Do I Have to Worry About Rust on a Metal Building? Protecting Your Metal Building

Prefabricated metal buildings are becoming increasingly popular. Instead of opting for a material like wood that is prone to water damage, mold, mildew, and termites, people are choosing to use metal. While metal requires less yearly maintenance than other types of building materials, there are still things you need to keep up with.

When you have a metal building, the main thing you’ll want to look out for is rust. While there are specialized paint finishes you can use to prevent your building from being prone to rust, you should always be proactive by keeping an eye out for rust.

Fortunately, at Titan Steel Structures, all of our steel buildings come with long-lasting paint and rust-proof hardware packages to prevent rust and ensure your building lasts a lifetime.

Do Metal Buildings Rust?

If you are wondering whether your metal building can rust, the short answer is yes. But, when discussing metal buildings and rust it is important to know what causes it. Typically, rust forms when your building is exposed to water.

While water exposure is the main cause of rust on metal buildings, there are other culprits to be aware of. Other factors that may play a role in the development of rust on your metal building include:

  • Water leaking from a wall, roof, or floor to the steel framing
  • Overspray from vehicle wash bays
  • Road salt mixed with snow piling up against metal
  • The presence of specific types of gasses inside buildings like chemical production facilities
  • Salt from seawater in the atmosphere around your building if you are in a coastal community

Because there are many ways a metal building can develop rust, knowing how to prevent it from affecting your structure is incredibly important. You’ll be pleased to know that Titan Steel Structures includes long-lasting paint and rust-resistant hardware packages with all of our steel buildings, ensuring they remain corrosion-free and last a lifetime.

The Risks of Rust on Metal Buildings

Rust can be an extreme nuisance if it develops on your metal building. While metal buildings are highly durable, you can compare rust to Superman’s kryptonite. Even though these types of buildings can withstand almost anything, rust will cause an array of issues if left unchecked.

If you do not treat rust on your metal building, you are at risk of the following:

  • Rusty spots on your building that devalue and deface the structure
  • Leaks in the structure lead to soggy insulation and a wet interior
  • Health concerns, like mold or dangerous tetanus spores
  • Weakened structural stability due to severe rust infestation

Leaving rust to fester on your metal building can be devastating. While metal buildings can withstand even the most severe weather events like blizzards, high winds, and even fire, rust can damage the structural integrity of your building and cost you a fortune in repairs if not caught early on.

How to Prevent Your Metal Building From Rusting

At Titan Steel Structures, we understand how much of a nuisance rust can be. If your metal building develops rust, you could be in for expensive repairs, especially if your structural integrity has been affected. Thankfully, we have methods of preventing rust from occurring.

One of the first things we can do to prevent your building from rusting is by using rust-proof screws and fasteners when engineering your building. Because cheap screws promote rust on metal buildings, we only use the highest quality of materials.

Since the bottom of your exterior paneling is the most prone to rust, we use form-based trim that prevents your steel panels from sitting in water. Our advanced methods of engineering prevent rusting on the base of your metal building.

Lastly, we offer specialized coatings and finishes on your metal building that protect the material from water damage. This makes it less likely for your metal building to rust over time.

How to Treat Rust on Your Building

If you begin to notice that your building has some rusty spots, it’s time to get to work. There are a few things you can do to treat existing rust on a metal building to prevent irreversible damage from occurring.

The easiest way to remove surface rust is by using a steel brush, vinegar, and a power washer. By scrubbing the rust with vinegar and a steel brush, you can remove the rust flakes and prevent the affected area from spreading over time. After the flakes of rust are removed, you can power wash the area to ensure no vinegar or rust is left behind on your building.

While you can remove rust yourself, it is always best to consult with a professional to ensure that your building is not at risk of structural damage. Professionals can remove rust and apply a protective coating that prevents future corrosion from occurring.

Get Connected to a Leader in the Metal Building Industry

If you are looking to create a new metal building, you’ve come to the right place. As one of the leaders in the metal building kit industry, Titan Steel Structures has got you covered. We take pride in supplying steel buildings with paint that stands the test of time and hardware packages designed to resist rust, ensuring the longevity of your structure. Whether you are looking to start a large or small project, we can help you create the metal building of your dreams.

To learn more about our pre-engineered metal building kits, contact Titan Steel Structures today.

Have Any Questions? Call Us Now!

We are excited to work with you to create your ideal steel structure. Give us a call and we can provide you with a quick quote. We look forward to speaking with you!

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