Roof to Wall Connection

The roof to wall connection is what helps establish the continuous load path from the roof structure through the walls and into the ground. The weaker the connection, the higher probability the roof will lift during high winds.

Inspectors will take photgraphs of the roof to wall connections so there is no confusion as to the type and connection involved. Double wraps are rare and reports submitted to carriers with double wraps selected will likely trigger a QA review. Your inspector should take photographs of at least two consecutive trusses showing the attachment. (Often double wraps are installed only on every other truss and the inspector should make ample comments.)

Single wraps are much more common, but from a wind mitigation perspective, often installed incorrectly. In order to be considered single wrap for the roof to wall connection, the strap should be embedded into the top plate of the wall, should have at least two nails on one side of the roof member and then wrap over the top of the truss and be nailed to the other side with at least one nail. If that one nail is missing from the other side, it should be marked Clips, though the photos may look like single wraps.

Toe nailing is more common on older homes and represents the weakest of all connections.

In the more recent mitigation report update, other forms of attachment can be identified under sub-categories of the report. For example, metal roof to wall connectors with insufficient nailing will be downgraded to toe nails. This can be confusing to homeowners. Make sure your inspector explains their findings before they leave the inspection.