If there is a break in this chain, damage will occur. In regards to gravity the load paths start at the top of the roof and work down to the foundation and finally, to the supporting soil. For the most part, these loads are supported by the element below them. Technically, gravity forces do not require a connection between structural components to support the load above if the load is applied directly on top of the supporting member below. Wind creates forces on a house that work in different directions than the downward direction of gravity.
Wind creates sliding, overturning, and uplift forces on a structure.
Uplift forces, in particular, cause much of the damage seen in windstorms. Damage can happen anywhere along the chain of structural components. The design and construction of these connections must be considered carefully, keeping in mind the basic concepts of how the load path chain works. There are several major connection points common to houses. Each one of these connection points is a potential failure point.