Hurricane Strap and Roof Tie-Down Code in Georgia

IRC R802.11: Roof-to-Wall Connection Requirements in Georgia

IRC Section R802.11 governs roof-to-wall connections for residential structures. Georgia adopts this section through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), making it enforceable across every county and municipality in the state. The code requires that the roof framing system connect to the wall framing below with sufficient strength to resist the design wind uplift forces calculated for the building's location.

Wind creates two forces on a roof: lateral pressure that pushes against the building and uplift suction that pulls the roof away from the walls. Uplift is the greater threat. When wind flows over a roof, the aerodynamic profile creates negative pressure on the leeward side and at the roof edges. This negative pressure acts like suction, pulling the roof upward. The roof-to-wall connection must resist this uplift force to keep the roof attached during high-wind events.

Metro Atlanta falls within the 115 mph basic wind speed zone per ASCE 7-22 (the wind speed reference standard that the IRC incorporates). At 115 mph design wind speed, the calculated uplift loads at roof-to-wall connections range from 200 to over 600 pounds per linear foot, depending on roof geometry, building height, exposure category, and the specific location on the roof (corners and edges experience higher loads than field areas). For the full wind speed context, see our wind speed requirements guide.

The traditional connection method for roof framing is toenailing: driving nails at an angle through the rafter or truss bottom chord into the wall top plate. Toenailing provides limited uplift resistance. A standard toenail connection with three 8d nails resists approximately 200 pounds of uplift. In many locations on a metro Atlanta roof, the calculated uplift exceeds 200 pounds, which means toenailing alone fails to meet code. Metal connectors fill the gap.

Building inspectors in Alpharetta, Buckhead, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, and Roswell verify roof-to-wall connections during the framing inspection on new construction. The inspector checks that every rafter or truss bears on the wall plate and connects with hardware rated for the design uplift load at that location. Missing connectors, wrong nail patterns, or undersized hardware will fail inspection.

Our team at 1 Source Roofing understands the uplift calculations and connector requirements for metro Atlanta's wind zone. When we work on projects that involve structural framing, we specify and install connectors that meet or exceed the calculated loads.

Hurricane Straps, Clips, and Toenails: What Each Provides

Three primary methods connect roof framing to wall framing in residential construction. Each provides a different level of uplift resistance, and the code requires the method that matches the calculated uplift load at each connection point.

Toenail Connections

Toenailing drives nails at an angle (approximately 30 degrees) through the rafter or truss into the top plate. The IRC permits toenailing where the calculated uplift is low enough for the nail capacity to satisfy the load. Three 8d common nails provide approximately 200 pounds of uplift resistance in southern yellow pine framing (the dominant lumber species in Georgia). Four 16d nails raise that to approximately 260 pounds. For interior trusses in low-exposure areas of a single-story home, toenailing may satisfy the math. For most other locations, it does not.

Hurricane Clips

A hurricane clip is a stamped metal connector that wraps around one side of the truss or rafter and fastens to the top plate with specified nails. Clips engage the wood from one side and rely on the nail shear strength plus the metal bearing against the framing. Common clips like the Simpson Strong-Tie H1 provide 490 pounds of uplift resistance when installed with the specified 10d x 1.5-inch nails. Clips work well for moderate uplift zones and for retrofit situations where access is limited to one side of the connection.

Hurricane Straps

A hurricane strap wraps over the top of the truss or rafter and fastens to the wall framing on both sides. The two-sided attachment provides substantially higher uplift capacity than a single-sided clip. The Simpson Strong-Tie H2.5A strap, one of the most specified connectors in Georgia residential construction, provides 1,330 pounds of uplift resistance with the correct nail pattern (four 10d x 1.5-inch nails on each side). Straps are the preferred connector for meeting high uplift loads at roof edges and corners.

Connection Method	Uplift Capacity	Lateral Capacity	Fastener Pattern	Best Application
Toenails (3 x 8d)	~200 lbs	~120 lbs	3 nails at 30 degrees	Low-uplift interior connections
Simpson H1 clip	490 lbs	240 lbs	4 x 10d x 1.5" nails	Moderate uplift, one-sided access
Simpson H2.5A strap	1,330 lbs	335 lbs	8 x 10d x 1.5" nails (4 each side)	High uplift, edges and corners
Simpson H10A strap	1,600 lbs	430 lbs	10 x 10d x 1.5" nails	Maximum uplift, exposed corners
Simpson META20 embedded strap	1,480 lbs	400 lbs	Embedded in concrete/masonry wall	Masonry wall-to-roof connections

"Three 8d toenails resist 200 pounds of uplift. A Simpson H2.5A strap with eight nails resists 1,330 pounds. Corner connections on two-story homes in metro Atlanta can exceed 600 pounds of calculated uplift."

The critical detail that separates a code-compliant installation from a failed inspection is the nail pattern. Each connector carries a rated capacity that assumes a specific number of nails, a specific nail size, and a specific nail placement. Installing a Simpson H2.5A with fewer nails than specified, or with the wrong nail size, reduces its capacity below the rated load. Inspectors check nail counts. Our crews follow manufacturer nail schedules on every connector.

