Are you a homeowner living in a hurricane-prone area? If so, you probably know how important it is to protect your property from these storms’ powerful winds and rain.
One crucial element of hurricane-proofing your home is installing hurricane ties, but did you know that there are different types depending on whether they’re installed inside or outside your home’s framing?
Hurricane ties inside the framing are concealed, offering a better look and avoiding corrosion. In contrast, hurricane ties outside the framing are visible, providing easier installation and faster inspections.
Understanding the Differences Between Hurricane Ties Inside or Outside Your Home is essential to make the right choice for your property.
By the end of this blog, you’ll be able to identify the main differences between the two types of ties and which one will suit your needs the most.
Factors To Consider Before Installing Hurricane Ties Inside Or Outside
Before you decide to install hurricane ties inside or outside your home, there are several factors to consider. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the main factors you should consider before making a decision.
| Factor | Inside | Outside |
| Ties Price (100 Pieces) | $120 – $180 | $90 – $140 |
| Installation Cost | $200 – $400 | $300 – $500 |
| Accessibility | Easy | Difficult |
| Aesthetics | Hidden | Visible |
| Durability | High | High |
| Installation Process | Easy | Difficult |
| Maintenance | Easy | Difficult |
Cost
Now, let’s break down the costs for both options in detail:
Hurricane Ties Inside
- Ties Price: The cost of hurricane ties inside typically ranges from $120 to $180 for 100 pieces.
- Installation Cost: The installation cost for hurricane ties inside ranges from $200 to $400, including labor and equipment costs.
- Final Cost: Considering all of the above factors, the final cost for installing hurricane ties inside ranges from $320 to $580.
Hurricane Ties Outside
- Ties Price: The cost of hurricane ties outside typically ranges from $90 to $140 for 100 pieces.
- Installation Cost: The installation cost for hurricane ties outside ranges from $300 to $500, which includes the cost of labor and equipment.
- Final Cost: Considering all of the above factors, the final cost for installing hurricane ties outside ranges from $390 to $640.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a crucial factor to consider when installing hurricane ties. It’s much easier and safer to install hurricane ties inside your home since there’s no need for ladders or scaffolding.
This makes it a more convenient option, especially for DIY enthusiasts who prefer to do the installation themselves.
On the other hand, outside installation requires climbing to high places and working at heights, which can be dangerous.
This makes it a more time-consuming and costly option, as you’ll need to hire professionals to do the installation for you.
Aesthetics
If you care about the appearance of your home, aesthetics are another important factor to consider.
Hurricane ties installed inside the home are hidden and do not affect the exterior appearance of your home.
This means your home will look just as beautiful as before, without any visible signs of hurricane ties.
On the other hand, outside installation of hurricane ties can be visible and can affect the overall appearance of your home.
While some homeowners may not mind the appearance of visible hurricane ties, others may prefer to keep their home’s exterior appearance untouched.
Durability
When it comes to durability, both interior and exterior installation of hurricane ties are designed to withstand high wind loads.
However, exterior installation may be exposed to more extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain and strong winds.
This means that exterior installation of hurricane ties may need to be replaced or maintained more frequently than interior installation.
The hurricane ties are protected from the elements with interior installation, which can increase their lifespan.
Installation Process
The installation process is another important factor to consider when deciding between the interior or exterior installation of hurricane ties.
Installing hurricane ties inside your home is easier and can be done by DIY enthusiasts with basic carpentry skills.
This means that you can save money on installation costs by doing it yourself.
On the other hand, outside installation requires professionals with specialized skills and tools.
This can be more expensive, but it also ensures that the hurricane ties are installed correctly and will provide the necessary protection during a storm.
Maintenance
Finally, it’s important to consider the maintenance requirements of both options. Hurricane ties installed inside the home are easier to access and maintain.
This means you can inspect and maintain them more frequently, increasing their lifespan and providing better protection during a storm.
In contrast, an outdoor installation of hurricane ties requires more effort and specialized tools to inspect and maintain.
This can be more time-consuming and costly, but it’s important to ensure that the hurricane ties are in good condition and ready to provide the necessary protection when a storm hits.
When Should You Go For Hurricane Ties Outside
To ensure the strongest connection between the roof, walls, and base, hurricane ties are often constructed on the exterior of walls.
This guarantees the highest possible resistance to lateral and upwind forces that might seriously harm a building.
There are many advantages to installing hurricane ties on the outside of walls.
First, if the roof design employs ceiling joists that rest on the top plate next to the rafters, it enables a more stable connection via the rafter tail.
