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What Are H-Clips & Why Are They Important?

New Roof with h-clips

If you have ever wondered what H-Clips are for when resheathing your roof, this blog post is for you. We are going to be discussing what exactly H-Clips are and why you need them for your home. Let’s get started!

What Are H-Clips?

H-Clips are tiny pieces of metal with cutouts to hold two pieces of roof deck sheathing together. In short, they help stabilize the roof decking, as well as, provide an expansion gap. We will go into detail on why this is important later on.

h-clips
From The Home Depot

If You Do Not Have H-Clips

If your roof sheathing is installed without H-Clips, your roof decking might buckle on itself during regular expansion and contraction of the wood. This can cause waves and bumps on your roof. In addition, this could lead to poor water drainage and eventual leaks. Finally, if the plywood is less secure, you might risk falling through the roof.

Missing H Clips
Missing H Clips In Attic
Wavy Roof From Missing H Clips
Wavy Roof From Missing H ClipsPhoto Credit: Colvin Inspections

Are They Required?

H-Clips are required by code in the International Residential Code. However, some local jurisdictions may not require them so it’s important to check in your area.

Even if they are not required, we highly recommend H-Clips to improve the longevity and durability of your roof sheathing.

Learn More About H-Clips

Final Thoughts

H-Clips are needed to improve the longevity and durability of the plywood. Moreover, the expansion gaps allow for the safe expansion of the wood.

Call Waypoint Property Inspection to inspect your home in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and surrounding areas.