5 Maintenance Must-Knows for Steel Buildings
Steel buildings are made to last — this means that one of the greatest benefits of owning a steel structure is the lack of maintenance it requires. However, it isn’t wise to completely neglect the building you own, either.
You should be well aware of all the applicable local, state, and federal laws that govern building maintenance. And with just a little bit of effort, you can keep your property in the best possible condition for years to come.
So, what does it take to maintain steel buildings so that they withstand the battering of the elements? Check out the rest of this blog for more.
Things that you should know for better maintenance
From managing aircraft hangars to storage buildings, today’s businesses choose steel buildings for better convenience. These steel buildings offer a variety of benefits. As a result, the construction industry is witnessing a massive increase in sales.
Steel buildings offer various benefits. One of the major ones is the low maintenance. On top of that, it will not need regular repair. If the building is well crafted, then it will offer a huge durability.
These steel buildings can possibly take all kinds of outside abuse. So even if you maintain it a little, it will still run for a long term.
In the following, I will provide the top 5 things that you should know about steel buildings.
Steel Buildings Require Bi-Annual Inspection
A steel building may look perfectly intact from afar, but without a bi-annual inspection, plenty of issues can arise that are completely avoidable. All of the best steel buildings are inspected after additional construction, renovation, and instances of bad weather.
To keep your property in top shape, establish a maintenance system and keep a record of all the inspections you perform and any issues that crop up—also, note repairs, warranty information, and contractor information.
One of the key antagonists for steel building deterioration is poor insulation. This is because the insulation is super important for temperature regulation within a steel structure.
Insulation is important. It is a perfect solution for maintaining the temperature of the building. But what happens when you insulate a steel building? Well, it can help you maintain consistency in temperature.
This way you prevent moisture, which can further lead to rust.
If your insulation is compromised, this could lead to a major condensation build-up. This affects your building’s ability to heat and cool itself, which involves structural integrity and increases your energy costs.
Power wash and immediate repair
Even your steel building needs to be washed atleast for once in a while. The best way to wash is by using a low-pressure power washer.
Regular cleaning can benefit you in many ways. It can keep fungus and dirt away from the premises and keep the area stain-free. You can also clean the surface areas in three ways;
- Store brought power wash
- Gentle household cleaning product
- Ammonia mixed with warm water.
On the other hand, your steel building can have scratch marks, peeled paints, or even a tiny hole after being used for a long time. Repair them quickly. You can keep the area safe from heat and water exposure.
Provide Protection From Precipitation
Precipitation, whether it’s in the form of rain, hail, snow, or sleet poses a threat to any steel structure. If your steel building is exposed to moisture over extended periods of time, this can cause rust build-up, foundation shifts, and even damage to the structural integrity of the building.
While you cannot physically alter the weather, you can do your best to redirect precipitation from the building itself. Use gutter and downspout systems that direct water away from the structure and the foundation. Make sure to maintain these systems to keep your building well-protected.
Schedule Time for an Annual Scrub Down
You also want to ensure that your steel building undergoes a thorough clean down each year. The best time to schedule a good scrub of the building exterior is in the spring or summer.
This way, you can prevent a build-up of harmful bacteria, mold, and fungus, while keeping your building’s exterior clean and inviting. You don’t need to use harsh chemicals, either.
A mix of ammonia, household cleaner, and warm water works a treat. Add a cup of bleach if you need to remove tough stains.
Don’t Neglect Paint Touch-Ups
As soon as you notice a scratch, abrasion, or area of peeling paint, don’t ignore it! This is a fast route to metal oxidation and the development of rust and mold. The paint on your building’s exterior protects it — so stay on top of paint touch-ups, as and when needed.
It’s a good idea to keep a stash of matching primer and paint on-hand so that you can tend to paint touch-ups as soon as they crop up.
Tips that you should know to maintain a steel building
It is true that a metal building can last for many years. Even without your attention. But, eventually, it can even catch rust if you do not take care of it at all.
You only need to pay a little attention to a proper month gap. This way, you can maintain the building and increase its longevity. When you are maintaining metal buildings, it is important to follow some basic tips. Let’s find out what we must consider:
- Firstly, the steel building floors are slippery in nature. So always enhance proper maintenance.
- Secondly, try to oil the hinges regularly. This will extend the lifespan of your building.
- Always focus on removing all the remaining parts and debris. This will prevent the quick spread of rust.
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Steel buildings may look and seem indestructible, but the reality is that they have their vulnerable points. In order to extend the longevity of your steel structure, don’t act like it’s invincible! Treat it with a little bit of TLC — and remember, a little can go a long way.
If you’re a real estate enthusiast, be sure to explore the rest of this blog for your fix of real estate news/advice on selling, buying, renting, home design, trends, and more.
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