March 12th, 2024
Steel buildings are highly durable and tend to require less maintenance than other types of buildings. That said, there are still some tasks you should stay on top of to protect the integrity of your steel structure. While it’s easy to overlook basic maintenance tasks, completing them is essential for the longevity of your building.
If you notice minor problems creeping up on your steel building, you should start looking into what your structure needs. For example, maintaining your building might include regularly fixing chipped paint or trimming bushes that are touching the structure.
Maintaining your metal building will seem easy once you know exactly what to do. In this article, you will learn eight key maintenance tips to keep your steel building in top condition. Steel building maintenance often includes cleaning up after construction, trimming greenery, removing snow, checking insulation, regular cleaning, and more.
8 Tips for Maintaining a Steel Building
Steel buildings are incredibly durable. Compared to other types of building materials, steel requires less regular maintenance. Giving them a little bit of love will go a long way.
The top 8 tips for maintaining a steel building include:
1. After Assembly Maintenance
When your steel building is first constructed, there is some maintenance you should perform. The first thing you should do is remove any objects touching the exterior of your building.
Tools, ladders, or steel panels might be left lying around. Since you never want any unnecessary strain on your building, you should move them.
Another thing to consider is the assembly team will have to drill holes in the roof to connect the panels. This will leave metal shavings that have a raw surface area. Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep them off, as this prevents them from creating rust later on.
2. Keep Hedges Trimmed
Many people use greenery like hedges to improve the aesthetic of a metal building. While this is a great design choice, you want to make sure your bushes are not touching your structure. Having bushes touching a metal building will prevent air from flowing and encourage water to touch the exterior steel.
When you have less airflow and more water, mold, and rust will increase over time. This can lead to critical structural problems. Instead, trim bushes to prevent mold from spreading and rust from forming.
3. Promptly Remove Snow
If you live in an area that experiences severe winters, snow might accumulate on the top of your steel building kit. One type of preventative maintenance tip you should always keep in mind is removing snow quickly after it builds up. Leaving large snow loads on your roof could strain the steel, making it more susceptible to structural damage.
When you are removing snow, it’s important to prevent your shovel from coming in contact with your roof. Feel where the snow is sitting and avoid going lower. Since shovels are metal, scraping them across your roof could lead to damage.
Removing snow from a prefab metal building’s roof can be a precarious task, so it might be best to hire a professional who regularly comes out for snow maintenance.
4. Routinely Check Insulation
Another metal building maintenance tip to consider is routinely checking your insulation. You want to make sure no damage or moisture is occurring. Additionally, animals like birds or rodents might try to nest in your insulation, which can cause a host of problems.
When inspecting your insulation, check for damage from pests, moisture, insulation exposure, or rust in the surrounding area. Any of these things indicate that you have a maintenance issue that might require professional help.
5. Regular Cleaning
You should be washing the building regularly to stay on top of maintenance. For the exterior, it can be helpful to use a power washer with a cleaning solution. Power washers can help you clean the entire outside of the building in a faster and more effective manner.
It is also important to regularly clean the interior of your metal building. Cleaning both the interior and exterior should be a task you complete every few months. Doing so prevents grime, residue, or dirt from building up.
6. Clear Gutters and Drains
If your gutters and drains become clogged, you have nothing protecting you against moisture and eventually rust. As a result, you should plan on regularly clearing out gutters and drains throughout your building.
If a gutter or drain has a significant clog that cannot be taken out by hand, you can flush it out with a power washer. This will cause all of the debris that is stopping your gutters from flowing to shoot out. Afterward, ensure that the gutters and drains are working effectively again.
7. Oil Your Door Hinges
You should be regularly oiling your door hinges to prevent rust and check to make sure the seal is not showing signs of leaking or mold. If you notice mold, attempt to clean it. If the mold has done too much damage, replace the weather stripping.
8. Keep Up With Paint Touch-Ups
If you notice parts of your paint have been scratched or have simply worn away, it’s time for a retouch. The paint protects the steel from being exposed to the elements. Ensuring you regularly touch up your paint will prevent your steel from experiencing rust or damage.
Get Connected to a Reputable Steel Building Provider
If you are interested in a prefabricated steel building, Titan Steel Structures is here to help. Our expert engineers can offer a customized quote on a steel building based on your needs and preferences.
Contact us today to start your customized steel building q