American Made!

Quite often I am asked where "Cable-Tite" is made. The answer: Gallatin, Tennessee. You may wonder why a foundry in Gallatin TN manufactures a hurricane tie-down system that's used in high wind regions outside of Gallatin TN.

We are first of all, a foundry, started in the 1950's making steel parts for a number of industries, including military, automotive, aircraft, and nuclear plants. A new home builder came to us to solve the problem of hurricane tie-down systems that were either difficult to install or lacked hold-down capabilities.

As a result, our engineers patented this cable tie-down system for uplift protection to meet a demand for better protection than current systems that use stamped aluminum hurricane clips or threaded rods. At Cable-Tite we love to say that we exceed codes, that we are better than we have to be, and "that it's not tight, until it's Cable Tite"

The three steel parts, the anchor nut, the anchor cap, and the top plate are made from poured steel in our foundry, the same basic steel materials used for tanks and machine guns. Steel, poured at 2800 degrees, not stamped out aluminum clips. The cable vises are made for us in Chicago.

So, when we say "Made in America" it is!!! Buy America!!!!

Retro-fit???

I receive many phone calls about using Cable-Tite to"retro-fit" for wind storm protection. It seems that homeowners are keenly aware that their homes were not adequately constructed 10, 15, 20, 30 yrs ago. They currently have no high wind uplift protection from hurricanes or other straight-line winds. So, they call me....

First of all, I am thrilled that they have watched the Cable-Tite video, read the Cable-Tite information, and want the best, most robust tie-down system available. The question is about the possibility of retro-fitting their current home. Cable-Tite is designed for new home construction. However, if the home owner is willing to make the effort, then, yes, Cable-Tite can be used for retro-fit.

But, it's a lot of work. You need to have access to the foundation with the anchor bolts and to the top plate, and the area between the studs needs to be open. Cable-Tite is only installed in the outside walls, so there's no need to open the interior walls. Retro-fitting with Cable-Tite is easiest during a remodeling project. Usually the walls are open which gives you easy access to the foundation and top plate and allows you to tighten the cable tightly and properly.

Sometimes the home owners are frustrated with the amount of effort and cost there is to retro-fit for high wind protection. Of the 8 high wind protection systems on the market, all require you to open the walls for proper installation. When you think about what you are trying to do...that is, secure the top plate to the foundation, you realize that you have to have access to both them.

I applaud those home owners who see the need and spend the time and effort to install a secure high-wind protection system, and who realize Cable-Tite is the best and the easiest to install. Remember that your home is only as secure as the system you install.

For any reading this that are contemplating new home construction.....please.....insist on installing Cable-Tite soon after the roof is installed, and while the walls are still open.

If you are considering a retro-fit, call me for advice and tips.

Tornado in Cleveland TN.

Wednesday afternoon a tornado touched down in Cleveland TN, near my daughter's house. She sent me a photo of damages to a house nearby. I am posting it because this is a classical mistake in building codes, and a mistake that Cable-tite can correct. Look at the close-up on the left of the foundation. Notice that the top block is still attached to the house. This is because the anchor bolts were set in the top row. They held......but what didn't hold was the mortar joint.

The sad part is that this house is built "to codes". At Cable-tite, we have pushed to build "beyond codes". If the builder had installed the anchor bolts into the footers (or slab) and attached Cable-tite to them with extended cable attached to the top plate, this problem would have been avoided. The cost during construction for Cable-tite could have been approximately $1000, and the house would have been secure.

Cable-tite is not considered tornado protection. A heavier wind would have destroyed the house with or without Cable-tite. But in this particular case, it would have saved the house.

For builders reading this.....please.....sink the anchor bolts into the footers, EVEN if you chose not to use our products. There is virtually no cost for doing that. Call me and I'll help guide you in building a more secure home.

Homeowners.....ask for Cable-tite by name. Cable-tite is the leader in hurricane protection and straight line winds that create uplift. This most recent flurry of tornadoes had straight-line winds, some over 100 MPH in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Cable-tite is concerned about your safety.

