Wait! My House Is Swaying During High Wind—What Should I Do?
By: Dr. Farzam Maleki, PE – SurfZone Engineering Consultants
Updated: January 11, 2025
If your house feels like it’s swaying during high winds, it’s a sign that your roof framing system may need professional attention. A properly designed roof framing system not only supports the structure against gravity (e.g., snow loads), lateral (wind) forces, and uplift loads but also stabilizes the exterior walls against outward or inward movement.
Why Does My House Sway in the Wind?
If you notice your house swaying during high winds, it may result from:
Inadequate Roof Framing Specifications:
Components like rafters or ceiling joists might not be sized correctly.
Excessive Span or Improper Load Distribution:
Overextended spans weaken structural integrity.
Weak Connections Between the Structural Components:
Poorly secured framing allows for movement during storms
These issues compromise your home's stability, and ignoring them could lead to severe structural failures.
Understanding the Roof Framing System
Your roof’s structural integrity depends on several key components:
Rafters: These are the sloped beams that form the roof’s framework, supporting the roof covering and transferring loads to the walls.
Trusses: Pre-fabricated triangular units that provide strong, lightweight support to the roof.
Ceiling Joists: Horizontal beams that provide a base for the ceiling and help tie walls together to prevent outward movement.
Ridge Boards or Beams: The central beam at the peak of the roof where rafters meet, ensuring structural alignment.
Collar Ties: Horizontal ties between rafters to reduce roof sag and provide additional stability.
Improperly designed or installed roof framing—including incorrect sizing, placement, or material—can cause excessive deflection, leading to structural instability.
Steps to Protect Your Home from Wind Damage
1. Inspect and Identify Weak Points
Use this checklist:
Are the rafters or trusses sagging?
Are there signs of cracks, splits, or separations in framing components?
Is the roof securely connected to the exterior walls?
Is there any evidence of water damage or rot on framing elements?
2. Contact a Professional Engineer
Schedule an evaluation with a licensed structural engineer if you suspect structural instability. A structural engineer can provide:
Structural inspection of your roof framing system
Structural analysis of the existing framing for the snow and wind loads.
Weaknesses in identifications in connections and framing components.
Detail structural analysis report for reinforcements.
Learn more about our Residential & Commercial Structural Inspections.
Why Professional Assessment Matters
Your roof is a critical component of your home’s structural stability. A professional assessment not only ensures compliance with safety codes but also helps you avoid costly repairs by addressing issues early. SurfZone Engineering Consultants can provide expert evaluation, structural analysis, load calculations, and customized reinforcement solutions to ensure your house remains safe and secure, even during high winds.
Have concerns about your roof framing system? Contact SurfZone Engineering Consultants today for a professional evaluation.