There are some major differences in the type of steel buildings available on the market today. Most commercial and agricultural grade buildings come in two main designs. The choice is between arch style and rigid frame steel buildings.

The need for advancing technology to aid with pre-fabricated, pre-engineered steel buildings in becoming more resistant to storms, including severe wind, is never more in evidence than when footage or a photograph of powerful hurricane damage is seen. The destructive and sometimes devastating power of high wind has been illustrated by recent strong hurricanes through the southern states, most prominently Hurricane Katrina (2005).