Wind Uplift Load Calculations for Metro Atlanta Roofs

Calculating wind uplift loads at roof-to-wall connections requires four inputs: the basic wind speed for the location, the exposure category of the site, the roof geometry (pitch, area, overhangs), and the specific zone on the roof where the connection occurs. The IRC provides prescriptive tables for common configurations, but complex roof geometries or unusual site conditions require an engineer's calculation per ASCE 7.

Metro Atlanta's 115 mph basic wind speed (3-second gust, Risk Category II) establishes the baseline. Exposure Category B applies to most suburban locations in Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, and similar communities where buildings and trees provide surface roughness that reduces wind speeds near ground level. Open sites on hilltops or adjacent to large clearings may qualify as Exposure Category C, which increases the design wind pressure.

Roof zones experience different uplift pressures. The IRC and ASCE 7 divide the roof into three zones for wind load purposes:

• Field zone (interior): The central area of the roof, away from edges and corners. Experiences the lowest uplift pressures.
• Edge zone (perimeter): A strip along each roof edge, typically 3 to 6 feet wide depending on building dimensions. Experiences higher uplift than the field due to wind acceleration at the edges.
• Corner zone: Where two roof edges meet. Experiences the highest uplift pressures, often 2 to 3 times the field zone loads, because wind vortices form at corners and create concentrated suction.

For a typical single-story home in metro Atlanta with a 6:12 roof pitch in Exposure Category B, approximate uplift loads at roof-to-wall connections fall within these ranges:

Roof Zone	Uplift Load (lbs/ft)	Connection Needed	Minimum Connector
Field (interior)	150 - 250	Toenails or clips	3 x 8d toenails or H1 clip
Edge (perimeter)	250 - 450	Clips or straps	H1 clip or H2.5A strap
Corner	450 - 650	Straps	H2.5A or H10A strap

Two-story homes generate higher uplift loads because the increased building height exposes the roof to higher wind speeds. Roofs with wide overhangs (greater than 12 inches) also experience higher uplift at the eave connections because the overhang acts as a lever arm that multiplies the wind force transmitted to the connection point.

These calculations explain why a single connector type cannot serve every location on the roof. The corner connections on a two-story home with 18-inch overhangs may require H10A straps rated for 1,600 pounds, while interior field connections on a single-story home may satisfy code with standard toenailing. The engineer or code-compliant design selects the connector for each zone based on the calculated load at that location.

When Georgia Code Requires Hurricane Straps on Your Roof

The requirement for metal roof-to-wall connectors triggers under specific project conditions. Not every roofing project requires adding or upgrading connectors. Understanding the triggers prevents surprise costs and helps homeowners plan projects that include structural improvements when the code demands them.

New Construction

Every new home built in Georgia must include roof-to-wall connections that meet the calculated uplift loads for the site. Metal connectors are standard on all new residential construction in metro Atlanta. The framing contractor installs the connectors during the framing phase, and the building inspector verifies them before the framing inspection sign-off. No new home receives a certificate of occupancy without compliant roof-to-wall connections.

Additions and Extensions

Any addition that includes new roof framing must connect the new framing to the wall structure with code-compliant connectors. This applies to room additions, garage extensions, covered porches, and any structure that adds new rafters or trusses. The new framing follows current code regardless of when the original house was built.

Structural Alterations

If a project involves modifying the roof structure (removing trusses, adding dormers, raising roof height, changing roof pitch), the altered connections must meet current code. A dormer addition that removes existing trusses and installs new framing triggers the connector requirement for all new framing connections.

Standard Reroofing (No Structural Changes)

A standard roof replacement that removes old shingles and installs new ones over the existing deck and framing does not trigger a requirement to add hurricane straps. The existing roof-to-wall connections remain as they were. Georgia's building code does not mandate retroactive upgrades to structural connections during a non-structural reroofing project.

However, during a tear-off, our crews can observe the existing connections from inside the attic. If we see toenail-only connections on a home in a high-uplift zone, we inform the homeowner. Many homeowners choose to add straps during the reroofing project because the attic access is easier with the old roofing removed and because insurance carriers reward the upgrade with premium credits.

For details on when a reroofing project triggers other code requirements, see our reroofing and tear-off code guide.

Retrofitting Hurricane Straps on Existing Georgia Homes

Homes built before modern wind codes took effect often lack metal roof-to-wall connectors. In metro Atlanta, homes built before 2000 may have toenail-only connections. Homes built before 1990 almost certainly do. Retrofitting hurricane straps on these homes strengthens the structure against wind uplift and qualifies the homeowner for insurance wind mitigation credits.

The retrofit process involves accessing the attic space and installing metal connectors at each rafter-to-wall-plate connection point. The installer works from inside the attic, fastening straps or clips to the existing rafters and top plates. The process does not require removing roofing materials, opening walls, or disturbing the interior finishes.

Retrofit installations face constraints that new construction does not. Existing framing may have limited clearance for connector placement. Insulation, HVAC ductwork, and wiring may block access to certain connection points. The installer must work around these obstacles, which increases labor time compared to new construction installation. Retrofit connectors designed for existing framing, such as the Simpson Strong-Tie LSTA (lateral strap tie), accommodate these tight conditions with a flat profile that fits between framing members and obstructions.

