Maintenance Tips for Steel Buildings

One of the biggest selling points for steel buildings is that they require so little maintenance. The painted finish on most steel buildings, including barns, garages, storage buildings and other types of metal buildings, is a powder-coated finish that rarely needs repainting. Most are treated with finishes that resist corrosion and rust, and are resistant to fading in the sun. That means keeping your steel building in top shape costs far less than maintaining a similarly sized wooden or concrete structure. Those additional savings add up over the years – not only in money but in time saved.

Nevertheless, you shouldn’t completely neglect maintenance and care for your steel buildings. It doesn’t take much to keep them neat, clean and in excellent shape. These tips will help you keep your metal building looking like new for years.

Remove dirt and debris from any painted surfaces with a soft nylon brush and clean, clear water. Removing dirt, sand and dust will prevent a buildup of debris that can eat away at the finish. It only takes a few minutes to tackle the areas of the building that are most prone to collecting dirt and dust.

Check the gutters, roof sheets and the areas under any overhangs for dirt and staining every few months. Give any dirty areas a quick scrub with a soft-bristled nylon brush and clear water. Avoid using caustic cleaners and firm bristles, which may scratch the painted surfaces.

If you notice any cracks or leaks in the building, have them repaired immediately. These types of problems are rare, but if you leave them unattended they can lead to worse problems. In many cases, your warranty will cover repairs to any damage of this type.

Inspect your steel building each spring for wear and tear. At that time, wash the eaves and gutters with a mild detergent and give the entire structure a once-over with a pressure washer to remove any dirt and debris left over from the winter storms.

Lubricate the hinges of any doors, and keep the thresholds free of grit and dirt that can scratch and mar the surface. Once the finish is scratched, your building may be prone to rust or other corrosion, so it’s important to wipe away gritty sand or dirt before it damages the finish.

Steel buildings are an excellent investment that should serve you well for decades. Investing a little time in maintaining them properly will extend their usable life even further and keep your building looking fresh, new and clean.