What Metal America builds with
Every garage and shop in Metal America's 2026 brochures: a 14-gauge steel frame, 29-gauge sheet metal and a 140+ mph wind rating, with engineered drawings and certifications included for local codes and permits. Shops use vertical roofing; larger shops add ladder legs and vertical siding.
Gauge: lower number, thicker steel
Gauge measures steel thickness. The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Two gauges matter: the frame tubing and the roof and wall panels.
| 14-gauge frame | 12-gauge frame | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall thickness | About 0.07 to 0.08 in | About 0.10 in |
| Tubing | 2.5 in square (standard) | 2.25 in square (upgrade) |
| Best for | Most carports and garages in mild weather | Wide buildings, high wind, heavy snow |
| Cost | Standard | Higher; priced on your quote |
Tubing sizes from Metal America's FAQ; thicknesses are approximate.
Panels: 29 vs 26 gauge
Roof and wall panels are usually 29-gauge as standard, which is what Metal America uses across its garage and shop collections.
When 12-gauge is worth it
- Buildings over about 30 ft wide.
- High-wind or heavy-snow areas.
- When the permit or certification for your area calls for it.
Certified buildings
A certified building is engineered to meet specific loads for your location, shown on stamped engineering drawings:
- Wind speed, in miles per hour (for example 105, 140 or 170 mph).
- Snow load, in pounds per square foot (psf) on the roof.
To meet higher ratings, the manufacturer adds more trusses, closer spacing, bracing, heavier tubing or specific anchors. That's why the same size building costs more in Michigan than in Texas.
| Certified | Not certified | |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered drawings | Yes | No |
| Rated for wind and snow | Yes, for your area | No stated rating |
| Permits | Usually accepted | Often refused |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
In our catalog
- Every Metal America garage and shop in the 2026 brochures is rated for 140+ mph winds, with engineered drawings and certifications included.
Do you need certified?
Permitting may be required, and you're responsible for confirming your local requirements. Ask your building office which ratings and drawings they need, and tell us. Metal America's engineered drawings and certifications are included to help; if your county asks for more, we'll tell you before you order. Permit steps.