Watch your spacing of lateral restraint straps – a reminder of the regulations
Our surveyors are seeing more and more instances where lateral restraint straps to the head of gable walls are being applied at spacing greater than the maximum permitted 2m. Even if you are using pre-fabricated roof trusses, Part A of the Building Regulations and BS8103 remain clear that tensions straps should be no more than 2m apart.
Don’t rely on positioning lateral restraint straps at node points only
We see lateral restraint straps being placed at the node points of trusses, regardless of the spacing between these points. In cases where nodes are less than 2m apart, there is no problem. But in larger properties you should not rely on using node points alone for locating tension straps. The images below show an instance where the straps are too far apart, and not compliant with Part A of the Building Regulations and BS8103.
What the regulations say about lateral restraint straps
The regulations and BS8103 do not state that lateral restraint straps should be provided on the node points or longitudinal bracings only. They can be provided anywhere along the rafter line, with the strap hook turned over a full block and not partial or cut blocks.
Please Note: Every care was taken to ensure the information in this article was correct at the time of publication. Any written guidance provided does not replace the reader’s professional judgement and any construction project should comply with the relevant Building Regulations or applicable technical standards. However, for the most up to date LABC Warranty technical guidance please refer to your Risk Management Surveyor and the latest version of the LABC Warranty technical manual.
