The Necessity of Temporary Bracing for Metal Building Systems and MBCEA’s Educational Initiatives
By Robert Tiffin, President, Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association
Posted July 24, 2025 in Metal Construction News
As a contractor, you know constructing a metal building system is like piecing together a giant, intricate puzzle. Each component, from the steel beams to the roof panels, plays a crucial role in the overall stability and integrity of the structure. However, during the erection phase, when not all components are in place, the building is vulnerable to collapse. This is where temporary bracing comes into play, providing stability until the permanent structure is complete.
Why temporary bracing is essential
Temporary bracing is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity. While the steel framework is robust, it cannot yet withstand the various forces it faces until fully assembled. Wind loads, for example, can exert significant pressure on the exposed framework, potentially leading to catastrophic structure failures if not correctly braced.1
Consider this: a metal building won’t be fully supported until all the roof and wall panels, including the permanent bracing, are installed. Temporary bracing holds everything in place, helping to plumb and square the building. It ensures the structure remains stable and safe throughout the construction/erection process.2
The role of temporary bracing
Temporary bracing serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it stabilizes the structure against wind loads and other environmental forces. Due to their design, metal buildings can be particularly susceptible to wind during the erection phase. The minimal surface area of the structural steel might seem like it wouldn’t catch much wind, but in reality, the wind load on an exposed structure can be higher than on an enclosed one.2
Secondly, temporary bracing helps in maintaining the geometry of the building. It ensures that the columns and beams remain in their intended positions, preventing any misalignment that could compromise the structural integrity. This is crucial for ensuring the final assembly is accurate and meets all design specifications
MBCEA’s efforts in promoting temporary bracing awareness
The Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) has been at the forefront of promoting awareness and education about the importance of temporary bracing. Recognizing the critical role that temporary bracing plays in the safety and success of metal building projects, MBCEA has developed several initiatives to help our contractor and erector members understand and implement effective bracing strategies.
One of our key actions is aiding the Metal Buildings Institute (MBI) in creating a comprehensive guideline for temporary bracing. These guidelines provide detailed instructions on the types of bracing required, the loads to consider, and the sequencing of erection to ensure stability.3 The guidelines are designed to assist our members in developing temporary bracing plans specific to their projects, ensuring that safety is prioritized at every stage.4
Educational programs and resources
MBCEA also offers a range of educational programs and resources to help contractors and erectors improve their skills and knowledge. For instance, instructional videos called the “Quality and Craftmanship Series” were developed through the MBI. These courses include practical demonstrations and expert insights on metal building system assembly, making it easier for contractors to understand and apply the guidelines in real-world scenarios.3
Additionally, MBCEA hosts webinars and workshops on temporary bracing. These events provide an interactive platform for all to learn from industry experts, ask questions, and share their experiences. The sessions cover various aspects of temporary bracing, from the engineering principles behind it to practical tips for implementation.3
Real-world impact
The impact of MBCEA’s efforts can be seen in the improved safety and efficiency of metal building projects across the industry. Contractors who have adopted the guidelines and participated in the educational programs reported safety success during erection and a smoother construction process overall.
For example, Keith Wentworth, past president of MBCEA and president of the MBI, has been leading these initiatives. His experience and expertise have helped shape the guidelines and educational content, ensuring that they are practical and relevant to the needs of contractors.3 Wentworth’s commitment to safety and quality is evident in the positive feedback from contractors who have benefited from the resources provided by MBCEA. For more information and access to the Temporary Bracing Guidelines, please visit metal-buildings-institute.org.
Conclusion
In metal building system construction, temporary bracing is a critical component that cannot be overlooked. It ensures the stability and safety of the structure during the vulnerable erection phase, protecting both the workers and the investment in the project. Please contact us at MBCEA.org for the next steps to comprehensive guidelines, practical resources, and expert-led educational programs. We at the MBCEA are here to help contractors, erectors, and you build safer, more reliable metal
building systems.
As contractors, it’s our responsibility to stay informed and apply best practices in our projects. Embracing the guidelines and resources provided by MBCEA not only enhances the safety and success of our projects but also contributes to the overall advancement of the industry. So, let’s take advantage of these resources, prioritize temporary bracing, and continue building with confidence and precision.
References
1 Guidelines for Temporary Bracing – Metal Buildings
2 Temporary Bracing for Metal Buildings
3 MBCEA Temporary Bracing Guidelines
4 Metal Buildings Institute Temporary Bracing Guidelines
Robert Tiffin’s passion for creating positive change motivates him daily. The metal building systems industry is changing, and Tiffin actively creates opportunities to forge a new perception by thinking well outside the colloquial “pre-engineered metal box.” As the national accounts manager of Silvercote—a laminator in custom insulation solutions—Tiffin leads foundation customer relationships in the U.S. and Canada. He drives interaction with the market, designer/specifiers, and end-use owners, as they are the critical connections to the industry’s future. As a fervent advocate of collaboration with industry associations, Tiffin connects his peers and network as the president of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) and as the chair of the architects committee of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA).