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How to Install Hurricane Straps From a Sill Plate to the Foundation

Stephanie Dube Dwilson

Hurricane straps are used to secure a home to the foundation. The goal is to minimize structural damage during a hurricane. The term hurricane strap may bring to mind a fabric or leather strip that ties the house to the foundation, but hurricane straps are actually metal clips with pre-spaced holes for bolts to fit through. You attach the clips to the bottom structure of the house and to the foundation. Hurricane straps attaching the home to the foundation through the sill plate are often used in combination with hurricane straps that attach the roof trusses to the sidewall studs.

Hurricane straps help minimize damage from hurricanes.

Step 1

Use a drill with a masonry bit to drill through the sill plate and into the concrete foundation.

Step 2

Attach the hurricane straps from the wall studs, through the sill plate, to the foundation, using 5/8-inch anchor bolts.

Step 3

Repeat the process, moving around the perimeter of the house. Place hurricane straps no further than six feet apart.