RT2A Hurricane Tie — Universal Rafter-to-Double-Plate Wind and Seismic Connector
The RT2A is an 18-gauge galvanized steel hurricane tie engineered for universal connection of rafters to double top plates, top plates to studs, and studs to sill plates. Designed for contractors working in wind and seismic zones, it eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming rafter notching while providing code-compliant resistance to lateral and uplift forces. The RT2A carries FL Approval #8283 and ICC ESR-1347, making it suitable for projects requiring documented code compliance. Its ergonomic design is specifically noted to improve and speed up ease of installation on the jobsite.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Item ID | RT2A |
| Connection Achieved | Universal rafter to double plate / top plates to stud / stud to sill plate |
| Steel Gauge | 18 ga. |
| Material | 18 ga. galvanized steel |
| Finish Options | G-185 Triple Zinc or Hot-Dip Galvanized |
| Codes / Approvals | FL Approval #8283, ICC ESR-1347 |
| Nail Schedule – To Rafters | 4-10d |
| Nail Schedule – To Plates | 5-8d |
| Nail Schedule – To Stud | 5-10d |
| Allowable Uplift Load (DF/L) | 850 lbf |
| Allowable Uplift Load (SYP) | 850 lbf |
| Design Feature | Ergonomic design improves/speeds up ease of installation |
The RT2A's universal geometry handles three distinct connection points — rafter-to-double-plate, top-plate-to-stud, and stud-to-sill — that would otherwise require separate connectors, reducing SKU count and simplifying procurement. Its 850 lbf allowable uplift load rating (for both Douglas-fir-Larch and Southern Pine) and dual finish options (G-185 Triple Zinc or Hot-Dip Galvanized) give contractors flexibility for varying exposure conditions and project specifications.
Key Features & Benefits
Ergonomic Design for Faster Installation
The RT2A is specifically engineered with an ergonomic profile that improves and speeds up ease of installation. On large framing projects where hundreds of ties must be set, reduced installation time per connector translates directly to lower labor costs.
Universal Three-Point Connection
A single RT2A SKU serves rafter-to-double-plate, top-plate-to-stud, and stud-to-sill-plate connections. This versatility reduces the number of connector types a crew needs to stock and manage on the jobsite.
Eliminates Rafter Notching
The RT & HT series, including the RT2A, is designed to eliminate expensive and time-consuming rafter notching. Avoiding notching preserves rafter cross-section integrity and removes a labor-intensive step from the framing sequence.
850 lbf Allowable Uplift Load
The RT2A is rated at 850 lbf allowable uplift for both Douglas-fir-Larch (specific gravity ≥ 0.50) and Southern Yellow Pine (specific gravity ≥ 0.55). Allowable uplift loads have been adjusted by a load duration factor C of 1.6 (160%), corresponding to the typical duration of wind and earthquake loads.
Dual Finish Options for Corrosion Resistance
The RT2A is available in G-185 Triple Zinc or Hot-Dip Galvanized finishes. Contractors can select the appropriate finish level to match project exposure conditions or owner specifications.
Dual Code Approvals
FL Approval #8283 and ICC ESR-1347 provide documented compliance for projects in Florida and jurisdictions accepting ICC evaluation reports. Having pre-approved connectors on hand simplifies inspection and plan-check submittals.
Common Applications
Rafter-to-Double-Top-Plate Connection
The RT2A's primary use case is tying rafters to double top plates to resist wind uplift and lateral loads in residential and light commercial framing.
Top Plates to Stud Connection
The universal geometry allows the same connector to tie top plates down to wall studs, providing continuous load path from roof to wall framing.
Stud to Sill Plate Connection
The RT2A can also be used to connect studs to sill plates, extending the continuous load path from wall framing down to the foundation level.
Wind and Seismic Ties for Trusses and Rafters
The RT & HT series is explicitly designed to provide wind and seismic ties for trusses and rafters, making the RT2A appropriate for projects in high-wind and seismic design categories.
General Purpose Tie and Strong Back Attachment
The RT2A is also suitable for general purpose tie use, strong back applications, or any attachment where one framing member crosses another.
Product Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What connections can the RT2A make?
A: The RT2A is a universal connector rated for three configurations: rafter to double top plate, top plates to stud, and stud to sill plate.
Q: What is the allowable uplift load for the RT2A?
A: The RT2A is rated at 850 lbf allowable uplift load for both Douglas-fir-Larch (DF/L) and Southern Yellow Pine (SYP). These loads have been adjusted by a load duration factor C of 1.6 (160%), corresponding to the typical duration of wind and earthquake loads.
Q: What nail schedule is required for the RT2A?
A: 4-10d nails to rafters, 5-8d nails to plates, and 5-10d nails to studs. Nails should be 8d or 10d common wire nails or 1-1/2 inch joist hanger nails.
Q: What finish options are available, and how do I order a specific finish?
A: The RT2A is available in G-185 Triple Zinc or Hot-Dip Galvanized. Availability of specific finishes requires a call to confirm stock.
Q: What code approvals does the RT2A carry?
A: The RT2A holds FL Approval #8283 and ICC ESR-1347.
Q: What minimum wood specific gravity is required for the rated allowable loads?
A: Allowable loads apply to wood or structural composite lumber with an effective specific gravity of 0.50 or greater (such as Douglas-fir-Larch) for the DF/L rating, and 0.55 or greater (such as Southern Pine) for the SYP rating.