The typical retrofit cost for a metro Atlanta home ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the number of connection points, attic accessibility, and the connector type specified. A standard 2,000-square-foot home with trusses on 24-inch centers has approximately 50 to 60 roof-to-wall connection points. At $30 to $60 per connection installed, the total falls within that range.

The return on investment comes through insurance premium reductions. Georgia carriers that offer wind mitigation credits reduce annual premiums by $200 to $800 for verified hurricane strap installations. Over 10 years, the cumulative savings of $2,000 to $8,000 can exceed the retrofit cost. The structural benefit of keeping the roof attached during a severe storm provides additional value that no premium calculation captures.

"A 2,000-square-foot home on 24-inch truss spacing has about 55 roof-to-wall connections. At $30 to $60 per connection, the full retrofit runs $1,650 to $3,300. Annual insurance credits of $200 to $800 recover that cost within 3 to 5 years."

Our team at 1 Source Roofing performs hurricane strap retrofits across metro Atlanta. We inspect the existing connections, specify the correct connector for each location, and install them to manufacturer and code specifications. We provide documentation for your insurance carrier's wind mitigation inspection.

Insurance Discounts for Hurricane Straps in Georgia

Georgia insurance carriers use wind mitigation inspections to assess a home's resistance to wind damage. The roof-to-wall connection type is one of the primary factors on the inspection form. Homes with verified metal connectors (clips or straps) receive lower wind risk scores than homes with toenail-only connections, and lower risk scores produce lower premiums.

The wind mitigation inspection evaluates several features, but the roof-to-wall connection carries significant weight in the premium calculation. The inspection form categorizes connections into tiers:

• Toenails only: Lowest tier, no mitigation credit
• Metal clips (single-sided): Moderate credit
• Metal straps (wrap-over, both sides): Highest credit

Homeowners who upgrade from toenails to straps see the largest premium reduction. The upgrade from clips to straps also produces a credit increase, though smaller. The specific dollar amount depends on the carrier, the policy limits, the home's location, and the other wind mitigation features present (roof shape, roof deck attachment, secondary water resistance).

To claim the credit, a licensed inspector must verify the connections. The inspector accesses the attic space, photographs the connectors, and completes a standardized form that the homeowner submits to the insurance carrier. Our retrofit documentation package includes the installation details and photographs that inspectors need to verify the upgrade.

For homeowners filing insurance claims after storm damage, the presence of hurricane straps affects the claims process. Homes with proper connectors that still sustain roof damage demonstrate that the storm exceeded the design capacity of the connections, which strengthens the claim argument. Homes without connectors face scrutiny about whether the damage resulted from inadequate construction rather than extraordinary weather.

How Hurricane Straps Connect to Georgia's Wind Speed Code

Hurricane straps do not exist in isolation. They form one component of a continuous load path that transfers wind forces from the roof, through the walls, and into the foundation. Georgia's wind speed code under ASCE 7-22 establishes the design wind speed; the hurricane strap requirement under IRC R802.11 addresses one link in the chain that resists those forces.

The continuous load path concept means that upgrading one connection without addressing the others creates a weak link. A hurricane strap that transfers 1,300 pounds of uplift from the rafter to the top plate achieves nothing if the top plate is not anchored to the wall studs, or if the wall studs are not connected to the foundation. The IRC addresses each link:

• Roof to wall (R802.11): Hurricane straps and clips
• Wall plate to studs (R602.3): Stud-to-plate nailing schedule
• Studs to sill plate (R602.11): Hold-down hardware at braced wall segments
• Sill plate to foundation (R403.1.6): Anchor bolts at specified spacing

For new construction, the builder addresses every link during construction. For existing homes, the roof-to-wall connection is the most accessible retrofit because it can be performed from the attic without disturbing finishes. The other connections require wall or foundation work that increases cost and disruption.

Metro Atlanta's 115 mph wind speed designation places it in a moderate wind zone by national standards. Coastal Georgia faces 130 to 150 mph design speeds. While metro Atlanta does not experience hurricanes at full strength, severe thunderstorms with straight-line winds exceeding 80 mph occur multiple times per year. The June 2023 derecho event produced wind gusts above 90 mph across portions of Gwinnett, Fulton, and DeKalb counties, causing widespread roof damage that concentrated at roof-to-wall connections on homes without metal connectors.

For the full wind speed code context, see our Georgia wind speed requirements guide. For roof deck requirements that complement the strap installation, see our sheathing code guide.

Explore More Georgia Roofing Code Guides

• Georgia Residential Roofing Code Guide
• Wind Speed Requirements for Georgia Roofing
• Roof Deck and Sheathing Code in Georgia
• Roof Load Requirements in Georgia
• Roof Truss and Rafter Code in Georgia
• Roof Fire Rating Code in Georgia
• Roofing Contractor Licensing in Georgia
• Georgia Reroofing and Tear-Off Code
• Roof Replacement Services
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Insurance Claims Assistance
• Roof Repair Services