Metal buildings need very little maintenance, but a quick annual check keeps them looking great and performing at their best. Here is a simple spring maintenance checklist.
One of the biggest advantages of metal buildings is their low maintenance requirements. There is no wood to rot, no shingles to replace, and no paint to touch up. However, a quick annual inspection and cleaning keeps your building in top condition and catches any minor issues before they become problems.
Over the course of a year, dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and tree sap accumulate on your building's panels. A simple wash with a garden hose and mild soap (dish soap works fine) restores the panels' appearance and prevents buildup from staining the finish. For stubborn spots, a soft-bristle brush or pressure washer on a low setting works well. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that could damage the baked-on enamel finish.
If your building has gutters, clean out leaves, twigs, and debris each spring. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and pool around the foundation, which can lead to erosion, settling, and moisture issues over time. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 3 feet away from the building pad.
Walk around the building and check that all screws and fasteners are tight. Over time, thermal expansion and contraction can loosen a few screws. Tighten any that are loose and replace any that are missing or damaged. Check trim pieces along the edges, ridge, and eaves for secure attachment.
While modern metal building panels are highly resistant to rust thanks to their galvanized and painted finishes, any scratches, chips, or exposed metal edges can develop surface rust over time. If you spot any rust, clean the area with a wire brush, treat it with a rust converter, and touch up with matching paint or primer.
Check the concrete pad or gravel base for settling, cracking, or erosion. Make sure water drains away from the building on all sides. Fill any cracks in concrete pads with a concrete crack filler. Add gravel to any low spots in a gravel pad to maintain a level surface.
Roll-up doors and walk-in doors should open and close smoothly. Lubricate roll-up door tracks and springs with a silicone-based lubricant. Check door seals and weatherstripping for wear or gaps that could let in water, dust, or pests.
Keep trees, bushes, and vines trimmed back from the building. Branches rubbing against panels can scratch the finish and promote moisture retention. Vines can trap moisture against the metal and cause corrosion over time.
The entire annual maintenance checklist can be completed in an hour or two. Compare that to the ongoing demands of a wood-frame building — repainting, reshinggling, repairing rot, treating for termites — and the low-maintenance advantage of metal becomes even more clear.
Have questions about maintaining your metal building? Call us at 833-722-7678. We are always happy to help.