Metal Buildings Certification Requirements

What Are Certified Metal Buildings?

Certified metal buildings are structures that are tested to withstand the average wind, snow accumulation, and seismic activity in a given region. This certification guarantees that your metal building is constructed with the necessary materials, design, and anchoring systems to provide safety and durability in these conditions.

But what does that mean for you? Is a certified metal building right for your needs? Below, we’ll break down the defining features of these structures and help you make an educated metal building purchase.

What Are Non-Certified Metal Buildings?

Non-certified metal buildings do not require engineering approvals or adherence to specific building codes. They’re typically used in areas with mild weather conditions where there are no
strict building regulations.

These structures are more affordable and suitable for temporary or small-scale applications, such as garden sheds, carports, or storage units where structural strength and regulatory compliance
are less critical.

Comparing Certified Vs. Non-Certified

Factors	Certified Metal Buildings	Non-Certified Metal Buildings
Framing Thickness	14-Gauge or 12-gauge Options	14-Gauge or 12-gauge Options
Made to Handle Light Wind and Snow	Yes	Yes
Minimum Wind Rating	80 mph	Not Rated
Minimum Snow Load	30 lbs. per square foot	Not Rated
Maximum Wind Rating	150-180 mph	Not Rated
Meets or Exceeds Local Building Codes	Yes	No
Engineering Drawings	Yes	No
Stamped/Raised-Seal Plans	Yes (with fee)	No
Designed to Meet Specific Wind and Snow Loads	Yes	No
Braces	Knee braces on all legs, Peak braces on trusses.	Comes with Four Corner Braces
Extra Anchors	Yes	Optional
Meets Safety Standards	Yes	Not Required
Greater Durability	Yes	No
Better Weather Resistance	Yes	No
Better Weather Resistance	Yes	No

Certified Metal Building Standards

While no one-size-fits-all certification system exists, most manufacturers will base their standards on the average wind loads, snow loads, and seismic loads in a region. Let’s explore these terms:

Wind Loads:

The force exerted by wind on a structure must be accounted for in building design to prevent damage or collapse during high-wind events. Regions with high winds will need thicker framing and paneling to accommodate these forces.

Snow Loads:

The weight of accumulated snow and ice that a building’s roof and structure must be designed to support without collapsing. If you’re building in a region with an above average snowfall amount, you’ll want to consider designing your structure that can withstand it.

Seismic Loads:

The forces generated by ground motion during an earthquake, which buildings must be engineered to withstand to prevent structural failure. Steel naturally flexes when met with seismic forces, but if you live in a region with lots of seismic activity, you’ll want to seek a certified structure.

Anchoring Systems:

Anchors are used to secure a building to its foundation. These anchor systems will depend on the foundation type you choose. For regions with volatile weather, concrete foundations are often the prime choice.

Engineering Plans

Certified metal buildings come with detailed engineering plans that include structural calculations, design drawings, and an engineer’s stamp. These plans demonstrate that your structure complies with local building codes and works to provide a blueprint for safe construction.

These engineering plans are also often required when applying for building permits, so having them handy can greatly streamline the process.

Choose Certified Metal Buildings from American Metal Buildings

American Metal Buildings is proud to be a leading provider of metal buildings, metal garages, metal barns, and steel structures of all kinds. Our buildings are engineered with high-quality components and built to take on a lifetime of service in some of the toughest environments in the US. They’re backed by industry-leading warranties and craftsmanship guarantees and are certified to hold up to your neck of the woods.

So, what are you waiting for? Call our experts at +1 (877) 277-3060, and we’ll walk you through the process step by step. We’ll help you find the right certified metal building for your needs and deliver it to your doorstep at no extra cost to you.

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