In Tornado Alley? Grip-Rite® Products for High Wind Zones
Photo by Branden Stephenson
Extreme wind conditions in regions like Tornado Alley in the United States have challenged engineers for generations. Like other natural forces, wind speed significantly impacts the built environment. Shear forces and uplift cause catastrophic failure if engineers don’t design with them in mind.
Builders know what to expect in areas that typically experience higher wind speeds and volatile weather patterns. Flying debris, wind-driven rain, hail, and winds over 100 miles per hour are common enough to cause changes in building codes. Groups like the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) create enhanced standards like those in the FORTIFIED program to harden structures against extremes.
However, in the last decade, there’s been a shift in how predictable these weather patterns are. Over the last decade, wind speeds worldwide have increased by .4 miles per hour. The cause remains debatable, but what isn’t is the need for builders to prepare. Stricter building codes and a focus on structural resilience require a change of perspective.
In this article, we’ll explore the existing Grip-Rite® designed for use in these extreme conditions. Our assortment of fasteners, building envelope systems, and concrete accessories can make a difference in how well your projects withstand the extremes.
Primary Considerations for Wind Resistant Structures
For areas that experience high wind events, historical precedent helped develop building codes to prevent the worst damage. One of the most important concepts they focus on is creating a continuous load path, which means creating a solid connection between each structural component of the home.
A combination of fasteners and strapping secures a home to the foundation from the sill plate to the top of the roof. Under extreme shear and uplift forces, properly designed homes are less likely to experience catastrophic failure.
Architects designing for these regions will specify which types of fasteners and strapping are necessary to meet code.
Anchoring the Structure: Fasteners Built to Withstand Extreme Wind
The primary forces that impact homes during high wind events are uplift and shear. Each acts on a different part of a structure, and in different ways. Shear forces push against the vertical face while uplift forces direct energy up the walls to the roof. Damage can include knocked-down walls, torn-off roofs, and complete destruction in the worst cases.
Preventing the worst requires using the right combination of fasteners, plates, straps, and anchors. Builders still use framing nails in high-wind regions, but engineers include other hardware to shore up connections between components. Trussing, rafter anchors, and hurricane ties strengthen the framing against damage.
Anchor bolts are the first step in creating a continuous load path. Embedding anchor bolts in uncured concrete is the most straightforward method, although some prefer using concrete anchors. Use a wide washer and nut to distribute wind forces and prevent pull-out.
Structural screws help tie rafters and trusses to the top plate of a framing assembly or floor joists to wood walls. They create a more robust connection than other methods and meet or exceed IBC and IRC standards. Make sure to follow the guidelines outlined in the technical evaluation report for compliance. Grip-Rite offers a flat head or high-hex head for a stronger hold.
Ring shank roofing nails provide greater resistance to pulling out in high-wind areas. Use to secure asphalt shingles to the roof deck for enhanced grip under uplift forces.
Screw shank framing nails enhance the connection between framing members and resist pull out. A twist in the shank grips wood studs and creates a lasting bond.
Metal connector nails attach ties, hangars, and strapping to framing members. Stamped with a number indicating code compliance, they’re essential for high wind zones.
Sealing the Envelope: Protection from Wind-Driven Rain
Weather-resistive barriers provide a secondary water-shedding layer that protects the interior wall assembly from water damage. Using membranes with high breathability and drainability prevents the intrusion of wind-driven water and promotes moisture evaporation in the wall cavity.
Key Products:
Grip-Rite offers several weather-resistant barriers (WRB) across price points and applications. Solutions range from heavy-duty, self-adhering to economical, mechanically attached products.
Wall assembly
ProWrap™-SAis a premium self-adhering house wrap and air barrier with significant drainage and vapor-permeability ratings. Designed for primerless installation, this UV-stable WRB brings future-focused features to the building envelope.
House Wrap-LWE is a mechanically attached house wrap that packs high performance and durability into a lightweight package. Designed for residential use, it’s UV-stable and translucent for easy attachment.
