Do log cabins or summerhouses need storm kits? Protecting your garden building from high winds
The UK weather can be unpredictable with winter storms and strong winds. With added factors such as exposed gardens and coastal locations, your log cabin or summerhouse needs to stand up to a variety of weather conditions.
All of Tuin’s garden buildings are designed to be durable enough to withstand these changing conditions but, in some cases, a storm kit can provide added protection and help to keep your investment looking and performing its best for years to come.
Whether or not your garden building needs a storm kit will depend on where it is located and how exposed it is. In this blog, we’ll help you understand what a storm kit is and whether additional protection could help your garden building.
What is a storm kit?
A storm kit is a system that can be attached to your garden building and provides additional resistance against high winds and storms that can affect your building during extreme weather.
Storm kits feature spring connections that adapt to movements in the timber, allowing it to expand and contract in changing weather conditions without compromising your log cabin or summerhouse’s structural integrity.
Movement of timber in garden buildings is completely normal but storm kits help to add extra support whilst still allowing for natural movement to occur. Storm kits use threaded rods positioned at key structural points of your building. The rods connect different sections of your building and help to hold important structural elements together during strong winds.
Can high winds damage garden buildings?
All timber garden buildings are designed to be extremely durable and strong but, in severe weather conditions, any outdoor structure can be affected. Strong winds can place strain on your building’s roof, gable ends, doors and windows, larger wall spans and exposed corners.
Prolonged exposure to strong winds and extreme weather conditions can place additional stress on your garden building over time, causing additional stress to the structure, wear and tear on fixings and additional strain around windows and doors. All of these factors can affect the structure over time and cause problems such as gaps, warping, cracking and splitting.
How do you know if your log cabin or summerhouse needs a storm kit?
Not all garden buildings require a storm kit and, if your building is in a sheltered garden or suburban location, it may not be necessary. However, there are a range of locations where additional protection can provide added peace of mind. Consider adding a storm kit if your building is:
In an exposed location
Positioned on high ground
In a coastal area
Facing open countryside or fields
Think about the location, exposure and intended use of your log cabin to decide whether additional storm protection could be beneficial for your building.
How to fit a storm kit
A storm kit is simple to install but is an effective piece of equipment for protecting your log cabin or summerhouse from strong winds or extreme weather.
For a step-by-step installation guide, watch our full video on how to fit a storm kit:
Step one: Assemble the parts
Tuin storm kits arrive in loose parts that need to be assembled before being fitted to your garden building. The parts include metal threaded rods, springs, metal brackets, nuts and screws.
Step two: Position storm kit in place
The top bracket of your storm kit should be fixed to the very top wall log of your garden building. The bottom bracket will then sit wherever the bottom of the storm kit falls depending on the height of the wall and the storm kit.
Position the top bracket and screw it into place.
Step three: Place and secure the metal road and springs
Add the metal rod into the brackets, place a nut and a spring at the bottom and tighten it so there is some tension. Then add a nut at the top of the storm kit to keep the whole thing together.
Keep your log cabin or summerhouse protected with a storm kit
Your log cabin or summerhouse should provide you with decades of enjoyment and help to enhance the overall look of your garden. However, like any outdoor structure, it is exposed to the elements all year round and continued exposure to strong winds and extreme weather conditions can place added stress on your building over time. Depending on your location, your garden building may be exposed to these conditions more often so added protection can offer an added layer of protection.
Adding a simple storm kit helps to hold important structural elements of your log cabin or summerhouse together during high winds, providing an extra layer of protection so you can enjoy your building for years to come.
If you live in a particularly exposed location, your garden building sits on higher ground, or you’ve noticed signs of movement during strong winds, we’d recommend adding a storm kit for added peace of mind.
Browse our full range of storm kits and garden building accessories to help protect your log cabin or summerhouse for years to come.
If you’d like further advice and guidance on any part of your garden building, please contact our expert customer service team.
For the next step in installing your log cabin or summerhouse, read the next blog in our complete series: