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When were staples banned for roof sheathing attachment in Florida?
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Staples for roof sheathing attachment were excluded in the first edition of the statewide Florida Building Code on its effective date of March 1, 2002. They just don’t have the resistance to uplift in a storm comparable that's to nails.
Hurricane Andrew, which caused massive roof failures as it swept across Florida in August, 1992, was the impetus for this and other code upgrades that improved residential hurricane resistance. Some local building codes, such as the South Florida Building Code, even banned staples a few years earlier—probably in 1997. Thanks to code expert Jerry Peck for providing this bit of Florida code history.
Also see our blog posts When did the Florida code start requiring roof sheathing nails to be ring-shank instead of smooth? and Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses? and Are H-clips required by the building code for roof sheathing?
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To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts:
• Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?
• Why is granule loss a problem for an asphalt shingle roof?
• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?
• What causes roof shingles to curl up at corners?
• What causes shingles to buckle along a line on the roof?
• What causes leaks at a fake roof dormer?
• What causes a sagging roof ridge line?
• What causes bubble-like blisters in a built-up and gravel roof?
• Why does it cost so much more to replace a steep roof than a low slope roof?
• What is "ponding" on a flat roof?
• Is an attic required to have a light by the building code?
• How can I inspect my roof for hurricane damage?
• Why is premature curl of roof shingles a problem?
• How can I tell if a roof has more than one layer of shingles?
• What are the common problems with attic insulation?
• What is the life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof?
• What's the average lifespan of a roof?
• Why is it a mistake to replace a roof and not replace its flashings?
• Why is there no attic access hatch in the house?
• What is the building code requirement for an attic access hatch, scuttle, or door?
• Does a roof with multiple layers of shingles last longer?
• What can I do to prevent roof leaks?
• Are roof trusses better than roof rafters (stick framing)?
• Why is a popped nail in a shingle roof a problem? How do I fix it?
• How can I tell if the house needs a new roof?
• Why does my homeowner's insurance want a roof inspection?
• What are the hazards to avoid when going into an attic?
Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.
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