Preparing a Steel Building for the Winter

Published On: November 10th, 2019Categories: Garage Kits, Metal Building Kits, Quonset, Steel Buildings, Storage Buildings, Workshop

Just as you prepare your garden, home and vehicles for the winter, you should also be sure to prepare your steel building. The maintenance required to ensure your building is ready for the changing season is rather simple and straight-forward. Follow this guide to get your steel structure ready for the changes that winter brings.

Preparing a Steel Building for the Winter

Don’t Procrastinate – While it’s natural to put things off, if you delay preparing your building for the winter, it may arrive before you are ready for it.
Prune the Foliage – If there are any bushes or trees close to or touching your building, be sure to prune these back. Anything that can rub against your building with the force of the winter wind and scratch or damage the surface should be cut so it cannot reach. Be sure to keep in mind that accumulated snow and ice will weigh down branches, so if there are any that look like they could bend and reach or break under the weight, trim or cut them as well.
Clear Debris from the Roof – Leaves, small branches, dirt, dust and other debris can build up on the roof of your structure over time. They can hold moisture, and prolonged exposure to the damp plant matter can cause corrosion on the metal.
Clean the Building – Use a mild household detergent, a soft brush, and warm water to wash your building. Alternatively, a very low-pressure power washer can be used as well. Rinse the cleaner off of the structure once you are finished.
Empty the Gutters – If your gutters are clogged, the snow, rain, and ice won’t be able to drain properly and can put significant weight on your structure. Ensure that the gutters are clear of dirt and plant matter so that precipitation can be directed away from your building.

Steel Building Maintenance vs. Wood Building Maintenance

It’s worth looking into what the maintenance requirements are for your building, both in the winter and year-round. When building a structure out of wood, keep the following in mind:

A wood frame will warp, twist, and potentially rot over time
If you have a long span, such as over a garage door, it can sag
Nails may begin to work their way out, causing the frame to loosen and lead to drafts and weakness
Wooden frames need to be chemically treated in order to prevent the potential for pest infestation
Painted wood structures will frequently need to be scraped and repainted to keep the appearance looking nice

If you compare this list to what is required to maintain a steel building, it is quite easy. To keep your metal building looking and performing it’s best, it only needs a quick inspection now and then and an annual wash. This means that not only will your steel building look better, but it will also last longer and hold its value.

Get Winter Ready with Future Buildings

A steel building is more durable and reliable than other traditional structures and is easy to prepare for the winter. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including storage, carports and more. If you are interested in a prefab steel building, contact the team at Future Buildings. We can help you determine which is the best style and type of structure for you. Call us at 1-800-668-5111 to speak to an expert or fill out our online form to request a quote.

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