Heavy Snow Load and Steel Buildings

The headlines are in. For most of the country, 2016 started off as one of the harshest winters to go down on record, with record snowfall that meant most of the Northeast was stuck under several feet of snow for days on end. While the year’s opening blizzard only shed snow on a handful of states, the harsh winter weather is not as limited. From coast the coast snow has fallen, and the farther north you go the more severe that snowfall becomes. Even the southern United States received a light layer of snow, accompanied by harsh winds and icy temperatures that don’t usually fall that far south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

What Snow Means for your Building Needs

This high level of snow fall means a lot of different things, including the potential for ice on the road that can mean incredibly dangerous driving conditions. One risk that is particularly stressful to many people throughout the northern states is the build-up of snow on the rooftops, as this can create a heavy pressure that puts your building under undue stress.

If your building isn’t strong enough to stand up to the snow, then you could be facing a roof cave-in or even greater structural damage.

The good news is that steel and metal buildings from Worldwide Steel are built with what it takes to handle the heavy and harsh snow pile-ups required in each area of the country. In fact, it is found that metal and steel buildings may actually be better suited to handling higher snow loads than traditionally framed homes.

When the snow does fall, you want to rest assured that you have the strongest building in the business. This is what Worldwide Steel can offer for you. From small garages to massive work equipment sheds, you can get the confidence you need that you have a solid building that will stand up no matter the weather.

Snow is the heaviest and most dangerous when it is compacted. If you live in a climate where compacted snow could develop, then it is important to take weather precautions under consideration when building your structure. Compacted snow is heavy due to the layers of ice that form in between the layers of snow. Be educated about the weather risks in your area and know what you need your building to stand up against when making your choice of materials. Steel and metal buildings can be used for garages, workshops, and residential and commercial needs, and are easily insulated to make the inside just as comfortable as the outside is sturdy. For more information about metal buildings, contact us.