We have another awesome guest post to share with you this week, Maintenance Tips For Long-Lasting Metal Warehouses. Thank you Chris for providing this great post for us!! We really enjoyed it and appreciate the time you took!
Metal warehouses are increasingly becoming popular in modern times due to their ability to hold shape and structure for the longest time with minimal upkeep requirements. They are reliable and strong materials, but without proper care, they will rust away and might get severe damage.
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MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR LONG-LASTING METAL WAREHOUSES
When buying steel warehouses, the quality will deeply affect the life of the building. So, check for manufacturer’s warranty, quality, and craftsmanship. The steel structure has the potential to last for 50 to 100 years with trouble-free and undemanding care.
Now, wait a minute. Didn’t we just say that metal buildings require minimal care? Yes, they do. Nonetheless, they need timely touch-ups to maintain their structural integrity. And all this without breaking the bank. Let’s see how.
These Are The Top 7 Effective Ways To Maintain Durable Metal Warehouses
1. Schedule A Regular Inspection Routine
Inspection at regular intervals is crucial to avoid any major issues in the future. Now, you can schedule checking every four to six months to see any early signs of damage or wear & tear. Dealing early will fix issues before they become a larger problem to tackle.
Any potential dent, corrosion, or missing/ loose screw can be addressed at this stage. Regular inspection helps to minimize the cost of any damage that otherwise would be high. The best part is – that metal does not need much care for its survival. Unlike wood, there is no rotting or decaying with time as steel is an inorganic & recyclable material.
Tip: We suggest you schedule maintenance before the beginning of the rainy season and after the end of the winter. At least twice a year will be good enough if you live in a moderate climate.
2. Cleaning Entire Building
Cleaning removes any dirt, debris, or stuff stuck to the wall panels or in the corners and edges of the metal buildings. Pressure water will help wipe out any dust that may have accumulated over time. You must clean your entire warehouse at least once a year.
If you notice any algae or moss development around the edges or corners of the foundation, remove them promptly. While we are on the topic of cleaning, ensure you have trimmed landscaping. It makes your building appear better and helps get rid of small insects or animals that may find a nesting place in long, tall grasses.
Tools That You Will Need To Clean Metal Warehouses
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Depending on the size of your warehouse, a garden hose with a nozzle would be enough for a small size. However, we suggest using a pressure washer at its lowest setting for fast cleaning for large warehouses.
3. Examine Roof
The roof is an essential part of metal warehouses. Any major repair or replacement could be expensive. So, to avoid this, examine the roof, especially before the beginning of the rainy and winter seasons.
Notice any potential leaks, holes, damage, missing screw, loose screw near joints that might let water seep into the building, and any debris from nearby trees or dead leaves. Address them spot on. Clean the gutter and downspout so that water can pass through them easily.
Scrap off any bird dropping with a soft bristle brush and mild detergent solution with warm water. With time, they can damage the paint layer and expose the metal to air & moisture as they are high in uric acid. So, the roof must be cleaned more often than the entire building.
You can opt for ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF) to shield paint from bird poop, UV rays, and scratches.
4. Check HAVC System
Steel warehouses tend to allocate a lot of space for storage. They can be designed to be effective cold storage. Most warehouses deploy an efficient HAVC system to regulate the temperature and create a comfortable environment. Replace the filters regularly and clean the ducts, as they can build up dust and other debris with time.
Regular checks of electricity and plumbing will boost the effectiveness of preventing expensive future repairs or replacements. Inspect ventilation for proper air circulation inside steel warehouses. Prevent water collection on or near steel buildings, as it can attract other living creatures for housing.
5. Rusting & Touch Ups
Metal buildings will experience the least effect of aging as long as rusting is under control. But if you notice rusting on any panels, don’t panic.
Scrap it off with sandpaper and then apply a metal primer over it. You can finish it off with one or two coats of metal paint. For best results, use rust-resistant paint. If you notice any rusted screw, replace it with a new one without delay. You can find a new screw in a local hardware shop or online store.
The coating is the primary defense against rusting. Apply a fresh layer of paint over areas where the paint is fading. Few touch-ups in worn-out areas will help retain the steel warehouse’s longevity. Metal buildings need to be repainted once or twice a decade.
6. Seal The Entire Structure
Sealing protects metal warehouses from air and water, which can lead to damage with time. Check doors and windows for any gaps or holes. You can use sealants like caulking, silicone-based, or even weather-strip the entire structure. Put dollar bills under closed doors to check if there is any chance of a draft built up. If it passes, you need to seal the door. Some commonly used sealants are:
- Silane-modified polymers (can be painted over)
- Caulking
- Butyl
- Polyurethane
- Silicone
Check if the metal building is properly sealed with the concrete slab. Apply foam (sponge-like material) first, then apply concrete polyurethane sealant on the edges of the foam. Silicone sealant is good for external use on metal and concrete. These are weatherproof sealants.
Note: To keep water away from metal buildings, install foundation flashing at the base of the metal wall.
7. Annual Inspection
Take a look at metal warehouses thoroughly at least once a year. In general, inspection can be done once a month. If you notice any rust or a tiny hole in metal panels, fix them without any delays to increase the durability of your building. A small, overlooked problem can become a large issue later on.
Oiling:
Squeaky doors and windows can become annoying. They take more effort to open and wear and tear quickly. Regular oiling of the hinges decreases friction between the metal surface and the hinge. This reduces the squeaking noise caused by metal rubbing against each other.
Foundation:
- Check for any cracks, especially around the edges of a concrete slab.
- Fix them on time.
- Ensure there is a good drainage system.
- Redirect falling water from the roof & keep the tree’s roots away from the foundation.
Joints:
Steel warehouses have parts that are fastened with different tools. Regular monitoring of these joints helps maintain structural strength.
In Essence,
All these tips will boost the longevity and durability of steel buildings. An increase in lifespan means more use of it. Metal warehouses are low-maintenance structures that require the least care compared to their traditional counterparts.
Regular inspection can lower the chances of any major repair or replacement, which will cut costs on annual upkeep. Minor repairs and regular assessments are cost-effective ways to increase the life of metal buildings.
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