What is a wind mitigation retrofit?
Hurricane strap retrofits or “Wind Mitigation retrofit” is a service you can have performed on your home by a licensed contractor. A contractor will bring your existing hurricane straps up to code by adding additional nails(minimum of 3 are required) or by adding blocking between the truss and strap. This is usually done so the home owner can qualify for wind mitigation discounts with their insurance company.
Are hurricane straps needed?
Here in Florida our homes are subjected to the most extreme weather conditions in the country. Hurricane straps are installed to help the roof stay attached to the rest of the structure. If the roof goes then the rest of the structure will most likely fail as well. Hurricane straps have been installed on homes in Florida dating all the way back to the 1960’s.
Can any metal framing connector be used?
No, there are only a few approved framing connectors that can be used for retrofits. Inspectors come across all sorts of installs that unfortunately do not qualify for a wind mitigation discount. That is why it is very important to choose a contractor who performs these services and is familiar with the requirements. Roofing companies may offer this service but we find that most do not perform it correctly. The most common bracket that is approved is the Simpson HGA10. Other approved connectors can be used as well but are much less common to see.
What is the average cost of a wind mitigation retrofit?
The cost for this service varies greatly. It depends on a few factors such as size of the home, ease of access and shape of the roof. Obviously a larger home will have more connections that are needed. Shape of the roof also is a factor as a hip roof will have many more connections that are required compared to a gable shaped roof. How easy it is for the contractor to access the area will also matter. If the house has removable soffits then that will be much easier to access than a home with wood soffits. A roof with a steep pitch will also be easier than a roof with a low pitch. We have heard prices that range from $1500 to $3500. It all depends on the home and the qualifications of the contractor.
What are examples of improper installs of hurricane straps?
A common retrofit that we see is when a hurricane strap is laid on top of the block wall or wood top plate. This is not an approved install by the manufacture. The reason being that if the roof were to lift up, the force will be placed on the single nail/screw nearest to the truss. This lifting force is centered on one nail/screw rather than 3 or more like you would have with an approved connector. Other improper installs we see are when the contractor uses the wrong type of hurricane clip. Hurricane clips that are used in retrofits need to be rated to handle uplift as well as lateral loads. These clips will usually have added bracing to handle the lateral loads.
If you are wanting to have this service performed on your home be sure to properly vet the contractor you are planning to hire. Ask for photos of past installs they have performed. If you need to have a wind mitigation performed on your home after you can call our office at 407-633-1661 or book on our website.