Certified versus Non-Certified Carports, Metal Garages and Barns

Certified vs. Uncertified Metal Garage or Metal Carport

One of the things you need to know when building a carport or garage is whether you need permits or not. Local building authorities may require a permit, and if that’s the case, you will have to purchase a Certified building. Certified buildings include engineered stamped approval blueprints required to obtain a building permit. If you choose not to comply with certification requirements, you may have a knock on your door by a permitting or code enforcement official telling you that the new structure you just paid good money to build must come down.

Even if you are not required to obtain permits in your area, there are many reasons why you should choose an upgrade to Certified. Not only is a Certified building designed to meet local codes, but Certified also relates to the weather that the structure can withstand. High winds, heavy snow, and extreme conditions are all taken into account with the engineering of your structure. The certification makes for a much stronger, safer and more durable structure.

By upgrading to a Certified building, you will also receive mobile home (auger) anchors for ground installation. Mobile home anchors are stronger than the standard pin anchors used on an Uncertified building. Auger anchors are available on uncertified units as well for an additional fee.

Un certified carports and garages come standard with knee braces on four corners, and a channel peak brace. The Certified structure will have a peak brace on every bow and knee braces on every leg.

A Certified carport or garage also offers warranty benefits. For example, a 14 gauge non-certified building carries a 10 day workmanship warranty. Certifying that same building gives you a minimum wind rating of 80mph, and is snow rated starting at 20lbs/sf. A 12 gauge Uncertified building comes with a 20 year rust-through warranty. Certify that 12 gauge frame, and you’ll have a 20 year rust-through warranty, as well as a wind and snow load ratings.

Whether you need a permit or not, carport.com recommends that you Certify any structure that is over 24 feet wide, 31 feet long or has legs 8 feet or taller. The extra bracing and anchors will give your building the support it needs to last you for many years to come. For smaller building, upgrading to a 12ga Certified will be a relatively small increase in cost. For the added benefits, it will be well worth your money.

If you have any further questions about building your carport or garage, call 855-227-7678 today.

*Additional charges may apply for certified or site-specific drawings pending the requirements of your local jurisdiction having authority when constructing a structure on your property. Please consult a building advisor to verify any additional costs or if there are any required fees for certified plans in your area. This may vary depending on your state and the location of your construction site. If you place an order online, your order will be reviewed to ensure your order complies with your area. You will be contacted about any additional fees that may apply once your order is processed.