Technical Guidance

7.2/11
Pitched Roofs to Garages – Holding Down Straps

(December 2008) (First issue)

Question:

Are holding down straps required to pitched roofs on detached garages?


Considerations:

  • BS 8103 ‘Structural design of low rise buildings’ refers to the use of holding down straps where dead loads do not exceed wind uplift forces.

  • Building regulations refer to holding down straps being needed dependent on pitch, type of roof covering and local experience of wind gusts.


Answer:

Holding down straps should be provided:

  • In accordance with NHBC Clause 10.1.9 and 7.2.6

  • Where the roof pitch is below 15° or the roof has a lightweight covering with a laid mass of less than 50 kg/m2.

  • Where local experience suggests there is a risk from wind gusts.