Multi-generational Housing

In early 2007, housing took a downturn, and still today isn't near the 2006 levels for new home construction. However, the demand for housing did not decrease. That is, new households continue to be established at the same rate. The problem felt nationwide was that the new household didn't have the funds to purchase either an existing home, or a new home. The trend for two households to share the same dwelling is increasing.

But, this is nothing new. In 1900, 57% of homes had two or more households of multi-generational families living together. Quite often there were persons over 65 living with their extended family. With the post-war boom through the end of the century, the percentage decreased to approximately 16%. However, since 2000, there has been a 30% growth in multi-generational family dwellings.

What does all this mean? It means that architects and new home builders are reconsidering the master plan to include space for either returning children called "boomerang" kids or older parents. This often includes two master bedrooms, one level housing, finished space in either the attic or the basement, or even a "suite". Some small families are including a separate living space for rental income. Builders are referring to the added or finished space as "Residence Two".

At Cable-Tite we realize that whatever the housing trends are, there is still a need for high-wind uplift protection. Maybe even more so with more lives to protect. Don't overlook the need for a continuous tie-down from the anchor bolts to the top plate. The Cable-Tite system is the only hurricane tie-down system to offer "continuous" tie-downs, and it exceeds new home construction code requirements.

The case FOR home ownership

TIME magazine published a story in Sept 6, 2010 issue about the loss of the American dream of home ownership. Not only was it a discouraging article, it was wrong! There is nothing more central to the American way of life than home ownership, and that dream is just as alive today as ever. Young couples can take advantage of the lower interest rates to make home ownership affordable. It gives them a root for growing their families and establishing a stable community.

TIME looked at home ownership as an investment, from a financial side. True that prices haven't escalated as in the past, but it is still a sound investment. A home is far more than a financial investment. It is an investment in the family, which still today, is the American Dream.

Home building has a strong economic impact on the local economy. This is why Obama and the economic stimulus package gives rebates and tax credits to new buyers. The growth of new home construction, some say, will have the greatest impact on overall American economic recovery. Home owners paying real estate taxes are the primary source of local government funds. More home owners, more money in the local ecomony for better schools, better roads, better community!

Studies show that home owners are keeping their houses longer. Therefore, it would make more sense to build a better, more secure home. Spend a few extra dollars to build beyond codes. that includes adding the best hurricane tie-down system available, Cable-Tite. It was designed by engineers to exceed construction codes for protection from high wind uplift by using cables attached from the top plate to the anchor bolts for maximum protection.

Buy a new home with confidence about your investment in your family and your future, and insist on Cable-Tite uplift protection.

Brian Harris Homes - block foundations

From time to time we have questions about using Cable-tite as hurricane and high wind tie-down protection with block foundations. There is a little more work to anchor the top plate to the foundation anchor bolts, but it can be done.

I recently worked with Matt Harris at Brian Harris Homes, a new home builder in middle Tennessee. One thing I liked that Harris did was core fill the block to the footer. This offers much better hold down value than blocks with only the top block filled.

After the house was framed and roofed, I went to the crawl space and installed the anchor nut and cap. I drilled a 3/8 hole for the cable, then attached it to the top plate as standard installation. I crawled back under the house and locked the Cable-tite firmly in place.

NOTE: See the small blue electrical wire sticking through the floor above the drill in the photo above? I drilled a small 1/8" hole in the subfloor and used the blue wire to mark my place. Upstairs, I drilled the 3/8" hole for the cable. This is much easier when working in a small crawl space.

In this photo of the finished installation, note that the anchor nut, cap and cable vise are not seen. They are in the crawl space below.

Texas ranch house update

A In January, I had the privilege of working with an Austin TX builder and a home owner. We installed Cable-Tite in a ranch house. It was a magnificent home site, and a well-designed house.

Here are some photos of the house in May, and it's coming along quite nicely.

The first photo shows columns on the back of the house with lights installed in them. There are two Cable-Tite hurricane tie-down systems in each column. I installed them after the columns were framed. The beauty of Cable-Tite is that everything is hidden inside the walls. No one sees the uplift protection Cable-Tite offers, but the home owner feels safe knowing they are there.

The second photo shows small columns on the front porch. There is a 4x4 post holding the roof, and Cable-Tite in installed beside it to an anchor bolt. The post hold the roof up, and the cable holds the roof down. The tension of approximately 600 lbs. holds the cable, so the system is in constant compression, on a sunny day like this day, or in high-winds and stormy weather.

