Interactive Load Path

Follow the Force

Wind doesn't just push on your building - it travels through it. Watch the force move from roof to foundation. Every connection matters. One weak link and the chain breaks.

Current Force

lbs/ft

Control Wind Force

Wind Speed 185 mph

Building Height 30 ft

The Complete Load Path

Follow the force step by step. Each link must be strong enough to pass the load to the next.

Wind Hits the Roof

Hurricane wind creates pressure on your roof. In HVHZ at 185 mph, that's about 62 pounds pushing on every square foot. The roof sheathing catches this force first.

62 PSF Pressure

Sheathing to Trusses

Nails transfer force from plywood to trusses. That 6-inch nailing pattern in HVHZ? Each nail carries part of the load. Miss the pattern and force concentrates - bad news.

Nail Pattern Critical

Trusses to Top Plate

Hurricane straps connect trusses to the wall's top plate. These metal connectors are rated for specific uplift loads. A typical strap might hold 1,500+ pounds. No strap? Roof flies off.

1,500+ lb Capacity

Walls to Foundation

Anchor bolts or hold-downs connect walls to the foundation. Force from above travels through studs to the bottom plate, then through bolts into concrete. Spacing matters.

Bolt Spacing Key

Foundation to Earth

The foundation spreads force into the ground. Proper depth and reinforcement let the earth absorb all that hurricane energy. The force finally stops here.

Force Dissipates

Critical Connections

These are the heroes of your load path. Each one rated for specific forces.

Hurricane Straps

Metal connectors that tie trusses to walls. The most critical connection in HVHZ. Different types for different loads.

Up to 2,000 lb uplift

Anchor Bolts

Embedded in concrete, these bolts connect the wood frame to the foundation. Typical spacing is 6 feet maximum.

4,000+ lb each

Hold-Downs

Heavy-duty connectors for shear walls. These resist the overturning force that tries to flip your building.

5,000+ lb capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding load paths made simple

What is a wind load path?

A wind load path is the route wind forces take through your building structure. Wind hits the roof, transfers to walls, travels through connections, down to the foundation, and into the ground. Every connection in this path must be strong enough to handle the force. Think of it like a chain - it's only as strong as its weakest link.

Why is continuous load path important in HVHZ?

In High-Velocity Hurricane Zones, wind speeds reach 185 mph. If any link in the load path is weak, the building can fail. Hurricane straps, anchor bolts, and connections must form an unbroken chain from roof to foundation. One missing strap can cause roof failure. This is why inspectors check every single connection.

What are the main components of a load path?

The main components are: roof sheathing connected to trusses/rafters, trusses connected to top plates with hurricane straps, walls connected to floor with anchor bolts or hold-downs, and foundation connected to ground with proper embedment. Each connection must be designed for calculated wind loads.

How do I know if my connections are strong enough?

A wind load calculation tells you exactly how much force each connection needs to handle. Our calculator determines the loads based on your location, building size, and exposure. Then you select connectors rated for those loads. It's math - and we make it easy.