Why Do I Need to Install Storm Braces?

Palmakos standard range of garden houses comes equipped with either wall-mounted wooden storm braces or in-wall metal rods, ensuring enhanced protection against storm damage. For thinner walls, the wall-mounted wooden storm braces are used, while metal rods can be used for wall thicknesses of 44 mm and above. Please refer to the installation manual to confirm which type of protection is included with your garden house.

Wall-mounted storm braces

Storm braces should be attached to the first apex log from the top (on the front and back walls for gable roofs, and on the side walls for flat roof cabins). Ensure there is enough space between the lower end of the storm brace and the floor/ skirting board to accommodate the natural settling of the logs. Without this space, gaps may form between the wall logs. If necessary, shorten the storm brace.

Attach the storm braces to the inner sides of the apex walls using the supplied bolts. It is important to pre-drill the logs as indicated. Follow the distances specified in the provided diagram to prevent issues caused by wood swelling or shrinking. 

Make sure that the storm braces are attached to the apex log from above and to the second  wall log from below. If needed, trim the upper ends of the slats for proper fitting. 

Do not tighten the screws fully to allow for natural wood movement. Once the house has settled, adjust the attachments to ensure the wall logs can settle properly. Always tighten the nuts by hand, not with tools. 

In-wall threaded rod for storm protection

In-wall threaded rods are concealed after installation but remain adjustable when needed.

Be sure to install the threaded rod before attaching the roof. Insert the rod into the pre-drilled holes at the tenon ends.

A captive nut should be placed at the top, while a nut and washer should be installed at the bottom.

Always tighten the nuts for the metal rods by hand, not with tools. Regularly check the nuts and adjust them by loosening or tightening as needed.