When hurricane season arrives, one of the most vulnerable parts of your home is the roof. High winds create powerful uplift forces that can rip a roof from the walls if it isn’t properly secured. That’s where hurricane clips and straps come in. These small but mighty connectors play a big role in keeping your home safe and they can also help you save money on your insurance premiums.
What Are Hurricane Clips and Straps?
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Hurricane Clips: Small metal connectors that attach the roof trusses or rafters to the top of the wall. They are installed on one side of the truss and help secure the roof against wind uplift.
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Hurricane Straps: Larger connectors that wrap over or around the truss and extend down the wall, attaching on both sides for maximum hold. They provide a stronger, more continuous connection than clips.
Both systems act like seatbelts for your roof, ensuring it stays firmly attached to the walls during a storm.
How They Protect Your Roof
When strong winds hit, they push against the walls and create suction forces that try to lift the roof. Without proper reinforcement, even a well-built roof can detach, leading to catastrophic damage inside your home.
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Clips provide solid resistance against uplift forces and are an effective, affordable option for retrofitting older homes.
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Straps offer superior strength, making them the preferred choice for new construction or major renovations in high-risk hurricane zones.
By anchoring your roof to your walls, clips and straps keep the structure intact and drastically reduce the risk of severe storm damage.
How They Save You Money
Installing hurricane clips or straps doesn’t just add protection it can also lower your insurance premiums through wind mitigation discounts. Insurance companies reward homeowners who take steps to reduce storm damage risk, and roof-to-wall connections are a key factor in these evaluations.
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Homes with hurricane clips or straps may qualify for 10–30% or more off their windstorm insurance.
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A one-time upgrade can pay for itself in just a few years through reduced insurance costs.
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Preventing major roof damage also saves thousands in potential repair or replacement costs after a storm.
Clips vs. Straps: Which Should You Choose?
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Clips: Affordable, easier to install, great for older homes that need upgrades.
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Straps: Stronger, provide maximum protection, and typically lead to bigger insurance savings, but are best for new builds or large renovations.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane clips and straps may be small, but their impact is enormous. They secure your roof, protect your home, and help you save money year after year. Whether you retrofit your home with clips or invest in straps during construction, these wind mitigation upgrades are one of the smartest ways to protect both your property and your wallet.