Steel buildings are well known for how easy they are to maintain, but that doesn’t’ mean you can ignore them completely. Taking a few preventative measures ensures your steel building will last for many years with minimal problems. This blog post discusses 4 basic things you can do to keep your steel building in the best condition.
1. Pay Attention To How Your Building Drains Water
Gutters and downspouts are parts of your building that easily get overlooked. Your gutters perform an important function even if you don’t think about them every day.
It’s important to ensure you clear your drains of any dirt, leaves or other debris that will block the flow of water. Always wear protective gloves when cleaning out your gutters by hand. You can also use a pressure washer to clear your gutters of any debris safely.
Keeping your gutters and downspouts clear prevents standing water from collecting around your building. Standing water slowly corrodes your building over time and makes it easier for rust to develop. You should also make sure water is draining away from your building and not soaking into the foundation. Simply making sure your draining systems are doing their job will help with the durability of your building.
2. Keep An Eye On Your Insulation
Because steel buildings are so easy to maintain, your problems are most likely to occur with the insulation. When your insulation isn’t in good condition your building uses more energy, costs you more money and allows moisture to build up which damages the building.
Steel buildings that lack proper insulation are at risk for condensation. Insulation is susceptible to mold and mildew, so it’s important to keep it well maintained. Damaged insulation compromisesthe air quality in your building and can negatively impact your health. Proper insulation is also an important part of controlling noise coming from your building.
3. Regularly Clean Your Building With A Power Washer
Getting all the dirt and grime off your building is another way to make it last longer. Regularly pressure washing your building prevents dirt from building up and causing stains. For stubborn spots or buildings that haven’t been cleaned in a while, use a soft bristled brush to get rid of hardened sections of dirt.
It’s also a good idea to add some laundry detergent to the pressure washer water for extra cleaning power. Make sure you do a test spot with the cleanser to ensure it doesn’t damage the coating on your building.
Before starting the wash, remember to cover all electrical components (lights, outlets) to avoid any accidents. It’s also a good idea to cut the power to outdoor light switches and outlets before washing. Double check that all doors and windows are closed before hosing your building down.
4. Make Time For Annual Inspections
Regularly inspecting your building is an excellent way to stop problems before they develop. Regular inspections help you detect issues while they’re still minor and easy to fix.
Establish a regular maintenance schedule and stick to it. It’s not a bad idea to outsource your inspection to a qualified contractor. If you bought a prefabricated steel building, the company might even offer inspection as a part of their customer service.
Regular maintenance on your steel building will help you avoid worst-case scenarios. Most buildings that need major repairs could have been avoided if the problem was spotted sooner. Simple things like cleaning your gutters and performing inspections add longevity to your steel building. If you consistently maintain your building, it will pay you back by lasting for decades!
