What are the different shed bracing types?

Shed bracing

Depending on the shed and your requirements, there are several different types of bracing that will be used to construct a shed. The correct bracing solution will ensure your new shed is strong, reliable, and safe – not to mention being compliant with local building codes.

In this blog we outline when shed bracing is needed, we also explore the various bracing options available and what this means for the structure and interior space. Read on to find out more.

Shed bracing

Bracing includes the structural elements or components that are used to provide additional support, stability, and rigidity to the overall shed structure. This is essential for preventing unwanted swaying, twisting, or collapsing which can occur under various loads and external forces such as wind, snow, or seismic activity.

Shed bracing also helps to distribute pressure more evenly throughout the structure, ensuring its strength and durability.

Types of bracing used in large steel sheds

The extent of bracing needed for a shed will depend on the shed's size, design, location, local building codes, and the environmental conditions of the area. Proper bracing ensures the shed's structural integrity, enhances its ability to withstand external forces, and contributes to the safety of the occupants and belongings inside the shed.

We recommend considering a combination of the following bracing solutions.

Roof bracing

Roof bracing in a shed

Roof bracing refers to the structural elements that provide support and stability to the roof system. These bracings are essential to ensure that the shed's roof can withstand various loads such as snow, wind, and the weight of the roof. This helps to prevent the roof from sagging or collapsing under pressure.

With structural steel sheds, roof bracing may include one or more of the following:

Wire roof bracing

This is also known as cross bracing, cross-over bracing, ‘X’ bracing, or wind bracing.

Compression purlins

These heavy purlins are concentric to the cross bracing and double as a tie brace.

Fly bracing

Strategically placed on every second purlin down to the bottom of the truss, fly bracing helps to stiffen the trusses.

Wall bracing

Wall bracing is used to stabilise the walls of the shed and prevent them from buckling or shifting.

Wind wall bracing

Standard wind wall bracing in a shed

Standard wind wall bracing is also known as cross bracing, cross-over bracing, X bracing, or wind bracing. It is fitted with a turnbuckle to allow easy tensioning and re-tensioning, making it suitable for reactive soil types that cause movement after build completion.

It also makes roof lifting erection faster and safer than more rigid bracing types and is the most cost-effective bracing solution overall. However, it does require an entire bay space to be effective and it can clash with planned openings.

Heavy duty bracing

Heavy duty bracing in a shed

Similar to standard bracing, heavy-duty braces are commonly used for structures that require a gantry crane, have extreme eave heights, or are located in cyclone regions.

Embedded columns

Embedded columns in a shed

Also called ‘cantilevered columns’, embedded columns are useful for sheds where standard bracing is not possible. Typically, this is applied to roof-only sheds such as yard covers where animals may lean on or injure themselves on exposed bracing.

Disadvantages of embedded columns include that it is slightly more costly than traditional methods and more difficult to install. This is because it requires propping and partial installation before the concrete pour or more than one concrete pour.

K-brace and strut brace

K and strut bracing in a shed

Named for the shape from above, K-braces connect to the columns at mid-height. Strut braces are an angled support used to join the roof framing with a principal rafter. One key advantage of this is the flexibility it provides for working around planned openings in the facade.

This bracing solution can also be used to push bracing upwards into the top half of the wall height. When bracing under the gutters isn’t viable, it can provide external bracing anchored to external pier footings.

The main disadvantage of K-braces and strut braces is that they are rigid and heavy. This makes it more difficult to install, and the heavier steel can be expensive, along with the potential need for more footings.

Structural steel sheds Australia

The ABC Sheds team is here to guide you through the engineering requirements for your shed. Simply contact us to discuss your shed design and we will take you through the bracing options available. For more details on the sheds we manufacture you can also take a look at our full brochure. You’ll find all the answers you need about the following sheds: