How do steel buildings withstand inclement weather conditions?
Short Answer: There are various ways your steel building withstands inclement weather: anchors for high winds, engineered trussing for snow loads, steel sheeting for dent resistance, and vertical sheeting for rain and debris runoff.
Snow
When researching pricing for your steel building, you may notice that most pricing “varies by area”. This is due to the fact that steel structures are engineered to meet your local snow load to withstand the weight on the roof of the building. For example, for any structures installed in high snow load areas such as the state of Michigan and the state of Wisconsin, the building is engineered with closer spacings. However, for any building installed in areas with lower snow loads such as Illinois, Indiana, or Ohio, the building is engineered with spacings that are further apart. The style of trussing also changes! All spacing calculations and trussing styles vary among contractors, so we recommend checking in with your contractor to assure that your building is engineered to meet the local snow load requirements for your area.
Wind
When you purchase the recommended number of anchors, you are wind-certifying your steel building to withstand winds up to a specified speed. The number of recommended anchors for your building and the wind-certification vary greatly among contractors. Some contractors may add more anchors than others and some may certify your building for a different wind speed than others. Other factors that may affect the number of anchors your building requires include: your area, your building size, and your installation site. Wind-certifications can typically range from 90 miles per hour to 140 miles per hour. If you happen to be in an area where you believe your structure could possibly be affected by high winds, inform your contractor.
Rain/Water
When purchasing a steel structure, you’re trusting that the building will be able to protect your valuables and shield them from various weather conditions such as rain or sleet. Here at MW Steel Buildings, all buildings 32’ wide and up are manufactured with vertical roofing and siding for easy run-off. Vertical roofing and siding are engineered with additional framework as well for significant reinforcement. Some contractors may even offer standard packages that are included in your project to help the building withstand water. For example, all MW Steel Buildings structures that are 32’ wide and up include complimentary concrete sealant that helps eliminate issues with water seepage beneath the base rails. Check in with your contractor if you’re concerned about water issues in your area.
Hail
One thing that can cause severe damage to your valuables includes hail. If not properly protected, your automobiles, recreational vehicles, and other valuables can be greatly affected by hail. One way to ensure the items you are storing in your building are protected are to ensure your steel building has hail-resistant properties. For example, MW Steel Buildings uses steel sheeting that has 40% more resistance from dents caused by harsh hailstorms. However, all manufacturers use different grades of steel sheeting, so it’s important to understand what material your building will consist of to assure it is meeting your needs.
MW Steel Buildings
(877) 368-8244
For more content, follow us on:
