If you haven’t prepared for winter by now, you’re swiftly running out of time! And time is of the essence when protecting your vehicles, valuables, and equipment from the elements. For many in the US, the winter months are frigid and come with a litany of weather-related issues that can cause immense damage to property.
To combat this, many savvy folks purchase metal buildings to protect their investments. These structures are strong and built to last for years with minimal maintenance. And the best part? They’re far more affordable than stick-built structures.
However, even with steel buildings, you’ll need to perform routine maintenance to prepare them for the winter. Failing to do so can result in significant damage to your structure that will cost far more to repair than if you handle it promptly.
So, what are the best ways to prepare your storage shed for the winter season? Below, we’ll explore this subject and show you how you can ensure your building is up to the challenge of winter.
Preparing Your Storage Shed for Winter
Unfortunately, it’s that time of year when Jack Frost rears his head, dropping snow and ice across the northern US. And while there’s not much one can do to prevent that, you can prepare! So, what are the most effective ways of prepping your steel storage building for the incoming winter? Start here:
1. Maintain Your Roof
Hands down, one of the most effective ways to prolong the life of your metal building will be to maintain the roof. Luckily, the roofing systems for metal buildings are designed to last for decades with minimal intervention, but you’ll still need to perform regular checkups to remove leaf fall and debris. If left unchecked, leaf piles can retain moisture, promoting oxidation and rust.
2. Perform Maintenance Sweep
The next step will be to walk around your structure’s exterior and interior, checking the framing, walls, and roof trusses for any signs of damage, shifting, or settling that might have occurred. If not handled promptly, smaller issues can develop into larger, more expensive problems.
3. Check the Foundation
Although concrete foundations are solid and capable of holding up large buildings, they can wear down, crack, and crumble, leading to significant structural problems over time. As such, you’ll want to check for any signs of cracks or breakage. If found, handle it quickly to reduce the potential for it to worsen.
4. Check Seals
Over time, sealant along windows, doors, and the bottom of a structure can dry out and crack, reducing your building’s energy efficiency. To prevent this, you’ll need to check all areas where seals are present to ensure they are still in condition.
5. Clean Up Clutter
If you use your metal building to store valuables, you’ll likely want to clean up any clutter that may have developed over the summer. By performing this routine maintenance, you’ll not only improve your storage capacity, but you’ll also be able to find essential items quickly and efficiently.
6. Landscape
Overgrowth of vegetation can occur during the summer months, making your building susceptible to damage from falling limbs or debris. To prevent this, you’ll want to survey your building site and remove any unwanted or dead tree growth.
7. Winterize
If your storage building happens to have plumbing, you’ll want to drain the pipes and replace the water with an antifreeze solution. When temperatures plummet, this solution will prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
8. Paint
Though many metal storage sheds are outfitted with paint and protective coatings that prevent fading, you still may need to give your building a fresh coat of paint. Updating your paint will give it a fresh look and keep it protected through the harsh winter.
What Can You Store in a Metal Storage Building?
Believe it or not, metal sheds aren’t just backyard structures for housing your tools. Thanks to modern engineering and computer-assisted design techniques, these structures can be built to handle just about anything, including:
1. Wood Storage
Keeping a steady supply of wood for the winter is crucial if you own a wood stove or furnace. Many folks will store their wood outdoors, but this storage method can allow moisture to penetrate the wood, pests to set up shop and damage your supply. But with a metal building, your wood will remain safe, dry, and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
2. Boat Storage
Thanks to their versatility, storage buildings can be designed to accommodate large boats or marine vehicles, providing you with a perfect place to keep them safe in the off-season.
3. Greenhouses
Winter is not always an ideal season for growing, but with a greenhouse, you’ll be able to enjoy your green thumb year-round. Metal storage buildings can easily be outfitted with transparent paneling, windows, and doors to make a perfect nursery for all your growing needs.
4. Vehicle Protection
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more suitable way to store your vehicles than with a steel building. These structures are completely customizable, giving you a cost-effective way of housing your cars, trucks, and SUVs year-round.
5. Office Spaces
A properly insulated metal building can be transformed into a fully-functional office space! These structures are perfect if you’re looking for a way to move your home office into its own environment. Simply finish them with insulation, electricity, and plumbing, and you’re all set!
6. Tools and Equipment
Whether it’s the new mowing deck or your collection of tools, a metal shed is a fantastic way to keep your tools safe, dry, and in pristine condition.
7. Agricultural Supplies
Steel sheds have been the go-to choice for housing livestock, protecting food supplies, and housing large vehicles for years. They’re strong, pest-resistant, and prepared to take on any task on the farm with minimal hassle.
American Metal Buildings Is Your Destination for Quality Metal Sheds
From the east coast to the gulf, American Metal Buildings has made a name for themselves by delivering custom-built buildings and fantastic customer service to thousands of customers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re searching for a simple steel shed or larger metal storage buildings, we have the tools, products, and experience to deliver!
And if you’re operating on a budget, we understand! That’s why we’re offering some of the best financing options in the business, with low-interest rates and flexible payment structures that give you the power to pay at your own speed.
We also have a tremendous rent-to-own program with no hard credit checks and fast approvals!
So, if you’re ready to begin your metal shed journey, give American Metal Buildings a call at +1 (877) 277-3060. We’re waiting to help you design, visualize, and realize a steel building that works for your precise needs. Why? Because at American Metal Buildings, your dreams, your goals, and your vision matter!