In addition to Cable-Tite throughout the perimeter walls for the house, there are metal hurricane clips securing every rafter to the top plate.

Thanks to the home owner, the builder, the engineer, and the architect for using Cable-Tite to exceed the construction codes for hurricane tie-down systems.

A better foundation!

Building a better foundation is the philosophy of Matt Harris with Harris Homes, new home builders. Cable-tite is working with him to install our hurricane and high wind tie-down systems in a new home for Tonya and Chaz Jetton.

My big complaint has been that most of the time the anchor bolt is only secured in the top block of the foundation. This makes the weakest part of the tie-downs the mortar joint between the top block and the one below it. As you can see in the right photo above, the mason is filling the entire cell with mortar, all the way to the footer. He also uses an 18" anchor bolt which secures it to the second block. This creates a much better foundation with which to attach the Cable-tite anchor nut. For Cable-tite to work correctly, the elements surrounding installation need to be strong. Harris believes the same, and proves it by filling the block. Thanks! Cable-tite will attach to the anchor bolt then connect to the top plate for the ultimate in uplift protection.

In the left photo you will notice that some of the anchor bolts are not perfectly straight. That is not a problem for Cable-tite because of the flexibility of the cable. It would not work with threaded rods.

Got the Blues????

Today's blog is a little different, but informative. As you know, Gallatin, TN is the home of Cable-Tite. But did you know Clarksdale, Mississippi is the home of the Blues. Check it out! http://www.shackupinn.com/

And if you love the blues, you will love Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale. Each room is a refurbished cabin, rugged on the outside as in by gone days, but clean, comfortable, and cozy inside. It's a great weekend getaway to listen to some authentic blues music played all over town. And spend the night in a cabin.

Now, we can add "safe" to the description. Recently they added Cable-Tite to the newly constructed cabins. You will notice in the photo that the cabins are sitting on piers. The owners were concerned about uplift protection from high winds and hurricanes. They contacted us and we worked out a plan for Cable-Tite usage to tie-down the cabins. Anchor bolts were installed into concrete beside the piers, and cable extended to the top plate. The flexibility of Cable-Tite makes it the only hurricane tie-down system that would meet construction codes for uplift protection.

Visit Clarksdale and the Shack Up Inn. Stick your head under the cabins and see the Cable-Tite system. Hopefully, you won't need it, but just in case, you know it's there. At the Shack Up Inn or at your house.......Cable-Tite offers peace of mind. (sorry, we don't offer "Blues")

IAPMO Evaluation Report - News Release

IAPMO ISSUES FAVORABLE CABLE-TITE REPORT

Gallatin, TN – On March 1, 2010 the IAPMO Certification Board issued an Evaluation Report which certifies that Cable-Tite meets the International Building Code for residential wood-frame construction in high-wind regions. IAPMO reviewed the certified Smith-Emery Laboratories test results with their engineering staff and determined that Cable-Tite’s claim as a hurricane hold-down system was true. The report, number 0170, is available to read online at www.cabletite.com.

New home builders continue to search for the most robust system for protection from uplift caused by high winds. There is a good, better, and best approach for what they choose. The metal hurricane clips are a good system that allows for minimum protection. The threaded rods offer better protection but are difficult to install. The best system is the “Cable-Tite” system that uses cables to create a continuous path from the roof to the foundation.

“Other current methods are time consuming and expensive. Cable-Tite is an easy system to install, in about half the time, and offers better protection”, says Dale Richardson, Business Development Director at Cable-Tite. “The high-strength steel cable is attached to the top plate and held securely in place with our patented cam locking cap and nut screwed to the concrete embedded anchor bolt.”

With the recent certification, engineers, builders, codes inspectors, and ultimately, home owners can request and use Cable-Tite Tie-Down Systems with confidence.

More Cable-tite 101 Tips

This is a Cable-tite tip for installing Cable-tite on a porch or deck or in any area that doesn't have a traditional top plate.

