Certified Vs. Non-Certified

When embarking on the construction of a steel structure, determining whether you require a permit is crucial. Local building authorities might necessitate a permit, and in such instances, a Certified building is imperative. Certified buildings come with engineered stamped approval blueprints, which are essential for obtaining a building permit.

Even in the absence of permit requirements in your locale, numerous advantages beckon when upgrading to Certified. A Certified building is tailored to comply with local codes, with its certification extending to weather resilience. Factors like high winds, substantial snow loads, and extreme conditions are integral to the engineering of your structure, resulting in a markedly stronger, safer, and more enduring edifice.

Upgrading to a Certified building also avails mobile home (auger) anchors for ground installation, which are superior to the standard pin anchors deployed in Non-certified buildings. Although auger anchors are accessible for non-certified units, they incur an additional fee.

Standard features of Non-certified steel buildings include knee braces on four corners and a channel peak brace. Conversely, a Certified structure boasts a peak brace on every bow and knee braces on every leg, enhancing its structural integrity.

Warranty advantages are another merit of Certified steel buildings. For instance, a 14 gauge non-certified building provides a 30-day workmanship warranty. Certifying the same building ensures a minimum wind rating of 130 mph, snow rating starting at 35 lbs/sf, and extends the workmanship warranty to 1 year. A 12 gauge non-certified building offers a 20-year rust-through warranty, which, upon certification of the 12 gauge frame, retains the 20-year rust-through warranty, along with wind and snow load ratings.

OUR RECOMMENDATION Permit necessity notwithstanding, National Custom Builders recommends certifying any metal structure exceeding 24 feet in width, 31 feet in length, or with legs stretching 8 feet or taller. The additional bracing and anchors bolster your building's support, promising longevity. For smaller edifices, an upgrade to a 12 gauge Certified incurs a relatively minor cost surge, yet the accrued benefits justify the investment, rendering it a worthy expenditure for enhanced structural fortitude and peace of mind.