Simple ways to maintain a steel building

Like most great works of art, a little preventative effort and preservation goes a long way. Conservators have had to retouch even the greatest paintings: the Mona Lisa has been restored a couple of times (after its 1911 theft and again in the 1950s when a visitor threw acid on it) and the Sistine Chapel underwent one of the most significant restorations of the 20th century after a large water leak.

With steel building engineering, however, you certainly don’t have to worry about water leaks, repairing cracks or the challenge of repainting. While everything in the world eventually needs cleaning – a hose and brush is much easier than investing millions of dollars and years for craftspeople to restore your artwork back to original glory. 

One reason industrial and commercial companies prefer to build with pre-engineered steel buildings is the reduced amount of required maintenance. The combination of cold-formed steel with galvanized coatings, insulated metal panels (IMPs) and concrete foundations mean very little can fall to disrepair – no cracking, splitting, leaks or rotting like with other building materials. Pre-engineering means very few joints or gaps that can lead to outside air or water leaking into the structure. 

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Even though pre-engineered metal structures are built to last between 50 and 100 years (or more), owners and maintenance managers can do a few simple things to extend their building’s lifespan longer than that. Barring accidental damage (which can be quickly and affordably replaced due to pre-engineering’s system of replaceable parts), here are a few tips that will help improve the performance of your building, so it looks and acts as good as it did when it was first completed.

•  Perform routine inspections

It’s a good idea to schedule annual inspections of pre-engineered buildings to identify any potential problems. By being proactive, you’re more likely to detect and correct issues while they’re still minor. You’ll save money by keeping subsequent repairs to minimum by preventing further deterioration and eliminating downtime. The biggest long-term cost of not doing timely inspections is potential downtime in your operations as more substantial repairs take place.

Periodically (such as every new season), start by walking around the perimeter of the building, starting at the foundation and working up. Check the entire exterior and all four corners of the roof before checking the interior walls, especially where two buildings meet at joints or where windows and exterior connections (like water lines) are located. Be sure to keep your steel building’s exterior clear of objects like equipment, debris and unsecured materials. These items can create punctures if caught by wind and lead to water leakage or rust to damaged areas.

Inspect downspouts and gutters. They should remain empty to help direct water away from the structure and prevent water from building up. Gutters can easily get clogged by leaves, dirt, ice or standing water, which can create rust. Consider leaf guards so you don’t have to remove debris and yard waste by hand in the fall and spring.

•  Schedule regular maintenance and document 

Routine cleaning should be done according to a schedule and any necessary repairs should be recorded in a log for future modifications and insurance reasons. Record any problems and the steps taken to address them. In the case of any potential defects, please notify us immediately. Most businesses already have a maintenance supervisor so adding this into their responsibilities is easy and won’t incur any additional expense.

Learn why pre-engineered steel buildings require less maintenance.

•  Repair any punctures immediately

A key benefit of buildings created with IMPs is that any damage (such as accidental contact from forklifts, etc.) can be quickly and affordably fixed by replacing just the damaged panel. If you ever get a dent or puncture, replacing the affected section limits the extent (and cost) of both damage and repairs. Summit Steel Building can replace panels on any manufacturer’s building kits, so don’t hesitate to contact us about any new holes you find. These punctures can be easily fixed to maintain the structural integrity of the rest of the building – and keep it looking its best.

Checklist for regular maintenance:

• Cleaning – Pressure washing your metal panels (use a low setting with an appropriate cleaning solution) prevents dirt building up that could trap moisture and create mold. Hand washing with a stronger solution will remove any tougher stains.
• Coatings – Pre-engineered metal panels are designed for toughness and to be resistant to contact. However, it’s a good idea to touch up any surface scratches to maintain their look and prevent spots for future corrosion. An alternative to unfinished steel, buildings can be designed with a variety of resistant galvanized or painted finishes that require less touch-ups.
• Fasteners – Inspect nuts, bolts, rivets, screws and other iron connectors to ensure they stay securely fastened over time and do not begin to rust. Your pre-engineered steel building relies on these items for weatherproofing and temperature control. Tighten loose bolts and replace any that are damaged. Be aware that bolt heads may rust, but the rest are still fine.
• Insulation – Ensure insulation is dry and in good condition. Pre-engineered steel buildings rely on different types of insulation to maintain proper environmental conditions and prevent corrosion. Replace any damaged IMP or insulation immediately to maintain a proper temperature for your building. 
• Landscaping – Both for security and to ensure environmental and HVAC systems don’t get obstructed, trim trees and hedges from around the building. A little distance keeps heavy foliage from pressuring the sides of your building panels and keeps pesky animals at bay. Your unhindered views will also let the light shine through windows for cost-saving and health benefits.

Extend the life of your building with simple cost-saving reviews

While no one is going to confuse your pre-engineered steel building with Renaissance art, they are both valuable investments that appreciate over time, when cared for with a little attention. You can devote simple regular maintenance into your metal structure to help extend its lifespan by decades. Lower levels of required repairs are another convenient way to get more value of your affordable steel building.

If you're looking for a commercial or industrial facility that requires much less maintenance and repairs, contact Summit Steel Buildings at 877-417-8335 and we’ll provide you with a free quote and preliminary drawings.

About the author

Frank Melo has a construction civil engineering technology and business background with over 25 years of experience as a business owner and contractor. He was born and educated in London, Ontario and now divides his time between projects primarily in Ontario and British Columbia. He can be contacted at Summit Steel Buildings at (778) 951-4766 or by email at frank.melo@summitsteelbuildings.com or through LinkedIn.