Shielding Your Vehicles: Metal Garages Vs. Weather Extremes

If you live in the US, you are not unfamiliar with unexpected weather events that are both surprising and devastating for most within the range. While we can’t stop these from happening, we can surely take precautions to minimize the risk and damage.

Let’s evaluate steel garages on different scales to see how they perform and what distinguishes them from traditional materials. Let’s get going, shall we?

Performance Of Steel Garages In Different Weather Conditions In America

Weather Event No. 1. Hurricanes & Tornadoes

Hurricanes are tropical storms that accompany strong wind and heavy rainfall surging over an area. For instance, hurricane Wilma has a record speed of 185 miles per hour. Tornadoes are high winds that last for a few minutes and are accompanied by severe thunderstorms. El Reno has set a record of 300 miles per hour of wind speed.

An engineer-certified steel garage can withstand wind speeds up to 180 miles an hour. They can survive most high-speed wind phenomena unless there is a direct hit. Most areas have local building codes that set minimum standards for metal structure designs. These are compulsory to follow. Metal buildings can be efficiently designed to comply with all local rules and guidelines.

Weather Event No. 2. Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms bring rain and gusts of wind over 90 miles per hour, which can temporarily cause a power cut. Lightning strikes on metal are a genuine concern as metal is a good conductor. But for your peace of mind, metal is safe, sturdy, and non-combustible, which means that, unlike timber, it won’t catch fire on lightning strikes.

With the help of lightning protection systems (LPSs), lightning will safely be carried from the top to the ground. The current passes from frames towards the ground, keeping inside equipment safe and people secure.

Weather Event No. 3. High Temperatures | Heatwaves

Year after year, the temperature breaks all records. With the increase in temperature comes heatwaves. High temperatures can lead to fire outbreaks and leave people vulnerable. You can install effective insulation with a proper vent system with steel buildings. This will make the inside cooler and decrease pressure on the HAVC system, thereby saving your energy bills.

You can also use reflective paint on the metal building’s exterior to reflect most of the sunlight. If nothing works, split air conditioners are the best choice for cooling down the interior.

Weather Event No. 4. Heavy Snow Load | Hail & Snow Storm

Winter weather is quite prominent in the US. You get snowstorms, hails, and blizzards during winter months. The robust framework makes steel garages bear more load than traditional materials. Certified metal structures can tolerate snow loads of up to 40 pounds per square foot or even more.

They are made of a 12-gauge frame and 26 or 24-gauge panels that can stand firm in the worst winter conditions. The 6:12 roof pitch allows melting snow to slide off the metal roof without posing a danger to someone standing beneath it.

Weather Event No. 5. Rainfall

The US receives an annual precipitation of 30.28 inches. In the case of a wooden building, panels rot and decay due to moisture absorption. The timber may twist, bend, expand, contract, or crack, needing expensive repair and replacement.

On the other hand, metal is a non-porous material. It does not absorb moisture from the external environment. With galvanized steel, you get a zinc coating that creates a layer between steel and the outside world. This prevents rusting.

That’s not it! Metal is also resistant to pest and termite attacks. However, it does not support fungal growth, such as molds and mildews, which are common in wood subjected to rainfall.

Weather Event No. 6. Wildfires

While you may argue it is not a weather event, wildfires are still affected by weather like extreme heat and dryness. Once they start, they are hard to control. There are many instances where wildfires have destroyed homes, barns, and livestock. The structural steel coated with fire retardants such as intumescent, vermiculite, etc., can withstand a fire outbreak for up to four hours.

Insulation also helps to slow down the spread of fire from one section to another. This will give you enough time to vacate the metal barn or call for help. Metal is also non-combustible material. Hence, it doesn’t catch fire like timber. 

Weather Event No. 7. Seismic Loads

Earthquakes can occur at any time within a region prone to seismic activities. That’s why building codes have set minimum seismic load requirements that a building must have. Steel garages can meet and exceed these requirements easily.

What Other Features Make Metal Building So Attractive For A Garage Unit?

Ready To Upgrade Your Parking?

Our durable, robust, and low-maintenance steel garage gives unmatched protection for your vehicles and belongings. Say goodbye to weather damage with Viking Metal Garages. We offer premium quality materials that can withstand the test of time. From harsh sunrays to snowy storms, our garage can handle it all.Order now to get attractive offers! Don’t miss out on our limited-time deal, ‘Building of the Week.’ Call (704)-741-1587 to get all the details. Let’s build your dream garage!