Retrofits for a greener home

Building envelope: Wind resilient roofs

Photo of wind damaged roof

Strengthen roofs against damage from high winds

Minimize uplift forces to ensure your roof remains securely attached to your home

Wind resilient roofing strategies are construction/retrofit methods, materials, and design techniques used to strengthen roofs against damage from high winds. These strategies aim to minimize uplift forces, prevent shingle or roof covering blow-off, and ensure the roof remains securely attached to the structure. This can include shingle material, properties of fasteners, water barriers, strong underlayment etc.

Wind resilient roofing strategies include:

  • Roof cover should be removed down to the shearing to ensure proper existing installation.
  • Install roof cover rated for 120 mph wind gusts, with a minimum of six fasteners per full length of shingle.
  • Install shingles during warmer months so that materials, adhesions and contractors can perform optimally.
  • Sheathing panels need to be fastened 6 inches apart.
  • Install shingles with a pull-through resistance of at least 30 lb.
  • Install a secondary water barrier.
  • Use hurricane clips or truss screws for added roof strength.
  • Consult a licensed, trained professional to ensure that wind-resistant roofing strategies are met.

Hurricane clips

Hurricane clips (also called hurricane ties or straps) are metal connectors used in residential and commercial construction to reinforce the connection between a building's roof trusses or rafters and the top plate of the wall. These clips are typically made from galvanized steel and are designed to resist uplift and lateral forces caused by high winds, storms, and hurricanes.

What to look for

  • Choose hurricane clips that are made out of galvanized or stainless steel.
  • Ensure the product is certified by a recognized body.
  • Clips need to be connecting every rafter or truss to the wall's top plate.
  • Work with a licensed contractor that has experience with wind resistant retrofitting.

Things to consider

  • Consult with your home insurance provider on whether or not the installation of hurricane clips qualifies for an insurance reduction.
  • Check to make sure the hurricane clip installation follows the OBC or NBC.
  • The type of roof on your home will affect the amount of clips needed and their placement.
  • Consider reinforcing other load paths (ex. Frame to foundation) to maximize the load path that hurricane clips provide.
  • Consider installing hurricane clips as an addition to another roof project to reduce costs.

Average cost

$800 to $2500, but depends on roof size, complexity and accessibility.

Truss screws

Truss screws are specialized fasteners used in construction to secure roof trusses or rafters to wall plates, beams, or other structural elements. They are designed to provide strong, load-bearing connections that help resist forces such as uplift from wind, seismic activity, or shifting loads. The screws are typically longer than standard screws and thicker to handle structural stress. This is an alternative, less expensive option to hurricane clips when access is limited.

What to look for

  • Make sure you're choosing the right coating for truss screws since they will have different coatings for different applications. Typically, you will want to use galvanized or ceramic coated screws for corrosion resistance.
  • The length of the truss screw must be long enough to penetrate both the truss and the connecting medium.
  • The head type of the screw will also matter. Flat head or washer head screws help distribute load and prevent pull-through. Hex or star drive heads offer better torque control and reduce stripping.

Things to consider

  • Confirm the shear and pull-out strength ratings of the screw.
  • Consult a professional or considering opting for professional installation to make sure truss screws are properly installed

Average cost

$2.00 to $3.50 per screw

Financial help available for roofing upgrades

  • No incentives available.

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