How Bad Weather Affects Pre-Fabricated Structures
The weather can be unpredictable throughout the year. How do you determine what your site should be prepared for? Below, we’re talking about what to look for and how we can help you build a better pre-fabricated structure that will withstand inclement weather.
We don’t have a square footage cost
Customers often ask Shelters Direct why we don’t have a square-footage price for our products, and one reason is the weather in your location. While our products are simplistic, we are not a “one size fits all” company. Elemental considerations of your location will always affect the price of your structure. Below, we feature some common weather-based considerations.
High Snow Area
If your structure is designed for a location with annual snowfall, your quote will be based on the “snow load” calculated for your area. For shelters, gable and hip roofs are the most common types in areas with high snowfall, but they are not required if your location sees a lot of snowfall. Canopies do not require a hip or gable roof, but a hip or gable roof can always be added as an aesthetic choice.
Another common snow concern is snow drifts. “Drift loads” assess the proximity of buildings near your structure that could drift snow onto your roof. In the event of heavy snowfall and high winds, taller buildings can throw more snow onto your roof. These calculations keep your shelter safe and also suggest what type of shelter modifications you’ll need.
Wind Loads
Areas with the potential to experience high wind gusts also affect a structure’s price, and there are various types of wind loads to consider. The average amount of wind that flows through any area needs to be considered when pricing and designing a structure. High winds can compromise a structure because of the pressure that is put against it. The size of your structure determines how high winds affect it. Most wind loads are designed for the pressure that wind can put on your structure. These are carefully calculated for safety.
Elemental Factors Must be Calculated
Snow loads, drift loads, and wind loads are certain types of codes that an engineer must research for your location. Codes for shelters are a little more lenient, but still need to be reviewed by an engineer. Canopy drawings, however, must always be stamped by a professional engineer. Loads vary by state and can even differ within the same county! Because of this, careful consideration and calculation are necessary to ensure a safe design. Understanding these calculations isn’t just important; it’s mandatory. These calculations ensure that your structure is designed safely and efficiently. Shelters Direct is here to help you with your questions regarding specific loads, but submitting your drawings to an engineer beforehand will help your project move forward
Shelters Direct has been a trusted source for the supply and installation of booths, canopies, shelters, and prefabricated guard booths for over 30 years. We work with a wide variety of clients throughout the United States and abroad to provide quality products and expert installation so you can be confident that we will get the job done right. Are you Interested in learning more about how a pre-engineered canopy could benefit your business? Contact us today! And don’t forget to keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, too.