WindLoadCalc
Current ASCE 7-22 compliant
- ✓ ASCE 7-22 CURRENT
- ✓ Updated wind speed maps
- ✓ Current methodology
- ✓ PE seal services
- ✓ Permit-ready output
- ✓ Florida HVHZ support
- ✓ Active development
- ✓ Expert support
BuildingsGuide
Stuck in 2006
- ✗ ASCE 7-05 OUTDATED
- ✗ Old wind speed maps
- ✗ Legacy methodology
- ✗ No PE services
- ✗ Not permit-ready
- ✗ No HVHZ support
- ✗ No updates since 2006
- ✗ Primary business: building sales
What Changed in 19 Years?
ASCE 7-05 published. BuildingsGuide launches their calculator. They haven't updated it since.
ASCE 7-10 introduces significant wind speed map changes and new ultimate wind speeds.
ASCE 7-16 updates exposure categories and introduces refined pressure calculations.
ASCE 7-22 current edition. Updated tornado provisions, refined wind maps, enhanced methodologies.
Why Outdated Code Matters
Using ASCE 7-05 calculations in 2025 isn't just non-compliant - it can result in dangerously wrong results. Here's what changed:
Wind Speed Maps
Wind speeds at many locations changed significantly. Using old maps means you're designing for the wrong wind speeds.
Risk Categories
How buildings are classified and the resulting design requirements have been refined substantially.
Calculation Methods
Pressure coefficients, exposure factors, and directional factors have all been updated.
Tornado Provisions
ASCE 7-22 added tornado requirements for certain buildings - completely absent from 7-05.
Building Departments Know
Try submitting ASCE 7-05 calculations to any modern building department. Your permit will be rejected. Inspectors are trained to check code versions, and 7-05 hasn't been acceptable for years.
Why Haven't They Updated?
BuildingsGuide's primary business is selling metal buildings, not providing engineering tools. Their wind load calculator is a lead generation tool, not a professional engineering product.
They have no incentive to invest in updating their calculator to current codes. It serves their purpose: getting contractors to call about building purchases.
Different Goals, Different Tools
When you need professional wind load calculations, you need a tool built by wind load specialists who keep up with code changes - not a marketing tool from a building supplier.
The Bottom Line
BuildingsGuide's calculator was acceptable in 2006. It's 2025 now. Three code cycles have passed.
Wind speed maps have changed. Calculation methods have evolved. Building codes have moved on.
Your calculations need to move on too.