Wind loads, snow loads, and engineering certifications are not just technical jargon — they determine whether your building survives severe weather. Here is what you need to know.
Why Load Ratings Matter Every county and municipality in the United States has specific requirements for how much wind pressure and snow weight a building must be able to withstand. These requirements are based on local weather history, geographic factors, and building codes. A metal building that is not engineered for your area's load requirements may fail in severe weather — and may not be approved for a building permit. Wind Load Ratings Explained Wind load is measured in miles per hour (mph) and represents the maximum sustained wind speed a building is designed to withstand. The most common ratings are: 105 mph: Standard for most inland areas with moderate wind exposure 130 mph: Required in many coastal areas and hurricane-prone regions 150 mph: Required in high-risk hurricane zones (South Florida, Gulf Coast) 170+ mph: Required in the most extreme wind zones Your specific wind load requirement depends on your county, your building's size and height, and its exposure category (how open or sheltered the site is). Snow Load Ratings Explained Snow load is measured in pounds per square foot (psf) and represents the weight of accumulated snow a roof can safely support. Common ratings range from: 10-20 psf: Southern states with occasional snow 30-40 psf: Mid-Atlantic and Midwest states 50-70 psf: Northern states and mountain areas 80+ psf: Heavy snowfall regions (New England, Great Lakes, Rocky Mountains) How We Engineer Your Building Every metal building we sell is engineer-certified for your specific location. When you place your order, we input your county and state into our engineering system, which generates certified drawings showing that your building meets or exceeds all local wind and snow load requirements. These drawings can be submitted with your building permit application. What Affects Load Requirements? Several factors determine your specific load requirements: Location: Coastal areas have higher wind requirements; northern areas have higher snow loads Building size: Larger buildings experience more wind force and snow accumulation Roof style: Steeper roofs shed snow better; vertical panels reduce wind resistance Exposure: Buildings in open fields face more wind than those sheltered by trees or other structures Elevation: Higher elevations generally see more wind and snow Do Not Skip the Engineering We occasionally hear from customers who bought cheaper buildings from other dealers that were not properly certified. When severe weather hits, those buildings are the first to fail. Proper engineering and certification is not an optional add-on — it is the foundation of a safe, long-lasting structure. All of our buildings use 14-gauge steel framing as standard, with options for 12-gauge in high-load areas. Every building ships with engineer-certified drawings stamped for your specific county. Call us at 833-722-7678 to discuss the load requirements for your area and get a free quote on a properly engineered metal building.