The look of a newly completed steel building is impressive. The ability to keep the look crisp and clean and corrosion-free is the struggle of anyone that has chosen this material for construction. Below are six ways to help keep your structure free from rust.
1. Build Using Treated Materials
The simplest way to avoid having problems with rust and corrosion on the surface of metal and steel products is to use treated metal from the start. Steel that has been galvanized and a surface that has a baked-on protective coating will last longer with fewer corrosion and rust problems. Most of these products will have a warranty that makes replacement a more affordable option.
2. Keep the Surface Clean
Allowing a build-up of dirt, mold, and lichen is asking for problems down the line. A pressure washer, garden hose, mild soap, and scrub brush will help keep these surfaces clean. The agitation can remove any rust particles that have transferred from another source. The slightest combination of iron and oxygen will spring forth iron oxide or rust. Keeping the surface clean will allow you the ability to monitor the walls of your steel building better.
3. Use Gutters and Downspouts
Bringing water down off of the roof and guiding it away from the building is a big help in the prevention of corrosion and rust. Allowing it to drip off of the edges slowly will guarantee that the surface stays wet longer. Adding gutter and downspouts to am metal building is not too complicated and can be done quickly by most contractors.
4. Maintain Good Drainage Around Building
The base of your metal building is at just as much risk of developing rust as the top. Water tends to collect down towards the foundation of any building that has not given considerable thought and planning to drainage. You need a good and efficient way to gather up the moisture and move it out towards the lawn or lead it down into the sewer.
5. Paint the Surface
One solution for untreated steel that is to coat it with a metal-friendly paint. Many types will bond with the metal and keep the surface protected from moisture. You need to make frequent inspections to make sure the surface has not cracked and in need of a fresh coating.
6. Avoid Contact with Other Rusted Items
Keep other metal items that are eroding and rusted away from the surface of your metal building. Rust is not viral, by any means, but it seems to follow that keeping one corroded item around often begins the process of everything taking on excess wear and corrosion.
One of the benefits of using a steel building is the fact that they are durable and last many years with proper care. Keeping corrosion and rust at bay is the best way to extend longevity and use.
