Construction method called into question after Moore tornado

Many Moore residents found out after the tornado that the walls of their destroyed homes were nailed to the foundation rather than bolted.

To some it was a surprise, but home builders say bolting the walls down is actually an older method. Nailing the walls down was largely adopted in the 1970s.

Brian Weisman from High Pointe Homes says the nailing method is a little less expensive, but doesn’t compromise the structure’s integrity.

“From a practical standpoint, the limiting factor is not the bottom plate. It’s going to be where the plywood on the house attaches to the plate.” Weisman said. “The plywood is the limiting factor from a wind standpoint.”

He says a brick home, for example, is just as strong no matter which method is used because the weight of the bricks holds the home down more than the anchoring does.

Weisman’s advice… Get a safe room.