Steel buildings are cost-effective, long-lasting, and robust, but they aren’t entirely Maintenance-free. And, as they represent a substantial investment, keeping on top of maintenance makes good sense – you get the chance to sort things out in the early stages, before damage becomes substantial.

We recommend that you schedule regular inspections to monitor the condition of the building, when you walk around inside and out and actively look for signs of damage. We also recommend that as you move around the building during the course of your work you keep an eye out for anything that looks out of place, as visible early warning signs can alert you to areas where maintenance is required.

Water on the floor

If you spot water on the floor of the building, your first responsibility is to find out where it came from. If the cleaner slopped some water out of a bucket there’s no need to panic, but if you’ve just had a rainstorm and water has worked its way in from outside, then that’s a different matter. In that case you need to trace it to the exterior source, and take action to fix the leak before the problem becomes more complicated and costly.

Panel(s) are damaged

If panels become scratched, or cracks or small holes develop, they need to be dealt with promptly. It’s places like this that can let in water.

If panels have become loose or been damaged more extensively, you need to do two things. The first is to assess whether they can be repaired or need to be replaced, and to get the damage fixed as soon as possible. The second is to identify how it happened, and take action to prevent it happening again.

For example, check around the building to ensure that hedges and tree branches are not overgrown. If they are, you may need to cut them back. Tree branches in particular can cause damage, especially if they are whipped around in windy weather.

Excess water appears to be gathering outside the building

If water gathers around the building, evident either in pools or waterlogged ground, there may be a problem with drainage. Start from the top – check the guttering and drainpipes, then the drains. Clear the gutters and the drains if they need it, and repair or replace anything that’s broken.

If that doesn’t fix the problem you can (for example) install soakaways or landscaping to channel the water away safely and make sure the ground stays dry.

External finish is poor

There’s bound to be general wear and tear with a steel building, and weather is often the biggest culprit for causing or exacerbating damage. Water gets into the slightest opening and strong winds can tear at loose panels.

Keep an eye on the general appearance, too. Clean the building with a pressure washer a couple of times a year. Not only does that focus your attention on the structure, meaning you’re more likely to spot anything that’s not as it should be, but you’ll find out if water’s getting in and so be able to prevent mould, for example, from taking hold.

As well as wanting your building to look smart, peeling paintwork can be caused or affected by strong sunlight. It’s straightforward to give a building a fresh coat of paint or, alternatively, you can refurb by recladding.

Keep on top of maintenance and don’t put off necessary repairs. If you need any help, get in touch – we’re always happy to talk steel buildings!

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