Are Steel Buildings Safe in a Hurricane? - Superior Sheds (2024)

FAQs

Are Steel Buildings Safe in a Hurricane? - Superior Sheds? ›

The Hurricane-Safe Qualities of Steel Buildings

Considering Florida's hot and humid climate, as well as the occasional heavy rain and threat of hurricanes, popular sheds include: Metal sheds: Galvanized steel or aluminum sheds are highly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. They can withstand Florida's humidity and heavy rains.

One of the benefits of building with steel is that it's better able to withstand wind speeds than other materials. In fact, steel buildings are able to handle wind speeds of up to 120 mph.

A gravel pad (crushed stone) with a lumber perimeter is the best shed foundation option in most cases. We recommend gravel shed foundations because they provide a stable base for your shed to rest on and do a great job of draining water away from the bottom of your shed.

A shed design for hurricane protection typically includes reinforced walls, a sturdy roof, and secure anchoring to the ground. These features work together to resist the powerful winds and flying debris common in hurricanes. Windproof shed construction materials also play a vital role.

Wooden sheds are not necessarily waterproof and are not resistant to fire or rotting. Metal sheds are more durable as they are fire, insect, rot, and weather resistant. They can rust, but they are more durable to the elements vs. wood.

Prone to Rust and Corrosion

Rust can be a concern with metal sheds. However, certain coating and maintenance can prevent the unsight rust from developing and eating away at the metal.

Most metal buildings have a wind rating of 120 to 170 miles per hour. However, winds exceeding 200 miles per hour can destroy even the strongest buildings. Metal buildings are incredibly strong and can withstand high winds without breaking.

On average, you can expect a metal storage shed to last over 10 years without any noticeable damage or need for extensive maintenance. Some can last even as long as 25 years. So, if you want a long-lasting shed that requires little-to-no maintenance, a metal shed is the way to go.

How big can a shed be without a permit in Florida? ›

Per the Florida Building Code, sheds 200 square feet or less and used exclusively for storage purposes are exempt from permitting requirements.

Florida also experiences many unique safety issues that contribute to why it is illegal to live in a shed in Florida. Despite the legal issues of living in a shed, Florida is known for hurricanes, flooding, and temperamental weather, making it an unsafe place to live in a shed.

In Florida, we typically locate the BOTTOM of our footings a minimum of 12" below the virgin ground.

Steel buildings are durable outdoor storage structures that are ideal in places where hurricanes are prevalent. Not only are they great for large storage, but they are also incredibly safe — even in the most severe types of weather.

Select a Sturdy Material

You don't want your shed to blow away at the first gust of wind. Heavy metal for your walls and roof will keep it in place. Sturdy lumber will also do the trick if you prefer wood. Make sure it's reinforced to your foundation with anchors, bolts, and ties.

Poured concrete and ICF construction are both becoming more popular as framing materials, because they're stronger and can better withstand natural disasters. Both materials offer a lot more stability than wood, and are less affected by things like moisture. They also hold up better to high wind speeds and impact.

Per the Florida Building Code, sheds 200 square feet or less and used exclusively for storage purposes are exempt from permitting requirements.

Vinyl sheds tend to be more durable. Vinyl sheds do not crack easily and are more weather resistant. They can usually withstand extreme temperatures better than other plastic sheds. This is a great choice for those who live in hot and humid climates.

Corrective Measures For Sheds:

If a slab is not an option, one could install screw anchors into the ground near the corners and use ratchet straps crisscrossed over the top and pulled tight to anchor the shed to the ground.