When you’re buying a metal building, carport, RV cover, garage, barn, or commercial structure, one of the most important questions is not just what size building you need.
It is also:
What wind load and snow load rating does this building need for your specific location?
At Metal Carports and Buildings, we are always looking for better ways to quote smarter, design more accurately, and help customers understand what their building may need based on local conditions. That is why we are excited about a new Sensei 3D feature: ASCE Certification Recommendations.
This new tool helps us quickly review recommended wind and snow load certification guidance directly inside the Sensei 3D building estimator.
What Are ASCE Certification Recommendations?
ASCE Certification Recommendations are a new feature inside Sensei 3D that helps identify recommended wind and snow load ratings based on a building’s location.
Previously, many dealers had to open the ASCE website in a separate window, look up location-based ratings manually, and then return to the estimator. That process took more time and created more room for errors.
Now, Sensei brings those recommendations directly into the 3D builder.
That means we can quote buildings faster, with more confidence, and with better visibility into local structural requirements before a customer moves forward.
Why Wind Load and Snow Load Ratings Matter
Metal buildings are not one-size-fits-all.
A carport in Texas does not always need the same snow load rating as a metal building in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, or Oregon. A structure installed in a high-wind area may also require different certification than one installed in a more protected location.
That is why location matters.
Wind and snow load requirements can depend on several factors, including:
The customer’s ZIP code or full address
Local weather exposure
Elevation
Building use
County or city permitting requirements
Whether the structure is being used for storage or dwelling-related purposes
At Metal Carports and Buildings, we help customers design, build, deliver, and install metal structures that are better aligned with their local conditions.
How the New Sensei 3D Feature Works
The new Sensei feature allows certification recommendations to be checked in two simple ways.
ZIP Code Check
When opening the estimator, a ZIP code can be entered to review recommended certification ratings for that area.
This is useful for early-stage quotes when a customer knows the general location but may not have the full site address ready yet.
Full Address Check
Inside the estimator, the Council Check Recommendations section can be found under the Built & Size tab.
From there, the customer’s full address can be entered. After clicking GO, the system displays location-based guidance.
A full address can provide more accurate guidance than a ZIP code alone because wind and snow load conditions can vary even within the same general region.
Building Usage: Storage vs. Dwelling
The feature also allows the building usage to be selected.
The two available options are:
Risk Category 1 – Storage
This generally applies to many basic storage-type structures, such as carports, sheds, garages, RV covers, agricultural storage, and similar non-dwelling uses.
Risk Category 2 – Dwelling
This applies when a structure may be connected to dwelling-type use or requires a higher level of occupancy-related consideration.
This is important because the intended use of the building can affect the level of certification or engineering guidance needed.
What This Means for Our Customers
For customers, this is a big improvement because it helps us provide better information earlier in the quoting process.
The new feature helps with:
Faster quote turnaround
Better conversations about local wind and snow requirements
More confidence when choosing a certified building
Fewer mistakes during the design process
Clearer expectations before permitting or installation
More accurate building recommendations by location
It also helps us explain why two similar buildings in different states or counties may require different certifications.
Important Note: Recommendations Are Guidance Only
It is important to understand that ASCE Certification Recommendations are provided as guidance only.
The system does not automatically select certifications, and local building departments may still have their own requirements. In some cases, a customer may need engineered drawings, wet-stamped plans, site-specific calculations, or approval from the local permitting office.
That is why we always recommend checking with your local building department before finalizing your structure.
Better Quoting. Better Design. Better Installation.
At Metal Carports and Buildings, our goal is to make the process easier for customers while still taking structural requirements seriously.
We do not just sell generic buildings. We help customers design metal buildings, carports, garages, RV covers, barns, sheds, and commercial structures that make sense for their location, use, budget, and long-term needs.
We proudly serve:
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas.
Whether you need a simple carport, a tall RV cover, a fully enclosed garage, a metal barn, or a commercial steel building, we can help you understand your options and get a building quoted for your location.
Get a Free No-Obligation Quote
Need help choosing the right metal building, wind rating, snow load rating, roof style, size, or certification option?
Contact Metal Carports and Buildings today for a free no-obligation quote.
Call or text: (435) 250-4446
Visit: metalcarportsandbuildings.com
