How Utah’s Climate Affects Your PEMB Design
Utah’s climate is as diverse as its geography. From hot, arid deserts in the south to snowy mountain towns in the north, building a structure that stands up to local weather conditions is essential — especially when it comes to pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs).
While steel buildings are known for their strength and durability, they still need to be designed with site-specific conditions in mind. Here’s how Utah’s unique climate zones influence PEMB design — and what you should consider before building.
Snow Loads Vary Dramatically
Utah’s snow load requirements can range from modest in the valleys to extreme in mountain areas like Park City, Heber, or Cedar City. Designing your PEMB for snow means:
Stronger roof framing and bracing
Increased purlin spacing density
Roof pitches and drain paths that shed snow effectively
Gutters and snow guards to prevent dangerous snow slides
PEMB manufacturers typically require the site zip code and elevation to provide accurate snow load engineering. At A.D. Constructors, we help translate that into code-compliant designs tailored to your location.
Extreme Temperature Swings Require Proper Insulation
Utah experiences wide temperature swings — sometimes over 40°F in a single day. This makes insulation a critical component of your PEMB, even if the building isn’t fully climate controlled.
Key considerations:
Insulated metal panels (IMPs) or vinyl-backed batt systems improve thermal performance
Proper vapor barriers prevent condensation in colder climates
Ventilation systems help regulate airflow and prevent heat buildup
In southern Utah, reflectivity and solar heat gain are the main concerns. In northern Utah, it’s all about keeping heat in and condensation out.
Wind Load Design Is a Must
Utah’s geography funnels strong winds through canyons and plains, particularly in places like Spanish Fork, Tooele, and western Utah.
PEMBs must be engineered to resist:
Uplift forces on roofs
Lateral pressure on walls
Internal pressurization when doors or louvers are open
Selecting wind-rated doors, anchoring systems, and bracing patterns specific to your region ensures your structure performs under pressure — literally.
Seismic Zones Influence Foundation and Framing
Parts of Utah — especially along the Wasatch Front — are in higher seismic zones. That means additional engineering is often required to meet code for:
Foundation design and anchor bolt patterns
Lateral bracing and load transfer
Material ductility and connection strength
While PEMBs are inherently flexible and well-suited for seismic conditions, they still need to be properly engineered for your specific site.
UV Exposure and Finish Selection
High elevation and clear skies across much of Utah mean UV exposure is intense year-round. Over time, this can lead to fading, chalking, or degradation of exterior coatings if the wrong finish is selected.
Recommended finish types:
Kynar 500®/PVDF coatings for color retention
Galvalume steel for long-term corrosion resistance
Cool roof coatings that reflect solar radiation and reduce interior temps
These small decisions during design can extend the life and appearance of your building significantly.
Drainage and Site Considerations
In many areas of Utah, especially in rural or agricultural zones, stormwater management is often overlooked — until it causes problems. A properly designed PEMB should account for:
Gutter and downspout placement
Site grading and runoff direction
Snow melt accumulation and freeze-thaw cycles
Frost depth for footings and slab-on-grade edges
Our team designs both the building and the site around real-world conditions, not just minimum code.
Final Thoughts
Utah’s climate is beautiful — but it’s also demanding. The key to a long-lasting, low-maintenance PEMB is a design that respects the realities of your local weather, soil, and elevation.
At A.D. Constructors, we don’t just supply and erect metal buildings. We help Utah developers and property owners build smarter — with custom PEMB solutions that perform in any climate zone the state throws at you.