Oregon Metal Buildings

Wind Concerns in Oregon

Why it matters:
Oregon experiences varying wind conditions depending on the region, but areas along the coastal region and Cascades are subject to strong winds.

Key concerns:

• Coastal areas (like Portland, Astoria, and Eugene) often experience high winds due to Pacific weather systems.
• Mountain passes and valleys can funnel wind, resulting in stronger gusts.
• Wind ratings typically range from 90 mph in rural areas to 115+ mph in exposed locations along the coast or mountainous areas.

What to do:

• Offer wind-rated metal buildings that can handle 115+ mph for coastal or mountainous regions.
• For inland and southern areas, a 90–100 mph wind rating is usually sufficient.
• Ensure that anchors and foundation systems are strong and designed for specific wind load zones.
• Vertical roof styles can improve wind resistance by reducing wind drag.

Snow Concerns in Oregon

Why it matters:

Oregon has significant snowfall in certain areas, particularly in the mountainous regions and higher elevations.

Key concerns:

• Western Oregon (e.g., Portland) sees relatively mild snowfall (about 5–10 inches annually), but some snow may accumulate on buildings during winter.
• Eastern and higher elevations of the state, particularly in areas like the Cascade Range, experience heavier snow (up to 50 inches or more annually).
• Snow load ratings are particularly important in northern and eastern Oregon.

What to do:

• Standard snow load for much of Oregon is 10–20 psf (pounds per square foot).
• For mountainous regions, ensure snow loads are rated for 30–40 psf or higher.
• Recommend steeper roof pitches and vertical roofs for better snow shedding, especially in areas with heavy snowfall.

General Considerations

Permits and Codes:

• Always check with local building codes for wind and snow load requirements, as they can vary by county and city.
• Coastal Oregon often has stricter wind requirements and seismic zone regulations due to the potential for earthquakes.

What to do:

• Offer certified structures designed to meet Oregon state and local codes.
• Ensure that your metal buildings have engineered plans for areas with higher wind and snow loads.

Summary of Recommendations for Oregon:

Concern                    Recommendation

Wind Speed:           Offer wind ratings of 90–115+ mph, higher for coastal areas

Snow Load:             Standard 10–20 psf in western Oregon, 30–40 psf for mountainous regions

Roof Style:               Recommend steeper roof pitches for snow shedding

Anchoring:               Ensure proper anchoring systems for all areas, especially coastal and mountain regions

Permits/Codes:      Verify local building codes for wind, snow, and seismic regulations