A Reaves Building Systems structure is stronger and, more efficient to construct. And, as the table below shows, there are many other definite advantages in the design of a Reaves building as compared to a typical building's design.

The Reaves Building System is engineered to a higher set of standards. 32 patents were acquired due to the design standards and design specifications used in the development of the Reaves Building System.

The Reaves system is designed to a higher ANSI wind loads and live load standard. Others design to Midwest Plan Service which allow failure at 16 psf wind load. The Reaves Building System is designed at 20 psf wind load plus a safety factor of 2- 2 1/2. This allows us to design buildings to withstand 80 mph winds and up to 100-110 mph with safety factors. In addition, all lateral loads are distributed by structural framing without regard to metal skin. Exterior sheathing is not required to maintain the structure's integrity. A Reaves Building will stand on its own while under construction. For example, if a piece of steel siding or cladding blows off, the building is still rigid.

All drawings are sealed by an engineer, which provides assurance on the strength and stability of any Reaves Building Systems structure. The Reaves System is designed for Category I and IV, with a I controlling. Our Buildings are designed to an Exposure C rating. See the exposure ratings chart»

We use only MSR lumber, TPI nail values, and our nails and bolts are designed as specified by NDS. All end wall columns, girts, panels, cross bracing, and diagonal bracing are designed while adhering to NDS.

The strength of a Reaves building is acquired as a result of the in-plane braced panel system. The braced panel acts as one unit with the sheet metal. In a steel building, using tie rods, steel cable or steel rope, the bracing does not act as a system with the sheet metal. The tie rods carry the load slower than the metal. The sheet metal has to fail before the tie rods start to carry the load. The tie rods stretch. Comparatively, in the Reaves Building System design, the panel and system have been tested, and the results prove that the use of lumber, connector plates, the in-plane rigid frame construction offer the strongest and safest building components on the market today.

In the Reaves Building System the screws are placed entirely in wood. The screw holds the metal in place. There is no metal-to-metal connection. In a steel building, the screw is placed on a steel purlin, and the remaining depth of the screw is left exposed. This means that the sheet metal is held in place only by a few threads of the screw. Since the sheet metal must fail before the bracing tie rods will function, the metal moves. This movement creates larger holes in the sheet metal, allowing heat loss, corrosion, and condensation. These degrading factors are why a steel building is often refered to as a 12 year building by engineers. After 10-15 years, an owner must replace sheets of metal. The Reaves Building System Buildings are 30-50 year buildings. The strength, durability and lower maintenance costs make the Reaves Building System a wise investment.