Architecture, Engineering & Planning EVstudio | Denver & Evergreen Architect | Colorado & Central Texas | Blog

Contractors, Owners and Designers should be aware that the City of Arvada has five different wind zones of varying intensity. This could mean a difference of up to 20-25 pounds per square foot of wind pressure on the components and cladding of roofs. For a project such as solar panel installation this could have significant impact on the cost of panels support framework and the method of fastening this to the roof sub-structure.

"Blow ye winds; like the trumpet blows.....but without that noise."

As of February, 2011 the published design wind speeds (3-second gust re: 2006 International Building Code) for Arvada, Colorado are as follows:

90 mph east of Sheridan (Exposure B)
100 mph from Sheridan to Wadsworth Blvd (Exposure B)
110 mph from Wadsworth to Indiana (Exposure B)
110 mph West of Indiana (Exposure C)
120 mph West of Highway 93 (Exposure C)

As always, a licensed professional engineer (like the friendly ones at EVstudio) should be contacted regarding translating these design wind speeds into the design wind pressure for your projects specific situation.

1. Jefferson County Blows Less Than Last Year: A Reduction in Design Wind Speed.
2. EVstudio Evaluates Structure of City of Arvada Annex Building for the Addition of Solar Panels
3. EVstudio Designs Wattsun Solar Tracker Foundations for North Dakota Game and Fish Department Use
4. Connecting Wood Deck Railing Posts with the Simpson DTT2Z
5. Braced Wall Specification Changes to the 2009 IRC (pt. 1)
6. Foundation Construction – When Frost Depth Can Not Be Met
7. Schematic Design for Addition to Baptist Church in Arvada
8. Colorado Wins Third Place in National Natural Talent Design Competition!