Collateral Load

Familiarize yourself with the term “Collateral Load”. People understand “Snow Load” which is the weight on the top of the roof pushing down. “Collateral Load” is the weight on the inside of the building pulling down. Examples of this are a sprinkler system, HVAC (heating and air conditioning), lighting, drop ceiling, speaker systems, etc. Collateral Load can be a potential “gotcha” if you aren’t careful. Most companies do not include a Collateral Load as a standard feature. As a matter of fact, many companies never mention the term Collateral Load in the initial buying process. This leads to 2 possible outcomes. 1. After making the initial deposit, you are informed that you may need to add a Collateral Load for your particular building use at a significant up charge to you. 2. The building is delivered and you realize the building cannot be used for its intended purpose because it was not designed to support the weight that is required. We include a 3 pound per square foot Collateral Load as a standard feature in all of our Churches, Schools, and Government buildings. Other building uses may or may not require a Collateral Load. So it is important to speak with your sales rep or project coordinator about this.

   Example:Drop Ceiling & Lighting

   Example: HVAC & Sprinklers

   Example: HVAC & Sprinklers