Metal buildings are affordable structures that will last many years if they are taken care of properly. If you are considering investing in or have recently invested in a metal building, follow the tips below to keep the building in great condition for the next 30 years.
Your Environment
The environment in which you live will play a determining factor regarding the maintenance schedule that you follow. If you live in an area close to the ocean, maintenance will be needed more often than if you live in a wooded area far from the salty water.
- Saltwater exposure – requires maintenance every 2 months
- High pollution – requires maintenance every 2 months
- High humidity levels – requires maintenance every 4 months
- Dry climates – requires maintenance every 8 months
Maintenance Routine
Pressure wash the building to clean the surface. This is especially important for areas close to saltwater. The salt can expedite the corrosion process and cause the building to rust very quickly.
Once the building is clean, complete a thorough inspection of the entire building. This inspection will help you to find the areas that need to be addressed before the problems become serious. The inspection should include:
- Finding and removing dirt and debris that is stuck to the building or lodged between panels and trim.
- Locating rust spots that are beginning.
- Moisture buildup.
- Moist insulation.
If you find rust, remove the rust using a wire brush. Wipe the area clean and apply a coat of rust-inhibiting primer and paint. This will help stop the rust from continuing to spread to surrounding areas.
If you find moist insulation or moisture buildup, you must find out where the moisture is coming from. If the moisture is caused by condensation, the ventilation must be improved. The most common cause of metal building condensation problems is the moist air inside the building coming into contact with the cool metal. Decreasing the humidity level inside and providing enough ventilation will help to reduce the amount of condensation you experience.
Maintain Records
As you perform your maintenance routine, document any issues that you find. These records can be given to a contractor if the time comes that you need professional assistance with the maintenance or repairs on your metal buildings. It will help the contractor to better understand what has been done and where the trouble zones have been.
This may seem like a lot of work, but it will help preserve the condition of your metal building. If you don't have the time to do it all on your own, consider hiring a contractor to take care of it for you.
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