12-Gauge Metal Buildings

Bigger, Stronger Metal Buildings at The Lowest Prices

Among the diverse applications of residential, commercial, and industrial usage, 12-gauge certified carport style buildings are used for workshops, storage buildings, manufacturing plants and Automobile parking units.

Why is galvanized steel a perfect fit?

From the dawn of industrial manufacturing, steel has undoubtedly been the most favored material for building strong and durable structures! This is attributed to its higher level of strength, durability, flexibility, environment-friendliness, and value.

Difference between Regular Steel and Galvanized Steel:

Regular steel is made of iron; hence it’s non-resistant to moisture, and over time will erode to the point of failure. Galvanized steel is corrosion-resistant because of a zinc coating that is applied during manufacturing that acts as a physical barrier.

Commonly-Used Gauge Materials

When the tubing and sheet-frame are being produced for steel buildings, their thickness is one of the measurements that determines the sturdiness of the building!

Gauge is defined as the steel’s thickness, measured in inches or millimeters. The lower the gauge, the thicker and better quality of the steel. There are two gauges used for the framework in the “light gauge” steel building industry; 12–gauge and 14-gauge. These materials differ in both strength and price.

14-gauge steel buildings are very popular and economical. Structures with this framing can be certified to meet most local wind and snow loads by adding additional features such as anchors and braces to the structure.

On the other hand, a 12-gauge steel building is much stronger due to its thicker material. A 12-gauge building allows for greater snow and wind loads, this assures the structure will be more durable and weather resistant.

Why upgrade to 12″-gauge steel??

12-gauge is our preferred choice for all industrial applications; however, many of our residential customers prefer 12-gauge over 14-gauge as well. The reason being our customers desire the higher tensile strength and robustness of a 12-gauge structure. Many carport companies may offer discounts on their 14-gauge buildings, but the price of Carport Central’s 12-gauge structures is the most competitive price compared to any other manufacturer’s!

12-gauge framing measures 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” in diameter and has a standard thickness range of 0.095 to 0.1046 inches. Whereas, the 14-gauge galvanized steel has a thickness range of 0.068 to 0.074.

If you would like your metal structure to better withstand high snow and wind loads, a 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” 12-gauge steel frame would be your best option.

Steel Building Example

This 20’ wide x 46’ long x 11’ tall RV carport includes an A-frame roof style, gabled ends, one panel on each side, and 12-gauge galvanized steel framing. It also has additional 4′ bracings throughout. Since this building was installed in a heavy snow region, it was certified for a 65 PSF ground snow load. The best part of any purchase with Carport Central is that you get delivery AND installation for your custom building!

If you’re interested in the RV carport shown above, you can visit RV metal shelters for more information! We can build carports, garages, RV sheds, utility buildings, workshops, and clear span buildings in the 12-gauge tubing.

You can click here 3D Building Estimator to check out our unique, personalized 3D building estimator.

Perks of Carport Central

At Carport Central, all 12″-gauge and 14″-gauge steel buildings include:

• Delivery and installation included
• One-year workmanship warranty
• Ten-year panel warranty
• 20-year rust-through frame warranty

Differences between 12″-Gauge and 14″-Gauge Steel Framing

It’s relatively easy to understand that stronger steel means your metal structure will be more durable and weather resistant.

The 14-gauge standard steel is the most economical and is nationally accepted for metal structures. Whereas, 12-gauge steel is thicker and can better withstand heavy snow and high winds, which makes it more suitable for areas that experience harsh weather.

How do I choose the perfect steel gauge framing for my building?

This all depends on your building requirements. You can choose anything from a single-car carport all the way to a clear span structure; anything that meets the requirements can be built with 14- or 12-gauge framing.

If the region you live in experiences higher snow accumulations every winter, you will need a snow certified structure and a stronger building to shelter your possessions. If your area has extreme winds and storms, your structure should be wind certified.

Want to know more?

For more information about the gauge size standard and the different metals, you can check out our sheet metal gauge size chart.

You can contact one of our friendly building specialists at (980) 321-9898 for more information on gauge sizing or a custom metal building! Carport Central’s goal isn’t to just sell you a building, it’s to treat all customers with the best service possible and ensure they have a great experience here!