How to Attach Roof Joists to Walls

When building a home, it is important to properly secure the roof joists to the walls when framing the house. In general, roof joists are secured to the walls with specially designed metal straps. These straps help secure the roof to the house during harsh weather, such as hurricanes. It is not necessary to hire a professional contractor to install the metal straps. You can install hurricane straps yourself with just a few basic tools.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hurricane straps
• Hammer
• 8d nails

1. • 1
     Hold a hurricane strap flush against the roof joist and the two boards at the top of the wall. Generally, walls are built with two 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 boards at the top of the wall studs. The bottom part of the strap will cover the two top boards of the wall. The top part of the strap should be flush against the side of the roof joist.
   • 2
     Drive an 8d nail through one of the top holes in the bottom part of the hurricane strap. Use the hammer to pound the nail until it is flush with the metal. This will hold the strap in place against the top wall plate. Drive 8d nails into the rest of the holes in the bottom part of the hurricane strap. Hammer the nails until they are flush with the metal strap.
   • 3
     Drive a nail into the top hole in the top part of the hurricane strap. This will secure the top part of the strap to the roof joist. Drive 8d nails into the rest of the holes in the top part of the hurricane strap. This will secure the top of the strap to the roof joist. Repeat these steps for each of the other roof joists. You must nail a strap to each end of the roof joists.

Tips & Warnings

• Hurricane strap designs vary between manufacturers. Some may require more nails than others.
• Make sure the bottom part of the hurricane strap is placed so that you get nails in both of the boards at the top of the wall.
• Building codes vary between jurisdictions. Some building codes require the installation of additional hurricane straps on some interior walls. Consult your local building department to make sure you are in compliance with the local code.

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