Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?

Reinforced roof-to-wall strapping (hurricane ties)

Passive

One of 3 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.

Metal straps and ties that fix the roof firmly to the walls. In a storm, wind passing over the roof pulls it upward; the straps hold it down so it stays on the house. They are cheap, quick to fit, and protect the whole building from its most common storm failure.

Cost

Low

Upkeep

None

Skill to build

Basic

Lifespan

Galvanized steel connectors: 50+ years if kept dry; stainless in coastal/humid exposure lasts longer than mild steel

Embodied carbon

Low

Space / material use

Low

Output timing

None

Skill to repair

Basic

Inputs

none

Outputs

• Hazard protection

Compare the 3 ways to meet this need

Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.

• Reinforced roof-to-wall strapping (hurricane ties) (This page)
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: None · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you want cheap, quick protection for an existing roof against being lifted in a storm.
• Earth-sheltered / semi-buried form (storm resistance)
  Can I use it? Not in a flat · New build only
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: High · Skill to build: Intermediate · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you are building new on an exposed site and also want indoor temperatures that stay steady all year.
• Low-profile hip roof form
  Can I use it? Not in a flat · New build only
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: None · Upkeep: None · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you are designing a new roof and want the house to stand up better to wind at no extra cost.

Sources

• Structural hardware manufacturer durability data (general galvanized-steel-fastener industry consensus)

Limitations of this page

We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.