How to Install Hurricane Straps to a Roof

Install hurricane straps to a roof on new construction. These straps are usually done after the home is completely framed. Access to your roof trusses or roof system is easy at this point. Hurricane straps are made from galvanized steel. They attach to your trusses and wall plates. It is necessary to put a hurricane strap on each truss (or each rafter) in your home.

Nail each hurricane strap to your truss or rafter with 16-penny framing nails when you install hurricane straps to a roof. Make sure that your truss and rafter are also toe-nailed in place before you install your hurricane straps. This ensures that your trusses or rafters won't move during the installation of your straps. Each truss or rafter needs two hurricane straps: one for the front and one for the back.

Look at another method to install hurricane straps to a roof on an older home. This may be time-consuming and costly. Some states may require you to do this if you are planning to sell your home. First, cut your roof back to expose the framed walls where the rafters or trusses are set. You may need to cut some sheetrock out of your interior walls also. Move back the insulation to expose your walls and rafters. Now, you may install your hurricane straps.

Secure the straps properly when you install hurricane straps to a roof. When 16-penny nails drive through the rafters or trusses, the nail protrudes on the other side. Bend these nails over with a hammer. This helps secure the nails so they don't work loose in high winds.