Kauai County, HI Hurricane Preparedness: Roof Standards (2026)

Section R328, Complete Load and Uplift Ties, was added to the International Residential Code by Kaua'i County Code Section 12-2.3(43) to reduce wind-induced damage to conventional light-frame construction (R328.1). It applies to regular-shape buildings with a roof structural member spanning 32 feet or less that are no more than three stories (R328.2); detached carports, garages, workshops and similar accessory buildings of 600 square feet or less need only satisfy the roof-member-to-wall-tie rule. Section R328.5.6 requires tie straps from the roof-framing member to the exterior studs, posts or supporting members below, with every intermediate rafter tied to the exterior plate by an approved galvanized connector installed per the manufacturer's specifications; the eave overhang is capped at 3 feet unless an engineer's analysis shows the added overhang still resists uplift.

R328.5.7 requires opposing rafters to be aligned and tied at the ridge. R328.5.9 requires solid roof sheathing, either 1-inch nominal diagonal lumber or 15/32-inch wood structural panel nailed to the framing with staggered joints over blocking or rafters. R328.5.10 caps gable-end overhangs at 2 feet absent an equivalent uplift analysis. R328.5.11 requires roof covering to be installed per the code and the manufacturer's instructions, with asphalt shingles carrying self-seal strips fastened with at least six fasteners per shingle. Plans showing compliance with R328 are reviewed by the Building Division before a permit issues, and framing is inspected before roof covering is installed.