Here Are Eight Tips On Protecting Your Commercial Building From High Winds With Steel Building Accessories
When constructing a commercial building in regions prone to high winds and tornadoes, resilience isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Structural failure during severe weather can lead to catastrophic loss of life, property, and business continuity. Here are some essential specifications and recommended steel building accessories that every commercial building should include to stand strong against Mother Nature’s fiercest forces.
1.Reinforced Steel Framing Systems
Steel framing is the backbone of wind-resistant construction. Unlike wood, steel offers superior strength, durability, and flexibility. Pre-engineered steel buildings (PEMBs) can be designed to meet stringent wind load requirements, often exceeding 150 mph, which is crucial for tornado-prone zones.
2. Secure Ventilation and Louvers
While ventilation is crucial, louvers and exhaust systems must be designed to resist water intrusion and structural failure under pressure. Wind-driven rain and debris can wreak havoc if openings are not protected with reinforced or mechanically fastened louvers.
3. Wind-Rated Roof and Wall Panels
Your roof and wall panels must be rated for the wind speeds in your geographic region. Look for panels tested under UL 580 or ASTM E1592 standards. Seamless interlocking systems and fasteners designed for uplift resistance are also key to preventing breaches during a storm.
4. Anchoring and Foundation Design
A building is only as strong as its base. Deep, secure anchoring systems—such as embedded steel anchor bolts and reinforced concrete piers—prevent uplift and lateral movement. Foundations should be designed to handle not just wind loads but also suction forces common in tornadoes.
5. Wind-resistant doors and Windows
Standard doors and windows are often the first to fail under high pressure. Use impact-rated, reinforced doors with heavy-duty frames. These elements help maintain your building’s envelope and prevent internal pressurization that can lead to collapse.
6. Aerodynamic Building Design
Rounded edges, sloped roofs, and minimal overhangs help deflect wind rather than resist it. While you can’t change the path of a tornado, you can reduce wind loads on your structure through smart, aerodynamic design.
7. Secondary Drainage Systems
Don’t let wind-driven rain become a silent threat. Secondary roof drainage systems—such as overflow scuppers and interior downspouts—help avoid ponding and structural water damage when primary drains are blocked or overwhelmed.
8. Safe Rooftop Access
Protection for your commercial building is critical both before and after storms. Regular maintenance, as well as inspections (especially after storms) are essential to keeping your roof structurally sound. An OSHA-compliant rooftop walkway system is crucial to safe access for your maintenance team and upkeep of your commercial roof.
Build Strong. Build Smart. Build With Design Components, Inc. Steel Building Accessories
If you’re planning a commercial build in a high-wind or tornado-prone area, incorporating these specifications is not just smart—it’s essential. And when it comes to steel building accessories that meet and exceed these standards, Design Components, Inc. has you covered.
With over 47 years of trusted expertise, Design Components, Inc. supplies top-tier steel building accessories from high-performance louvers and roof hatches to the METALWALK® rooftop walkway and safety handrail system. We work with architects, builders, and contractors to ensure our products for every commercial building are ready to face the storm.
