Steel is one of the most versatile and sustainable construction materials in the world. In fact, the average steel building has at least 25 percent recycled components in place once it’s built.
Though the materials are durable, you still need to maintain and care for your steel building at all times if you want it to last for years to come. Believe it or not, maintaining a steel building requires a different approach than you’d take with other building materials.
Not sure where to start? Don’t panic. Here are a few easy maintenance tips you’ll want to take care of each year.
Inspect the Building Twice a Year
Though every steel frame building is incredibly durable, the materials can experience wear and tear over time. The sooner you catch minor repair issues, the less severe the damage will be and the less you’ll have to pay for any repairs.
Inspect the building at least once every six months. If you notice anything that looks unusual or see signs of corrosion on any exposed steel components, call your contractor as soon as possible.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re inspecting commercial or residential steel buildings. The sooner you get the damage fixed, the better off your building will be.
Keep the Walls Dry as Often as Possible
One of the biggest considerations that goes into the design for steel buildings is the foundation. It supports the weight of the materials and keeps the building in good condition for years to come.
Though foundations are typically resistant to damage, excess moisture can cause serious problems.
Get in the habit of inspecting the sides of the building after every heavy rain or snowstorm. If you see tons of water pooling around the exterior or have large drifts of snow slowly melting, call your contractor.
They may need to redo the drainage around the building to keep the foundation intact.
Give It a Good Scrub Down Each Year
The metal siding commonly used on steel structure buildings is incredibly durable, but it can get dirty over the course of the year. That buildup of dirt can make it hard to spot minor repair issues and damage before they can cause major problems.
Try to wash your building at least once a year. Use a pressure washer to power through dirt and grime and let the siding dry.
If you can, rinse the roof and clean the gutters at the same time. This will help you keep your building looking like new longer.
Follow These Steel Building Maintenance Tips
Keeping your steel building in good condition is simple. Just make sure to follow these easy maintenance tips every year.
When you do, your building will look great at all times. Even better, you’ll be able to catch any minor repair issues before they have a chance to do extensive damage to the rest of the structure.
Looking for more tips to help you maintain your building both inside and out? Check out our latest posts.
