Caring for Your Metal Building

One of the best things about a steel building is how little it asks of you. No painting every few years, no rot, no termites. But “low maintenance” is not “no maintenance.” A few simple habits will keep your building looking good and working right for a long time.

Here is what we tell our customers after the final walkthrough.

Wash It Now and Then

Dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and road grime can sit on panels and trim. Once or twice a year, rinse the building down with a garden hose. For stubborn spots, use a soft brush and mild soap, then rinse well.

• Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads that can scratch the finish
• Be careful with pressure washers. Keep the pressure low and the nozzle back from the panels, and do not spray straight up into seams or trim
• Rinse off fertilizer, salt, or chemicals that splash onto the walls

Keep Things Off the Walls

Do not let soil, mulch, firewood, or leaves pile up against the bottom of the walls. Moisture held against steel is what leads to rust over time. Keep a little clear space around the base, and trim back shrubs that rub against the panels.

Check Anchors and Screws

Walk around your building once or twice a year, and after any major storm.

• Look at the anchors at each leg. Make sure they are tight and nothing has loosened or washed out around them
• Look for screws that have backed out or are missing on the roof and walls
• Check that the rubber washers on screws are not cracked or missing

Loose or missing screws can let water in. If you find a problem with anchors, call us. Anchoring is what holds your building down in wind, so it is worth getting right.

Gutters and Drainage

If your building has gutters, clean them out in the fall and spring so water flows away instead of spilling over. Either way, watch where water goes when it rains. It should drain away from the building and the slab, not pool along the walls or run under the doors.

Snow on the Roof

Vertical roofs shed snow best, which is one reason they are our most popular style. Even so, heavy or wet snow can build up, especially on lower-pitched roofs and in drifts against lean-tos.

• Know what your building was certified for, and do not assume it can carry any amount
• If you need to remove snow, use a roof rake from the ground. Do not climb onto a snowy steel roof
• Do not chip at ice with sharp tools that can damage the panels
• Keep the area below the eaves clear, since snow can slide off suddenly

Keep Doors Running Smoothly

Roll-Up Doors

• Keep the tracks clean of dirt, leaves, and gravel
• Check the pull rope or strap and replace it if it is fraying
• Do not force a door that is sticking. Find out why first
• Follow the door maker’s guidance on any lubrication

Walk-In Doors

Check the hinges, latch, and weatherstripping each year. A little adjustment keeps the door from sagging and the weather out.

Condensation and Ventilation

Condensation is the most common complaint about any steel building. It happens when warm, moist air inside meets cold metal, especially on cool nights after warm days. You might see drips from the roof on a foggy morning.

Ways to cut it down:

• Insulation or a condensation barrier, ideally added when the building is ordered
• Ventilation, such as vents or simply cracking a door to let moist air out
• A vapor barrier under the slab, which we typically include, to keep ground moisture out
• Avoid running propane or kerosene heaters without ventilation, since they add moisture to the air
• Do not park a wet, snowy vehicle inside and close everything up tight

If condensation is a problem in a building you already have, ask us about options. See the add-ons page for insulation.

Concrete Care

Small hairline cracks in a slab are normal, and that is what control joints are for. Keep heavy loads off the edges, and clean up oil and chemical spills so they do not soak in.

Need a Hand?

If something does not look right, call or text 276-235-1191 or reach us through the contact page. More helpful pages are on our customer resources hub.

Common Questions

How often should I wash my metal building?

Once or twice a year with a garden hose is usually enough. Use mild soap and a soft brush for tough spots, and avoid harsh chemicals or high pressure.

How do I stop condensation in my steel building?

Insulation or a condensation barrier, good ventilation, and a vapor barrier under the slab all help. Avoid unvented heaters that add moisture.

Should I remove snow from my metal roof?

Vertical roofs shed snow well, but heavy buildup can happen. Use a roof rake from the ground and never climb onto a snowy steel roof.

What should I check after a big storm?

Walk around and check anchors, look for loose or missing screws, and make sure water is draining away from the building.