Best tie down material

[bluedog225]

What’s the best material to use to run a tie down from a top plate or rafter all the way down to the foundation? I think the choices are cable, chain, or threaded rod. I’m leaning towards threaded rod. But in some areas, a cable or chain would be easier. Some added insurance against uplift.

Thanks

 

[theoldwizard1]

What’s the best material to use to run a tie down from a top plate or rafter all the way down to the foundation?

Never heard of this !

Sure, hurricane "straps" from the rafters down to the studs. Stud strap to the plate. (The bottom plate should be securely attached to the foundation.) That should be all you need.

Download the Simpson Strong-Tie Catalog. They have dozens to choose from !

 

[Danno1]

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I have a vague memory of threaded rod in the Simpson catalogue.

Cable might stretch over time.

Chain would prob be OK with some kind of turnbuckle or something to tighten it.

.

 

[tinmanwpk]

What’s the best material to use to run a tie down from a top plate or rafter all the way down to the foundation? I think the choices are cable, chain, or threaded rod. I’m leaning towards threaded rod. But in some areas, a cable or chain would be easier. Some added insurance against uplift.

Thanks

Never heard of this !

Sure, hurricane "straps" from the rafters down to the studs. Stud strap to the plate. (The bottom plate should be securely attached to the foundation.) That should be all you need.

Download the Simpson Strong-Tie Catalog. They have dozens to choose from !

I have seen this done many places in new residential construction here in Florida including a couple of my houses.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I've always used threaded rod.

 

[bluedog225]

It’s a retrofit. I would’ve done this much differently from the outset. But I didn’t.

The Simpson stuff would is great. But it’s hard to make it work with my particular situation. I do have quite a few 7/8 Simpson SSTB’s and 5/8 forged head bolts sticking out of the bottom plate. I’m using those where I can.

 

[bluedog225]

I've always used threaded rod.

Agreed. I’ve done a few and threaded rod seems the best.

thanks

 

[rmack898]

I live in NE Florida and built my house in 2020. I don't know if it is required by code or not but my builder used 3/8" threaded rod from the top plate through the sole plate and epoxied into the slab on 48" centers in all exterior AND interior walls.