What Determines a Carport’s Wind & Snow Resilience

Wind Ratings, Exposure, and Engineering Standards

Metal carports and buildings are often rated for a “design wind speed,” which defines the maximum wind velocity they are engineered to withstand safely. For structures in hurricane-prone or tornado-prone zones, wind ratings of 140–170 mph or more are often required.

But obtaining a high wind rating isn’t just about quoting a number: the rating must be engineer-certified, meaning structural calculations consider exposure (open terrain, lack of windbreaks), building geometry (height, width, roof shape), and anchoring method, all critical factors for real-world survival.

Material Gauge and Steel Quality

A significant component of strength comes from the steel used. For example, carports built with square tubular steel frames made from 12-gauge steel (approximately 0.1046 inch thick) dramatically outperform those built with thinner or cylindrical tubing.

Industry insights note that 12-gauge steel carports can withstand higher snow loads and higher wind pressures than lighter 14-gauge or thinner-framed carports.

Roof Design, Structural Bracing, and Anchoring

Roof shape and structural framing also matter. A vertical-panel roof, continuous purlins, properly spaced rafters, and a slope pitch that reduces uplift can all improve wind and snow resistance.

Anchoring is equally critical. A carport anchored into concrete piers or a deep foundation resists uplift, twisting, and shifting, standard failure modes when high winds hit.

Why Most Carports Fail Under Extreme Wind Pressure

Despite the advantages of metal, many carports still fail during storms if they’re poorly engineered or under-specified. Several common problems lead to failure:

• Thin, low-grade steel (or aluminum) that bends or deforms rather than holding its shape under wind stress.
• Insufficient or missing engineering certification, meaning the structure was never calculated for high wind loads based on realistic exposure and anchoring assumptions.
• Inadequate anchoring or foundation, such as simple ground stakes rather than concrete anchors. Such installations offer little resistance to uplift or lateral forces during a hurricane.
• Poor roof/wall design — for example, flat or shallow roofs, unsupported spans, or the lack of wind-resistant panels — that creates suction and uplift, leading to panel loss or collapse.

What Real-World Survivors Show: 170+ mph Wind Performance

Though independent peer-reviewed studies of carport performance under 170+ mph winds are limited, there is enough engineering documentation and manufacturer claims, when backed by correct certifications, to show that survival is plausible under those conditions.

One provider of tubular steel carports, using square tubing and 12-gauge steel, claims wind resistance up to 160 mph. Another supplier offering engineer-certified steel buildings notes that, with proper anchoring, gusset plates, vertical roofs, and concrete foundations, wind resistance can reach 170–180 mph.

What to Check When Evaluating a “Hurricane-Surviving” Carport

When shopping for a metal carport and wanting it to survive a high-wind event, here’s what to verify:

1. Wind load certification: Ensure the structure is accompanied by engineer-stamped drawings specifying the design wind speed and exposure category. Without that, any wind resistance claim is suspect.
2. Steel gauge and frame design: Prefer carports using square tubular or I-beam steel, 12-gauge or better, with welded or bolted joints. Avoid cylindrical thin tubing or unreinforced frames.
3. Anchoring method: Opt for concrete-anchored piers or deep footings, not basic ground stakes or anchor kits, as they are inadequate for hurricane-force winds.
4. Roof and panel construction: Horizontal roof panels are more prone to uplift; vertical-panel or standing-seam roofs reduce suction. Roof design, spacing of purlins/rafters, slope, and wind bracing all matter.
5. Limited open exposure (if possible): Enclosed structures or those with sealed ends fare better than fully open carports; wind has fewer points of entry and generates less internal pressure.
6. Local building code compliance: Ensure the carport is built in accordance with the local hurricane or wind-load codes for your region, which are significant in coastal or tornado-prone areas.

Why Only a Few Brands Make the Cut

Given these stringent requirements, only a minority of manufacturers confidently support claims of 170+ mph survivability. Many carport kits on the market prioritize low cost and ease of assembly over structural integrity. These often use light-gauge steel or aluminum, minimal anchoring hardware, and lack engineer-certified drawings.

The few that “cut” tend to operate under stricter quality controls, use premium materials, and provide full structural certification. Their builds incorporate robust frames, concrete anchoring, wind-rated roofs, proper engineering calculations of wind loads per local standards, and documentation to support building permits and insurance.

In other words, they treat a carport not as a cheap add-on, but as a bona fide engineered structure designed for longevity and safety.

Conclusion: What “170+ mph Survivor” Really Means

Metal carports surviving 170+ mph winds are not magic. They are the result of engineering discipline, appropriate materials, and attention to anchoring and design details. If a carport is adequately certified for high wind loads, uses thick steel framing, and is anchored correctly, it has a realistic chance of withstanding extreme storms, including Category 4 hurricanes or severe tornado-force winds.

If you’re looking to invest in a metal carport for a storm-prone area, insist on engineer certification, proper gauge steel, vertical-panel roofs, concrete anchoring, and compliance with local wind codes. Those are the key hallmarks of the brands and structures that truly survive, the kind you can trust even when 170+ mph winds strike.