I recently wrote about the H1A hurricane tie in this post, which discussed the original H1 hurricane tie first appearing in 1972, and the subsequent changes over the years that led to our current H1A. The original H1 along with the H2 and the H3 were the first products to appear under the label “hurricane ties” in our catalog.
The H3 only attached to a single plate, whereas the H2.5 introduced in 1974 had longer legs and attached to both plies of a top plate for higher loads. In 1979 we started calling these connectors “seismic and hurricane ties” to emphasize that these products were capable of resisting earthquake as well as wind loads. In the mid-1980s, we added the lighter-gauge H4 and H5, and the heavier-gauge, higher-load H6 and H7 were added in 1989.
We improved the H2.5 with the development of the H2.5A in 2002. A better nail pattern, embossments to stiffen the part along the bend line, and higher-strength steel all contributed to increased uplift loads.
Simpson Strong-Tie has developed many additional hurricane ties beyond those discussed today. These new designs were driven by customer needs.
Fewer nails that attach to a single plate ➔ H3.
Installation on a 2×4 bottom chord of a truss thermal heel ➔ H2.5T.
Higher capacity H1A ➔ H10A.
