Today, in the construction industry, many people are opting for metal buildings. This is because construction materials are not cheap, and it takes a whole lot of time to construct a structure using conventional materials. On the other hand, commercial metal buildings are affordable, durable, available in wide range and serves a variety of purposes. This is the reason behind the increase in demand for metal structures.
Metal buildings are famously resistant to rot, fire, and pests. In the event of a natural disaster, a metal building is more likely to endure. Compared to conventional brick and mortar structures, they are quite low-maintenance.
However, this does not mean you can completely ignore the building for several years. Most people do not know that you can drastically increase your building’s lifespan by a few years through proper care.
Follow These Tips to Enhance the Life of a Commercial Building
It is vital to ensure the integrity of a building. Thankfully, you don’t need expensive metal building kits for this purpose. Instead, you can save money in terms of upkeep and avoid potential injuries with just a little effort. Here are some tips that will help you.
● Go for Vertical Roof Design
Most metal buildings these days have a vertical roof design. This design protects from inclement weather conditions like floods, seismic waves, snowfall, and storms. Leaves, snow, and water can easily run down vertical roofs. For roofs with horizontal panels, the debris often accumulates in the carport ridges. This leads to rusting and other issues.
When you install vertical roofs, it also protects the buildings from the wind. In addition, due to the extra framing provided by purlins, your roof gains extra strength. However, due to the additional material required, vertical roofs are not cheap.
● Check the Rusting on Steel Buildings
Manufacturers generally use 100% galvanized steel for these buildings, making them resistant to corrosion and rusting. However, if parts of your building are exposed to water, you may notice some rust forming. Thus, if your building is surrounded by still water, you should form barricades and clean the surrounding area.
When left unattended, the rust can spread to your inventory. This can cause you huge monetary losses. Thus, it is imperative to prevent your commercial building from coming into contact with water.
● Maintain Proper Ventilation
If you don’t wish to face condensation issues, you need to ensure there is constant air circulation. When you properly ventilate a building, you can keep your belongings safe, even during harsh weather conditions. As such, you should keep a few windows open. This will allow the circulation of fresh air.
You also need adequate ventilation for a soothing interior environment. Shutting off all external air sources might lead to a foul odor. You don’t want to be working in such an environment, do you? So make sure there is no air blockage in your metal building.
● Avoid Modification Without Consultation
Sometimes, you may need more space due to growing business demands. While you might want to carry out modifications without consulting an expert, it is not advisable. Installing extensions for clear span buildings is not child’s play.
If you don’t want to deal with construction issues after installation, get in touch with your building dealer. They can make sure you follow the proper codes, select the appropriate structures, and order the proper extensions.
● Choose Right Buildings
When you select a metal building that is ideal for your purpose, you automatically extend its lifespan. However, to prevent regular maintenance and upgrades, you should conduct thorough research before installation.
Envision how you will be using the building in the near future. For example, do you need to regulate temperature? Do you need adequate ventilation? Communicating all your requirements to the builder is essential.
Consider the amount of space available for the building and determine whether it can function within it. Location is another important factor to consider. Depending on it, you may need to invest in certain types of materials.
● Oil Your Hinges
There are some doors in your metal building that you will frequently be using. To ensure easy access, you should always keep the hinges oiled. It may seem like a minor task that has no impact on the building’s lifespan. However, this is not entirely true. It is essential for the doors to be easily accessible if you use the building as a garage.
● Make Repairs Promptly
In case your building needs some repairs, you shouldn’t neglect them. For example, if the steel panels have scratches, you should use primer and paint to prevent corrosion. Make sure to note down what repairs you performed and at what location.
This will help the professionals assess the situation during future inspections. Make sure there is no moisture accumulating in the walls and ceilings. If you notice a hole in the walls, you should seal it immediately to prevent moisture damage.
● Keep the Interior and Exterior Clean
At least twice every year, you need to inspect the interiors and exteriors of prefab metal buildings thoroughly. For best results, you should do this during spring and fall. Sometimes during the winter, there might be excessive snowfall.
You can use a rake to get rid of the snow if there is a lot of it on the roof. However, heavy dirt accumulation can lead to the growth of moss and algae. Thus, you can use a washer to clean the exteriors at least once each year.
American Metal Buildings Can Meet All of Your Steel Building Needs
As you can see, it is not that hard to make a metal building last longer if you know how to take care of it. American Metal Buildings is a premier dealer of metal buildings providing multiple options. We have the best lead times and offer numerous customization options.
Our customer service team is one of the best in the industry. We offer you real-time price quotes along with free delivery and installation. So without further delay, pick up your phone and give us a call today at 877-277-3060!