From torrential downpours to high winds to snowy conditions, extreme weather can take a significant toll on building structures. Efforts to improve buildings to withstand extreme weather have improved significantly. Resiliency has been an increasingly important topic in the metal building industry and while we are in the middle of hurricane season, there’s no better time to discuss than now. Increase the resiliency of your steel building by being prepared with the right accessories and codes & loads.

Steel Accessories – Gutters & Trim

The last thing you want as a building owner is to have to replace an entire metal structure, when you could’ve taken the proper steps to avoid damage in the beginning. While they may not seem important when getting the final quote of your building, after all, you’re only wanting a metal building, these accessories have far ranging benefits even if unseen in the initial quote process. Gutters keep water away from the foundation and help prevent washout if there is no concrete, sidewalks or skirting. Trim helps close all open panels and makes metal building’s panel edges closed off for wind and rain. Heritage also provides wind loaded overhead doors and wind loaded walk doors if you are concerned about high winds.

Metal Building Codes and Loads

Far sturdier than traditional buildings, steel buildings are not prone to the same type of damage from weather as can be expected with other building materials. Designed, tested and rated to withstand different levels of extreme weather, metal buildings demonstrate extraordinary strength. Every building comes with a ground and roof snow load as well as a wind speed rating, wind exposure category and seismic design category. These codes and loads, as they’re referred to, are based on environmental structural loads caused by natural forces like wind, rain, snow, earthquakes and extreme temperatures. Therefore, you can have some piece of mind in knowing that your metal building has withstood testing methods to ensure it is truly durable.

While we cannot guarantee protection from every weather-related event, like flooding, metal buildings protect against a long list of unfavorable weather conditions. For more questions on metal building resiliency and precautions you can take in the design process, contact your local Heritage representative.