Wind-Protective Design Techniques for Metal Buildings

It’s important to consider local climate conditions when planning steel buildings. Yes, steel buildings are known for their durability and buildings up-to code should be able to withstand straight-line wind speeds of up to 90 mph. However, they’ll still require extra support if, for instance, strong winds frequently blow through the area. 

If you live in a windy area, here are some wind-protective design techniques you might want to consider while planning a metal post-frame building: 

Wind Pressure on Door Openings 

There are different types of winds, with each one exerting a certain amount of pressure on a building. Normally, the pressure would only be exerted on the exterior of the building. But if the doors are left open, winds could exert pressure on the inside and outside of your building, placing a lot more stress on the building’s structure. We’d recommend taking this extra wind pressure into account during your construction project’s design phase and keeping the doors shut when they’re not in use. 

Here’s a tip: To find out the direction of the prevailing winds in your area and their average wind speeds, you use a tool created by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service. 

Adequate Hole Depth and Anchoring 

When prevailing winds blow against a building, they exert upward pressure on the facade, which is why the holes for columns should be deep enough to provide sufficient support against wind uplift. How deep should the holes for column anchors be? As a rule of thumb, the holes should be at least 4 feet deep. Their depth should be increased if particularly strong winds frequent the area. 

Proper Spacing 

Using more lumber for structural support and spacing the girts closer together help reinforce the structure of a carport or steel building. 

Here’s another thing you should remember: Local climate definitely plays a big role in building design, which is why it’s best to consult a contractor or manufacturer that’s familiar with the local climate conditions. Remember: There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach in construction projects. 

Metal Warehouse, Inc. is the state’s leading manufacturer of quality steel products, including metal carport kits, in the state. To request a quote, call us at (903) 465-6699 or fill out this form.