Reinforce Connections Between Building Components and Assemblies to More Reliably Transfer Loads Along a Continuous Path to the Foundation.

This measure not only provides protection in earthquake regions, but also in areas prone to high wind events. Ensuring that all assemblies from the roof to the foundation are securely connected to one another is simply good building practice and in most areas is simply required by code. Figure 9–8 shows some of most important connections.

To improve a home’s durability in seismic zones of moderate or greater risk, design for the next higher risk category for seismic (or wind) requirements as specified in the 2012 IRC. This will involve strengthening the load path connections beyond the code-minimum levels, and will also afford increased wind resistance for the home.