Caribbean Disaster
Mitigation Project
Implemented by the Organization of American States
Unit of Sustainable Development and Environment
for the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Caribbean Regional Program
THE ROOF
WHEN THE WIND PASSES OVER THE ROOF IT SUCKS THE ROOF UPWARDS AND THE RIDGE CAN PULL APART. THE RIDGE MUST BE HELD TOGETHER. THIS CAN BE DONE BY USING:
COLLAR TIES - Timbers connecting the rafters. Nail them to the side of the rafters, not the face or the nails will pull out.
GUSSETS - Usually made of steel/plywood. This is used at the ridge.
If the rafters are not secure, the ridge can fall apart when strong wind passes over the roof.