What are flat straps commonly used for in construction?

Flat straps are commonly used in construction as securing ties. Their primary function is to connect various structural elements, ensuring stability and integrity in the overall framework of a building. They provide tension and reinforcement between different components, such as roof structures or walls, helping to prevent movement and maintain alignment, especially during events such as high winds or seismic activity.

While options such as support in wall framing and connection points for beams might imply some level of structural involvement, flat straps are specifically designed to act as ties rather than primary supports or connectors like beams or joists. Joist hangers, on the other hand, serve a different purpose altogether as they are designed explicitly to support joists, rather than acting as ties. Thus, the use of flat straps is distinctly associated with securing and stabilizing elements in construction.