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.
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1. Steel Buildings Require Bi-Annual Inspection
A steel building may look perfectly in-tact 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. Make a note of repairs, warranty information, and contractor information.
2. Regularly Inspect Building Insulation
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.
If your insulation is compromised, this could lead to a major build-up of condensation. This affects your building’s ability to heat and cool itself, which affects the structural integrity and increases your energy costs.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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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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