Simpson Strong-Tie, a provider of engineered structural connectors and building solutions, recently released an updated High Wind Guide to help engineers, designers, builders, and contractors quickly and easily select the ideal connectors for building resilient structures in high-wind areas.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a busy 2020 hurricane season, with a 60% chance of above-normal activity, which translates to an expected 13 to 19 named storms. With the frequency and forcefulness of tornadoes also on the rise, homeowners and building owners have incentive to retrofit existing structures to withstand high-wind events.

Connectors are a significant, straightforward, and cost-effective solution for boosting structural resiliency from hurricanes and tornadoes.

Created as a complete handbook for designing and building in high-wind areas, the Simpson Strong-Tie High Wind Guide includes completely updated allowable load tables per AC13 (ASTM D7147) standards, crucial data for engineers designing structures to resist high-wind events. Extensive testing of multiple connectors in some cases has resulted in higher allowable loads, most notably for the popular H2.5A and H2.5T hurricane ties, as well as for the Strong-Drive SDWC15600 Truss screw.

The High Wind Guide is now available in the Simpson Strong-Tie High-Performance Solutions for High-Wind Forces online resource center, alongside additional resources to help safeguard the structural integrity of homes and buildings during hurricanes, tornadoes, and other high-wind events.

In addition, the updated Guide includes installation details and information on coatings and corrosion protection. It’s organized by framing condition, with products listed in order of increasing allowable load, including values for connections that use multiple connectors.

New Simpson Strong-Tie connectors including the CSHP high-performance coiled strap, PSQ strap ties, and CBT concealed beam tie have also been added to the High Wind Guide for the first time. In addition, updated masonry connector tables feature the new Titen Turbo concrete and masonry screw anchor.

“Engineers and builders are determined to find more efficient high-wind construction solutions and ways to safeguard structures from hurricanes and tornadoes,” says Simpson Strong-Tie engineering manager Bryan Wert. “Simpson Strong-Tie continues to work with academia and others in the construction industry to help builders create more resilient communities with strengthened structures that save lives during high-wind events. In short, build with the best to prepare for nature’s worst.”