Many Americans live in areas of this great country that receive substantial snowfall during the winter months-or for half of the year; it seems-which presents many challenges. From salt on the roads that can damage your valuable vehicles to the sheer weight that builds as snow accumulates, those who live in harsher climates have to consider things that those in more moderate areas do not, including investing in a winter garage.
Equipment that sits dormant through the colder parts of the year must be sheltered from the elements to avoid unnecessary damage, harvested crops can remain usable longer when housed properly, cars and recreational vehicles used exclusively during the summer can stay pristine, and the list goes on!
Conventional fabric buildings are simply too outdated and delicate to withstand season after season of harsh weather. In fact, they often fail to meet industry standards for extreme weather resistance and require frequent repairs, which are a tremendous waste of time and money.
Metal buildings, on the other hand, are rapidly rising in popularity for a myriad of reasons. This rise is only expedited by the recent technological advancements that have made metal buildings the best modern storage solution during the winter.
Read on to discover the many benefits of metal buildings and how they may just be the perfect option for you and your property!
Snow Loads
If you have lived in a snow-heavy area for a while or are familiar with the structural integrity of buildings, you likely know the effect of snow accumulation and the corresponding weight can have on a building. Even so, let us offer a brief explanation of snow loads and why they matter to those living in areas of high accumulation!
Light and fluffy, the snow has the appearance of barely outweighing the air around it. Appearances aren’t everything, though, especially when it comes to snow loads. The amount of snow is a major factor in its accumulated weight, of course, but the type of snow is also a huge factor. For example, very wet snow (as sometimes seen in the eastern United States) can weigh up to seven times more than its drier counterpart (common in the western U.S.).
It’s also easy to overlook the shocking amount of snow that can pile up over a season. Sure, it may only snow a few inches during one storm, but over the entire winter, it can grow to be several feet deep! Not only is the sheer volume of buildup concerning, but the distribution is also unlikely to be evenly distributed on a roof, creating distinct areas of extreme pressure. As the snow melts and refreezes as ice, that weight can redistribute, accumulate in particular areas of the roofline, and increase over time.
The design and slope of your roof will determine where this accumulation may occur. Wind patterns and temperature fluctuation can also impact the location and density of accumulation. In other words, there are numerous variables that one must consider when determining the necessary load capacity of a roof! That’s why we recommend talking to a metal building expert who has the knowledge and experience to guide you toward the best, most durable option for your geographic location and intended use.
Weight Capacities of Steel Buildings
By the nature of the materials used in metal buildings-metal (obviously), and more specifically, steel-they are incredibly durable and strong. As you might have guessed from the seemingly endless list of factors in snow load, there’s more to steel building design than brute strength.
Roof pitch is actually equally as important. The degree of slope in a roof affects strength and accumulation (a steeper slope is likely to shed more snow). For those living in areas that receive heavy snowfall, pitches of 3:12 through 6:12 are ideal. In other words, roofs that rise by three to six inches per 12 inches are your best option for limiting accumulation! Anything less than 1:12 is not recommended for those in snowy climates.
Vertical roof metal buildings are even well-suited for such climates because they feature vertical panels that encourage snow to shed, further limiting accumulation. These roofs can withstand 90 pounds per square foot of snow, making them the best metal carports for snow!
Metal Buildings: Perfect for Winter Storage
If you aren’t convinced yet that metal buildings make the ideal winter garage based on strength alone, consider these additional benefits! Thanks to their unique construction and materials, steel buildings offer natural insulation. You can even opt to add additional insulation to protect belongings that are temperature sensitive.
Metal buildings are also immune to pests, unlike wooden buildings. This means that nasty pests like termites won’t undermine the longevity and structural integrity of your winter carport! This, coupled with their water-tight nature, makes metal buildings the perfect place to store your valuable equipment, vehicles, crops, or anything else you can imagine!
If you’re looking for the perfect winter garage, look no farther than metal buildings. They require little to no maintenance, are impressively durable, and feature a host of benefits that truly elevate them above other options on the market for snow-heavy climates. American Metal Buildings offer the best quality and service across America without a hassle. For more information or to get a quote, give us a call on +1 (877) 277-3060. Our experts would love to hear from you and help you in any way possible!