of the natural framework of the home, having to install them in a home after construction can be both difficult and expensive. Installing hurricane straps will require you to work with each joist connector individually. Work from the front of the home to the back. The straps are secured to the wall first and then the roof second. You might have to install temporary support beams to help displace the weight of the roof while you are installing hurricane straps. Secure the straps with 4-inch stud nails to ensure their durability and holding power.

What Are the Best Models of Hurricane Straps?

When you are choosing hurricane straps to install in a home, look for models made from galvanized steel, the strongest material on the market. Galvanized steel resists rusting and warping better than traditional steel types. Most of the Florida building codes require you to use the galvanized hurricane strap models, so it's a good idea to go ahead and select those types. Also look for specific designs that suit the construction of the particular joint you are working with. Never try to make a hurricane strap fit where it doesn't belong. Finish the job off right with the proper nails and your installation should last a lifetime.

Points of Hurricane Strap Connection

• Roof-to-Wall
• Wall-to-Foundation
• Floor-to-Floor
• Joint Structures