How to Prepare a Steel Building for the Winter

The harsh winter months are upon us so now is the right time to start thinking about winter maintenance. Steel buildings are strong and durable, and they can withstand extreme weather conditions. However, you can still take steps to prevent any damage or to ensure your safety.

MINDING THE LANDSCAPING

Metal roof panels made of steel are typically resistant to scratches. However, scratches can happen when rough branches from trees are blown against the buildings' sides by winter winds. You should have your landscaping (bushes, trees, etc.) maintained at all times. Your landscaping will need to be pruned or trimmed in the fall or winter.

CLEAR OFF YOUR ROOF

This is a great time to check your steel roof for any accumulated debris. This includes leaves, small tree branches/twigs, and dirt. Although these objects may seem harmless (especially if it is on a sturdy roof), they can cause problems if left behind. This is especially true if they become water-logged, which is more likely during the winter months.

If you're able to clean up debris from your roof safely, that's fantastic. A professional is always safer, and it will take less work.

CHECK ALL THE SEALS

Winter is approaching and all seals around steel buildings need to be checked for any leaks. There are two areas that are most likely to have leaks: the chimney flashing and the pipe boots. These should be repaired immediately after any leaks are identified.

This is also the time to check the seals surrounding the doors and windows of your steel building. Applying a little weatherproof sealant will help keep your seals strong and reliable throughout winter. This can also reduce your heating costs.

CLEAN ITS GUTTERS

Your steel building's gutter system and roof can become blocked by debris. This can cause wintertime problems such as ice dams.

This is a good thing because these problems can be avoided by simply cleaning your gutters once a calendar year. You might need to clean the gutters more often if your building has many trees that are prolific in shedding debris all year.

THE BOTTOM LINE WHEN IT COMES TO STEEL BUILDING MAINTENANCE...

Steel buildings generally require little maintenance, even in the harsh winter months. But, steel buildings are not maintenance-free. It is essential to prepare for the future.