Commercial Grade-D is a mechanically installed house wrap that’s a heavier version of LWE. Designed for use in commercial applications, it’s UV-stable and puncture-resistant.
WeatherResistor-HP is a drainage-grade WRB with a high-vapor transmission rate for exceptional performance. Once attached, it resists wind, reducing callbacks.
Roofing Underlayment
ShingleLayment®-HT is a heavy-duty ice and water shield for high-temperature roofing applications. Self-adheres directly to the roof deck, providing a waterproof layer suitable for full-roof installation. Intended for use with asphalt shingles, metal roofing, clay and concrete tiles, and wood shingles and shakes.
Eave and Valley Protector is a self-adhesive weather resistive membrane that provides additional protection against wind-driven rain and ice dams. Roofers install this product around roof edges, chimneys, valleys, vents, and skylights. Used as a secondary water barrier.
ShingleLayment Premium® is a mechanically attached shingle underlayment with our patented shingle print. Stronger and lighter than comparable felt products, it’s water-resistant and lays flat when rolled across the roof deck.
ShingleLayment-15 Pro® is a mechanically attached, non-skid roofing underlayment with enhanced performance features. Printed with an overlap seam and nail pattern, it’s easy to install and provides more coverage than similar felt products.
ShingleLayment 15-LWE-GREis a lightweight version of 15 Pro with our patented shingle print. Textured on both the front and back sides, it provides enhanced traction for safety.
Window and Door Flashing
Grip-Rite® ProwWrap™ FLEXis designed to create a seamless water barrier along the bottom sill of window installations. Once removed from the backing, it’s easily conformable to hard-to-fit spaces. Combined with other Grip-Rite WRB products, it helps preserve the air and water barrier that protects the interior of the wall assembly.
Grip-Rite® ProWrap™ Butylis designed for use around window and door openings to help preserve the air and water barrier. Primer-less installation and high-performance features ensure a seamless transition between openings and the rest of the building envelope.
Staying Strong on the Surface: Decks, Fencing, and Outdoor Structures
Homes built in Tornado Alley have plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. Builders frequently include decks and patios to enhance homeowner enjoyment. To protect these structures from the same wind forces that put homes at risk, Grip-Rite fasteners have plenty to offer.
Key Products:
Exterior Screws
DeckForce® Exterior Screwsare a premium exterior screw designed for a superior grip and fast installation. Coated with PrimeGuard® Nano, they’re nearly impervious to the elements and have a limited lifetime guarantee. Available in popular colors, they’re ideal for decking, fencing, and other outdoor applications.
DeckForce® Composite Screwsare a premium exterior screw designed for use with composite and PVC decking materials. The head and threads of these popular fasteners are designed to reduce mushrooming and provide a superior hold. They come in several popular colors and we back them with a limited lifetime guarantee.
Ninja® Hidden Deck Clip Systemis a premium hidden deck clip system with high uplift resistance that is compatible with grooved deck boards. Comprised of starter clips, the Ninja hidden deck clip, and a stabilizer tool for faster installation. Quick and easy to install, we’ve engineered this clip never to stop gripping.
Installation Matters: Best Practices for Extreme Weather Zones
Using the correct fasteners only works when installed correctly. Most manufacturers specify how many and how far apart fasteners may be to achieve the best performance features. Beyond manufacturer recommendations, which should meet code, third-party recommendations can enhance performance in high-wind regions.
For up-to-date installation guidelines, look for documents that specify the exact placement for maximum performance. Technical evaluation reports are an excellent place to begin your search when using a new fastener in your project. Always check with an engineer if using a product that isn’t spec’d in your design.
Wrap-Up: Grip-Rite Products for Code-Ready, Storm-Ready Construction
Building in high wind zones doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Architects, engineers, and builders can harden structures against serious damage with the right products and knowledge. Innovative approaches to creating a continuous load path increase efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Grip-Rite building products engineers design with the future in mind. Building envelope solutions that drain and breathe, fasteners that provide unmatched speed and corrosion resistance, and a name you can trust.
