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Metal Buildings, Carports, and The Importance of Engineering: Know Before You Build

Find out how VersaTube specially engineers your steel building system to meet your needs and adhere to local building codes.

by Gregg Rezabek on September 15, 2011

So you’re considering a carport, garage or building for that much needed cover, shade, storage space, or workshop. You’ve done your research and decided on a steel building or shelter for its proven strength, durability, longevity and value. Comparisons can be made on quality, ease of assembly, price. One important factor should never be overlooked – Engineering. Doing a little homework in advance will keep you from possible surprises and additional costs later. Before you build, ask two key questions: 1) Does my city or county require a permit for my new metal building or carport? Check with your local building or zoning authority to see what permitting and certification, if any, is required. If a permit is needed, determine your local zoning restrictions, such as required set backs, distances from other structures, fireproofing, etc. Equally important is identifying the required ground/roof snow loads, wind loads, seismic activity, and flood area factors that could affect both the configuration of your steel building or carport as well as its permit approval. Drawings and calculations stamped by a licensed engineer must be submitted with your permit application and other required documentation to your local authority. Be prepared to pay some fees for both the certified stamped engineering package as well as the permit application. It’s a small price to pay on the front end to insure your structure passes code requirements then to ultimately face possible fines and penalties for erecting an unapproved building or shelter without a permit. 2) What is the manufacturer’s approach to incorporating engineering in the design of their metal buildings or carports? Unfortunately, many non-engineered steel buildings and carports are sold every day to unsuspecting customers. They are designed to sell at a bargain basement price – with minimal components and dimensions that won’t even meet the most basic code requirements. Whether or not you need a permit to build, it is to your advantage to work with a manufacturer that starts by pre-engineering and pre-fabricating a standard building system that will achieve the more common snow/wind load requirements in most areas. Then, make sure the manufacturer can adapt your structure’s design and configuration to meet or exceed your local building codes and permit approval processes. It is important to make any necessary adjustments with the manufacturer prior to ordering your new metal building or carport to avoid any potential code violations and additional expenses to make corrections at a later date. At VersaTube Building Systems, engineering is integral to every steel building or carport we sell. We won’t design, manufacture or offer a structure that does not pass engineering and local load requirements. It’s that simple. Choose to work with a manufacturer that recognizes the importance of an engineered product – and don’t settle for anything less.