In this house being built by Ronald Deutch shown at the left, there were 2 - 2x12's used to support the roof rafters. They are sitting on top of a site-built column. We drilled a 1/2" hole in the crack between the two 2x12's for the cable to install between the anchor bolts and the top plate. The problem in this case was the inability to drill a one inch hole for the cable vise to sit. The roof was already constructed and there wasn't room for a drill.

We found two scraps of 2x4 and nailed them together. Then, drilled a one inch hole in them. They fit perfectly on top of the 2x12's and allowed the vise and steel top plate to sit properly. Once the cable was locked it was installed correctly.

This is yet another reason Cable-tite is the preferred cable tie-down system for builders who need uplift protection from straight-line and hurricane winds in high wind zone areas. The system is flexible on site, and didn't add more than 5 minutes to the installation.

Texas Hill Country

80 Cable-tite in Texas Ranch Home

Cable-tite just completed installation of 80 high-wind tie-downs in the Texas Hill Country new home of Ronald Deutch. Mr. Deutch chose Cable-tite for his uplift protection after studying several systems on the internet. This 3500+ sq ft. ranch style house sits on a hilltop and he felt he needed more than hurricane clips or threaded rods. He was glad to have a flexible cable system that adjusted easily to the framing of the house. Mr. Deutch's house far exceeds construction codes. It's encouraging to work with a person that understands the need for a safe and secure home by constructing a home much better than it "has" to be. My motto "Build Beyond Codes" and that's when Cable-tite excells.

I worked with Carlos Tellez and Jose of Tellez Remodeling and showed them how Cable-tite is installed. After approximately 30 mins, they were able to install them on their own. When we say this is easy and quick to install, we mean it. We averaged installing one every 11 mins. This included adding or replacing some anchor bolts.

Thanks to everyone involved in this installation....it went GREAT, and we all enjoyed working together. Yippee Ki-Yea

Dale is on Cajun Contractor's Show ....again!

http://www.lifestyletalkradio.com/weekend_hosts/archives/ht.shtml

Thanks to Michael King for the excellent show and interview on Home Talk USA, Saturday Dec 12th. The show archive link is above. I was on the last half of the show, the second hour, if you'd like to listen. He and I talked about the need for hurricane and high wind uplift protection using Cable-tite to meet construction codes. He asked me about the anchor bolts and about using the tie-down system instead of cumbersome hurricane clips. This was my third appearance on the show.....thanks Michael for your belief in Cable-tite.

The Cajun Contractor

On December 12, 2009, Mike King, "The Cajun Contractor" will interview me on his show from 10:30-11:00 AM. This show is heard nationwide on over 350 stations and the shows are archived on the Internet at http://www.hometalkusa.com/ Michael King loves to introduce new and useful construction ideas to the marketplace. He researches the products for their claims and only invites people on his shows whose product he believes will perform.

I met Mike several months ago when he was reviewing hurricane tie down systems and high wind storm protection. He and I talked about the benefits of Cable-tite at the New Orleans Home Show. He was impressed with the continuous tie down of the cable from the top plate to the anchor bolts.

Saturday, Dec 12, he and I will discuss the need to use a pretension cable system rather than cumbersome threaded rods and labor intensive metal hurricane clips. Cable-tite is excellent as uplift protection in other high wind zones outside the hurricane regions. It exceeds the construction codes in all areas of the country.

Listen in!

Product EXPO - October 22

Houston - The Product EXPO at the Sam Houston Racetrack on October 22 was an excellent success. Thanks so much to all the GHBA builders who came by and talked to me about hurricane tie downs and the Cabletite system for uplift protection. Mr. Jay Conner with MLAW Engineering in Austin helped me man the booth and was also thankful for those who came by the discuss windstorm engineering.

We had some displays available for demonstration of the cable attachment to the anchor bolts and the top plate and the vise that holds the cable. There were several who asked how the cable meets construction codes for high-wind areas. With it's 3200 lb hold-down strength, it far exceeds codes requirements, and is much more robust than hurricane clips. We look forward to working with several new home builders in the Houston area in the weeks and months ahead.

THANKS, Houston

THANKS to everyone who made me feel so welcome in Houston Aug 3-7, and to all those who had such interest in our Cable-tite hurricane tie-down system. I had the opportunity to meet a number of builders, both large and small. And everyone had a welcome and nice word to say about our high-wind uplift protection. I also met engineers who loved our system because it ties the house to the foundation with the anchor bolts.

