Engineer urges proper strap installation to boost roof protection

Homeowners, builders and developers are being encouraged to adopt proper hurricane strap installation practices to strengthen building resilience and reduce damage during severe weather events.

The guidance forms part of key messages being advanced through the ‘Strap Up Jamaica’ campaign, spearheaded by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, which aims to promote safer roofing practices and improve disaster preparedness.

Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, City Engineer at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, Xavier Chevannes, said when correctly used under the International Building Code, hurricane straps are capable of withstanding extremely strong winds.

“If properly used, hurricane straps can and will withstand hurricane speeds up to 155 miles per hour. What we have seen is that persons will use these straps but don’t use them appropriately or according to code,” he said.

Chevannes noted that proper spacing of rafters is critical when installing hurricane straps, as incorrect spacing can weaken the structural connection between the roof and the walls.

“What we have seen based on the impact coming out of Hurricane Melissa in the west, the straps are in place, but the rafters are not properly spaced,” he said.

He further pointed to the importance of using the correct fastening method, noting that screws provide a stronger and more reliable hold than nails.

Chevannes also encouraged builders to go a step further by embedding hurricane straps into the belt beam, rather than only fastening them between the wall plates and rafters.

This additional measure, he explained, can help prevent total roof failure in cases where timber base plates may deteriorate over time due to factors such as termite infestation.

“In those cases, we encourage you to also strap these hurricane rafters to the concrete so that if the base plate fails at least the entire roof won’t fail,” Chevannes said.

He noted that strengthening building practices and encouraging compliance with established standards will help reduce the impact of future hydrometeorological events and improve the resilience of homes across vulnerable communities.

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