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Are Your Sheds Hurricane Proof?

February 15, 2023•7 min read

Let’s dive right into what can help make a shed hurricane proof, and things to look for when buying a shed to make sure it can last through winds and storms.
How can I help make my current shed more hurricane proof?
What to look for when buying a new shed to help make sure it’s hurricane proof.

Here are two simple ways to help protect your current shed from a hurricane and oncoming heavy winds.

Invest in Shutters and Shields

Shutters or shields are a great way to protect your windows from heavy winds and debris flying around. Shutters will protect the glass from breaking and prevent damage to the shed. Shutters can be a decorative addition as well, but when the winds come you’ll be able to shut and lock them in place allowing proper protection for the shed windows.
Consider the Foundation
It’s recommended that sheds and metal buildings should be anchored 3 ft. deep into the ground to allow for more stability and a higher wind rating. When placing a shed on a property general questions arise as to what foundation it should be placed onto. Should one invest in a concrete pad or will it be just as secure on soil? Often when placing a shed on a concrete pad it just creates more of a hinderance for the installers. Companies will place the anchors beside the concrete pad and attach it to the shed by chains or various methods to help keep the shed in place. Drilling and anchoring directly into concrete is also an option but is the more expensive route and often times more of a hassle. With metal buildings it’s common to install on a concrete pad as it would be providing a base for the structure. Sheds on the other hand are portable and come with a base which eliminates the need to install an additional base. Concrete pads are usually more than half the price of a shed and even the same price as a metal building. If you choose to invest in concrete as a foundation, we recommend it be for your own personal or practical reasons as it is the more expensive option and isn’t necessary for a stronger wind rating. An example of a practical reason is if a yard has a tendency to flood or shift. Putting a shed on soil that’s prone to moving will result in the shed becoming unleveled after a while or even sinking into the ground. To make sure your building can have better wind rating ensure they are anchored properly into solid ground and make sure the shed is placed on a foundation that won’t shift or sink.
Here are 5 tips to look for when buying a new shed to make sure it has a higher wind rating and will last through storms.
1. Look at the roof design
2. Make sure it’s quality materials
3. Does It have hurricane straps?
4. See what the warranty is
5. Shed insurance bonus tip
Roof Design
One way you can help make sure your shed is hurricane proof is by paying close attention to the roof design when purchasing a new shed. Choose a durable roof design. Roofs with a broken up surface area can handle stronger winds. Gable and hip roof styles are popular and help increase wind rating. Coinciding the length of overhang on the roof of the shed is another factor. Make sure there isn’t too steep of an overhang that could possibly cause an uplift. Uplifts are when wind has the ability of picking up your roof right off its walls.
Materials
Make sure the shed is made from quality material. A sturdy foundation and strong side paneling will give a better wind rating. Plastics and vinyl sheds have the benefit of being fire and insect proof but have the downside of being structurally less sound. For durability, plastic is not recommended as it’s the weaker of the materials is not as strong. Depending on the build metal sheds can be flimsy and prone to rust if manufactured by a low quality company. Each material has its pros and cons. For a more in depth comparison of shed materials click HERE.
Shed4less sheds offers a wind rating of 170mph, so you can rest assured that your belongings will be safe in one of our sheds. Our sheds are made out of aluminum with a wood pressure treated base. All the metal used in the construction of the shed is galvanized and won’t ever rust.
Hurricane Straps and Ties
What is a hurricane ties?
Hurricane ties are just as the name suggests. They are steel attachments that help reinforce sheds making them stronger and more wind resistant.

4 Main Types of Hurricane Ties.
1. Simpson Strong tie 20 gauge mp36 is an easy to use tie that can be installed by simply hammering them into the wood. The MP36 ties can also be used to mend broken or missing wood. These are optimal for strengthening connections between wood as they can be hammered in quickly and placed all around the shed at every joint.
2. Simpson Strong tie H1 clip is most commonly used. It sits between the truss or rafter and attaches on two sides. Where the plate is attached with four screws it creates a stable connection between the walls and roof.
3. H2.5A and S/H3 hurricane ties attach to the side of trusses and rafters. Compared to the other ties mentioned these provide moderate support and protection from the wind as it attaches to the side.
4. Simpson’s H10 Series of strong ties create a powerful resistance against uplift. They also are compatible with different styles of rafters and trusses. The H10 hurricane tie fits different roof slopes as it is angled.
MP36 in shed example
Simpson Strong tie 20 gauge MP36
Simpson Strong ties H1, H2.5 and H10
What is a Hurricane Strap?
Hurricane straps are longer metal straps that can be attached to the base of the shed and walls as well as the roof and walls. These straps help create a stronger connection between the sections you choose to attach them to. Where hurricane ties are placed on the inside of a shed, hurricane straps are normally placed on the exterior of the frame before the walls and roof are placed on, allowing for a stronger hold and more aesthetically pleasing interior. Adding both straps and ties is recommended to ensure optimal wind endurance from the shed.

Hurricane strap example
Sheds produced in states that have frequent hurricanes often come with hurricane straps. But with mass produced sheds this isn’t always the case. When choosing a new shed take the time to look and see if they have hurricane straps or ties on it.
There are other types of connectors but these are the main ones used most commonly with sheds. Use any of these hurricane straps or ties on your current shed to help strengthen it or buy a new one fully equipped to withstand high wind. Here at Shed4less all of our sheds are equipped with hurricane straps and hurricane ties that will help enforce the whole foundation and to give the sheds a strong wind rating of 170mph. Shed4less sheds are made in Florida for Florida weather.
Are you needing to install your own hurricane straps?
Click the here to see how!
Warranty
When purchasing a shed, always check to see what the warranties are. Most quality sheds always come with a warranty and wind rating. If a new shed does not openly give you the wind rating and have some form of guarantee then consider spending the extra cash and upgrading to a different brand. For example if you’re looking for hurricane proof sheds Sheds4Less offers sheds with a wind rating or 170mph. We offer a wide selection of hurricane rated sheds that are built to withstand even the strongest winds. Plus, all our sheds come with a 20 year manufacturer warranty for even more peace of mind.
BONUS TIP
When Buying a shed through financing or Rent to Own the majority of the time these companies require you to pay a monthly insurance on the shed. Shed insurance is usually worked into the deal as it is required and oftentimes customers aren’t always aware of this fact. Shed insurance sometimes covers damages to sheds from storms and will even replace the shed completely if the damages are not repairable. Check with the financing or Rent to own company to review their insurance policies.
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to hurricane proofing your shed and buying a shed that is made to last throughout the years and endure hard storms. Stay safe