Second, using the wall’s sheathing as additional support is possible with the external installation.
The sheathing provides additional reinforcement and prevents “top plate roll,” which is when the wall plates begin to pull free from their nails and roll toward the external side of the wall.
Finally, an external installation is aesthetically preferable in structures with exposed rafters, as it avoids visible metal ties on the inside and makes drywall installation easier.
When Should You Go For Hurricane Ties Inside
However, there are some circumstances where it can be more practical or required to put hurricane ties on the inside of the wall.
For instance, it might be simpler to adapt an unfinished area with exposed construction, such as a shed or garage, from inside the building.
It’s crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for correct positioning and attachment while placing hurricane ties on rafters.
If necessary, pilot holes may also need to be drilled in order to fasten the connections using structural screws.
To ensure the greatest protection from wind uplift and lateral stresses, inserting screws in all pre-drilled holes is essential.
There are various techniques you can employ when retrofitting an existing roof.
Retrofitting from the inside involves removing a strip of drywall to access the wall and ceiling, then attaching hurricane ties at places where the rafters are over studs.
Retrofitting from the outside typically involves accessing the rafters by removing soffit panels or roof sheathing.
Additional straps or structural ties may be needed depending on the type of sheathing and its structural support.
Overall, the specific installation method will depend on the structure of the building, the type of roof, and other factors. It’s important to consult local building codes and guidelines and seek professional advice if needed to ensure the proper installation of hurricane ties for maximum structural integrity and protection.
How To Install Hurricane Ties On Rafters?
Hurricane ties are an essential part of any home’s structural integrity, especially if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or high winds.
They help secure the roof rafters to the walls, ensuring they don’t come apart during a storm.
In this guide, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to install hurricane ties on rafters.
Step 1: Determine the Number of Hurricane Ties Required
- Measure the length of the rafters using a measuring tape.
- Record the measurement in feet and inches.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the number of hurricane ties required per length of the rafter.
- This information is usually provided in a table or chart format.
- Multiply the length of each rafter by the number of hurricane ties required per foot of the rafter.
- This will give you the total number of hurricane ties needed for your project.
- Mark the location of each hurricane tie with a pencil on the rafter.
- This will help you easily identify where to install the ties during the next steps.
Tools Required
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Step 2: Purchase the Right Hurricane Ties
- Visit a local hardware store or home improvement center.
- Look for the section of the store that sells hurricane ties and similar hardware.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you purchase the correct type and size of hurricane tie.
- Double-check the quantity needed against the measurement you took earlier.
- Consider purchasing extra ties as a backup in case any are damaged or misplaced during installation.
Step 3: Secure the Hurricane Ties to the Rafters
- Lay out all the hurricane ties and ensure you have enough for each rafter based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Measure and mark the desired placement of the hurricane ties on the rafters.
- Typically, hurricane ties are installed at regular intervals, such as every 30 inches (750 mm) along the length of the rafter.
- Place the hurricane tie on the rafter, aligning it with the marked position.
- Ensure it is centered and flush with the top of the rafter.
- Hold the hurricane tie in place with one hand, using a power drill with a screwdriver attachment in the other hand.
- Select the appropriate screws for the hurricane tie size and the rafter’s material.
- It is recommended to use corrosion-resistant screws, such as hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel, to ensure long-lasting durability.
- Use the power drill to drive screws through the pre-drilled holes in the hurricane tie and into the rafter.
- Start by securing one corner of the hurricane tie and then proceed to secure the remaining holes.
- Make sure to tighten the screws sufficiently, but avoid over-tightening, as it may damage the rafter or the hurricane tie.
- Repeat this process for all the rafters, installing the same number of hurricane ties on each one as determined in the previous steps.
- After installing all the hurricane ties, double-check to ensure that they are securely fastened and flush with the top of the rafters.
- If necessary, adjust the placement of the hurricane ties to ensure proper alignment and security.
- Use the power drill to remove and reposition screws as needed.
Tools Required
- Power drill
- Screwdriver attachment
- Screws
Step 4: Secure the Hurricane Ties to the Wall Plate
- Place the hurricane tie on the wall plate, making sure that it is centered and flush with the top of the wall plate.
- Use a power drill and screws to secure the hurricane tie to the wall plate.
- The screws should be at least 3 inches long to penetrate the wall plate and the sheathing beneath it.
- Make sure the hurricane tie is securely fastened to the wall plate by giving it a gentle tug.
