If you’re a new homeowner and have an outside metal building on your property, you might be surprised that several steps are required to keep it looking its best. Or perhaps, you’ve always had a metal building on your land but weren’t aware that it needed preventative care. Metal building maintenance doesn’t have to take a lot of time or energy, but the extra effort you put into its maintenance ensures it lasts for years.
Metal buildings can add storage and convenience to any property and are more affordable than you think. In today’s blog, we’re going to share the steps necessary to care for a metal building, so you’ll be able to protect your investment for years to come.
Newmart Builders has been your source for high-quality steel structures for over 22 years. Performing preventive maintenance on your metal building is easy and if you have any questions about the process, feel free to get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.
Remove Any Debris
Whether your metal building is new or has been on your property for a long time, one of the first things that can cause trouble is debris from trees and bushes. If leaves and branches fall on the roof of your metal building frequently, it could lead to a buildup of grime, mold, and excess water. To practice proper steel building maintenance, always keep your structure and the building components free of leaves and other debris.
Another problem that might arise is shrubs and trees that grow too close to your metal building. By keeping tree limbs and bushes trimmed back from your metal building, you are preventing them from pressing or pushing against the walls, which could lead to damage. In addition, the pressure exerted on the side of the walls from nearby objects can cause the walls to bend and cause water to remain near the building instead of draining off.
Remove the Snow
While snow may be pretty to look at, too much of it on top and around your metal building could lead to excess stress on the roof of your structure. Just as you would shovel your driveway after the first snowfall, it’s a good idea to check your metal building to make sure the weight of the snow isn’t too much for the roof to handle. Preventive maintenance tasks such as snow removal are essential to protect your investment and ensure your metal building makes it through the harsh winter months.
Check the Insulation
The next step in your metal building maintenance checklist is insulation. If your metal building is insulated, moisture is one of the most important things you can check regularly. There are many ways water can find its way inside your metal building, and birds, rodents, and other critters can dig and burrow their way in through the smallest gaps.
If you don’t catch the problem early, it could lead to headaches and frustration down the road as you try to eradicate nests and any mold that may have accumulated from excess water.
Tighten Scews
Since metal buildings are made to sway because they are not stick-built, the screws holding them together can sometimes begin to back out. It’s essential that you regularly check your building for loose screws and then tighten them to ensure your metal building maintains its structural integrity. Open metal structures tend to see screws backing out of the legs and braces, so you must check these types of buildings regularly.
Wash the Building, Inside and Out
Perhaps the most critical step in metal building maintenance is keeping the structure clean. The easiest way to perform this task is to wash your facility with a power washer or bucket of warm water and a soft-bristled brush if you don’t have access to a power washer. Please don’t use harsh cleaning solutions, as they could deteriorate the quality of your building system.
In addition, the steel panels on your building should be checked out several times a year to ensure that there isn’t any mold or grime growing on them.
If left unattended, grime and mold could tarnish your metal building and lead to rust, which can be prevented with proper preventive maintenance. Our metal building experts at Newmart Builders can answer any questions you may have about preventative maintenance on your metal building.
Check Gutters and Drains
Finally, the gutters and downspouts on your metal building should be checked regularly for clogs and debris. Standing water is never good and leads to problems with pests and rust. If you see standing water near your metal building and haven’t checked the gutters for leaves and other organic material, the next step you should take would be to make sure the drains are free of debris.
For More Metal Building Maintenance Ideas, Contact Us!
The professional staff at Newmart Builders wants you to know that we can answer any questions about metal building maintenance. So, if you’ve been thinking about adding a new metal or steel building to your property, give us a call. We have many options to choose from and flexible payment options that fit with any budget. Contact us today and learn why homeowners just like you have been trusting us since 1999!
