Straps, bolts and the chain that holds a roof down
Every link is specified, and every link gets counted.
In short: Metal straps required at the plates and tie down bolts missing, recorded repeatedly.
What the chain is
The continuous run of fixings from roof to top plate, plate to studs, studs to bottom plate, bottom plate to slab, resisting uplift.
What we recorded
Metal straps required at top and bottom plates on five occasions, and tie down bolts missing from bracing on four.
Why a single missing link matters
The chain is only as strong as its weakest connection, and the engineer sized each one for a specific load.
Why it is easy to leave out
Straps and bolts are small, cheap and numerous, installed at pace by people working to a schedule.
Timing
Frame stage, while the frame is open and the carpenter is still engaged.
Written by the Owner Inspections team from inspections carried out in Oran Park. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.