- Repeat this process for all the wall plates, ensuring that each hurricane tie is securely fastened to both the rafter and the wall plate.
- The hurricane ties should be installed at regular intervals as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Typically, one hurricane tie should be installed on each rafter and wall plate connection, and additional ties may be required for longer rafters.
Tools Required
- Power drill
- Screws
Step 5: Secure the Hurricane Ties to the Studs
- Measure and mark the locations for the hurricane ties on the studs.
- The spacing should be as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions, but it is typically around 4 feet (1.2 meters) apart.
- Place the hurricane tie on the stud, making sure that it is centered and flush with the top of the stud.
- Use a power drill and ¼ inch diameter by 2 ½ inch long structural wood screws to secure the hurricane tie to the stud.
- The screws should be placed through all of the pre-drilled holes in the hurricane tie and penetrate the stud by at least 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm).
- Make sure the hurricane tie is securely fastened to the stud by giving it a gentle tug.
- Repeat this process for all the studs, ensuring that each hurricane tie is securely fastened to both the rafter and the stud.
- The manufacturer’s instructions state that the hurricane ties should be fitted at regular intervals.
- This will provide the roof structure with more support and stability, especially during strong winds or hurricanes.
Tools Required
- Power drill
- ¼ inch diameter by 2 ½ inch long structural wood screws
Step 6: Inspect the Hurricane Ties
- Inspect all the hurricane ties to ensure they are flush with the rafters, wall plates, and studs.
- Check to make sure that each hurricane tie is securely fastened to both the rafter and the wall plate or stud.
- Gently tug on each hurricane tie to make sure it is firmly attached and doesn’t move or wiggle.
- Make sure that the hurricane ties are evenly spaced as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check for any gaps or spaces between the hurricane tie and the rafter, wall plate, or stud.
- If there are any gaps, remove the screws and reposition the hurricane tie.
- Inspect the screws to make sure they are all fully inserted and tightened. Replace any screws that are missing or loose.
Tools Required
- Safety glasses
Installing hurricane ties on your rafters is a simple and easy DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours.
Following these steps ensures that your home’s roof is properly secured and protected during a storm.
Additional Maintenance Tips For Your Hurricane Ties
Hurricane ties are an essential part of your home’s structure, providing crucial support and stability during high winds and hurricanes.
- Even if you installed them properly, checking them periodically is still important. This is especially important after severe weather events like hurricanes, where the ties may have been under significant stress. Check for any signs of damage, such as bending or warping, and replace any damaged ties.
- Debris and other objects around the hurricane ties can cause them to loosen or become damaged over time. Keep the area around the ties clear and remove any debris as necessary.
- If your hurricane ties are made of metal, consider applying a rust inhibitor to protect them from rust and corrosion. This can help prolong the life of the ties and keep them functioning properly.
- Corrosion is one of the most common problems with hurricane ties, especially if they are exposed to salt water or other harsh elements. You can use anti-corrosion products, such as zinc or galvanized coatings, to prevent corrosion on your hurricane ties.
- When making repairs or replacing damaged hurricane ties, make sure to use the right size and type of fasteners. Using the wrong type or size can compromise the strength and integrity of the ties, which can be dangerous during a severe weather event.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, understanding the differences between hurricane ties installed inside or outside your home is crucial for anyone living in areas prone to hurricanes or high winds.
By taking the necessary precautions and installing hurricane ties correctly, you can significantly increase the safety and stability of your home during extreme weather conditions.
For DIY enthusiasts, it’s essential to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the proper tools and materials for installing hurricane ties.
By taking proactive measures and staying informed, you can protect your family and your property and minimize the potential damage caused by hurricanes and severe weather.
FAQ
Do hurricane ties work?
Hurricane ties play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and safety of buildings, especially during severe weather conditions.
They are responsible for providing additional support to the roof structure by reinforcing the joints in roof purlin plates, rafters, wall plates, and floor plates.
By doing so, they help to transfer weight evenly throughout the building, making it less susceptible to collapse.
Furthermore, hurricane ties can prevent the degradation and decay of wooden roof structures, which could otherwise lead to structural failure over time.
Do trusses need hurricane ties?
Yes, trusses need hurricane ties to ensure that they are securely attached to the top plates of the walls.
The use of hurricane ties provides a strong and long-lasting connection between the trusses and the top plates, which is essential for the structural integrity of the roof system.
Without hurricane ties, trusses and other structural members can become loose and shift during high winds, potentially causing severe damage to the roof and the entire building.