A huge thanks to Lisa and D'Nita at GHBA. They were so helpful with suggestions about how they could help through GHBA. By my second visit, I felt right at home. Thanks for introducing me to so many people in the Houston home building market. We have volunteered to help and donate for the Benefit House, and want to participate in the upcoming Product Expo.

We are anxious to get started with projects in Houston. We will work with the developers/home builders any way needed to move forward with Cable-tite.

Lunch at LA House - July 9

A huge "THANK YOU" to Dr. Claudette Reichel and Margaret Pierce at the LA House on campus at LSU for letting us use the facility for the builders "Lunch and Learn" on Thurs, July 9. Excellent jambalaya!!! by LSU catering.



And thanks to all the builders who attended. It was GREAT to meet you.



I appreciated the opportunity to present Cable-Tite and explain how it works to meet construction codes in the high wind regions, like Baton Rouge. I had some samples of how the cable attaches to the anchor bolts and ties down the roof, the perfect hurricane tie-down system. There were a lot of questions about uplift protection since codes are soon to be changed to reflect high wind construction.



Again, thanks to all!

Cable-Tite testing

Do you remember the commercial of Dennis Green in a press conference and he says "they are who we thought they were". Well, we've just finished testing our Cable-Tite system at Smith Emery Labs in Los Angeles, and they certified our own in-house test results, confirming that "we are what we thought we were". YEAH!!!!!!!

When we get the "official" certified test results, we will post them on our website, but for now, the uplift protection is 6900 lbs. The failure was in the cable, not the cast parts. So, if you needed more than that in hold down value, we could change to 3/8" or 1/2" cable. Our cast anchor nut and cap looked like they'd never been used.

Once again, we are excited that the hurricane uplift protection of Cable-tite is greater than hurricane tie-down clips or threaded rods. We exceed construction codes, and now we have the data to back up that claim!

Comparisons

I am often asked how the Cable-Tite system compares with other systems. My first answer is that it's so much better there isn't even a comparison....ha! But seriously.....some of you want to know. So here's my answer:

There are three types of tie-down systems being marketed: the galvanized metal fasteners, threaded rods, and cables. Cable-Tite is a system that outshines all three in ease, cost, and efficiency.

The galvanized metal connectors are the most poplar because of price and they are readily available at most lumber suppliers, Lowes, and Home Depot. They are time consuming to install because they require many nails. They are only as strong as the weakest point, which in most cases is about ½ the strength of the wood. They satisfy the minimum requirements for codes approvals.

For the better builders, the threaded rods seem to be used more frequently. They are even more time consuming to install than the connectors because the rods must be exactly straight to be secured tightly. The rods are not flexible. They need to be ordered prior to construction if lengths are greater than normal inventory, and cut on-site. Since there are several parts to the threaded rod system, care needs to be taken to order all the pieces to install correctly. There are some problems with accumulated compression, and in order to address it in 2 or 3 story applications, those connectors are expensive.

There are some cable tie-down systems. They require advance ordering because they are cut to length, and are a time consuming installation. They require expensive epoxy glue and 24+ hour wait. The systems have little room for error in lengths.

The Cable-Tite tie-down system uses the patented cam locking cap and vise that is easy to install, flexible in lengths, and cost efficient. It requires no pre-order. It can be installed in minutes by your own crews. Since cable is cut to length on-site, it is adaptable to any ceiling height. There are no bulky parts to store. And, it exceeds codes requirements with over twice the uplift protection. It is simple to order because the same 5 parts fit all applications.

New Orleans Home Show

We are excited to announce that we'll be exhibiting at the New Orleans Home Show, March 26-29, at the SuperDome. Booth 817. We will be featured in the "What's New" section of the show. On Thursday evening we will be host to a Builders reception for all members of the New Orleans Home Builders Associttion - HBA-GNO. Please visit us there and see our complete hurricane tie-down system for securing home in a continuous tie-down from roof to foundation. It is the best and strongest uplife protection you can have. Come see how much easier it is than conventional hurricane clips and threaded rods.