It is now that winter is upon us, and it is time to think about winter maintenance and care of your steel building. While steel buildings are extremely durable and resistant to extreme conditions by nature, there are still steps you can take to prevent damage and protect yourself from hazards.

MIND THE LANDSCAPE

Steel panels on a metal roof are resistant to scratches. However, surface scratches can be caused by rough branches blowing against the buildings' sides due to winter winds. Any landscaping (trees or bushes included) should be taken care of. You should trim or prune the trees and shrubs around your steel structure in late fall or early winter.

CLEAR OFF THE ROOF

You should also inspect your roof for any accumulation of debris. This could include small branches and twigs of trees or leaves. Even though these items may appear harmless, especially on a strong roof, they can become problematic over time. This is especially true when the debris is waterlogged (more common in winter) and causes rusting or corrosion.

It's fine if you are able to safely remove debris from your roof. But it is safer to hire someone who can do the job safely and with less effort.

CHECK ALL THE SEALS

Check for leaks in all steel buildings as winter approaches. Pipe boots and chimney flashing are two common places where leaks can occur. Leakages should be repaired immediately if they are found.

Also, this is a great time to inspect any seals around your steel buildings' doors and windows. You can save money on heating by applying a weather-proof sealant to your seals.

CLEAN THE GUTTERS

The accumulation of debris in your gutters can make it difficult for the roof and gutter system to drain water away from your steel structure. This can cause common winter issues such as ice dams. Over time, it may also lead to corrosion, leaks, and rust.

It is possible to avoid these problems by simply cleaning the gutters of your steel building once a year. This service may be required more often if you have many trees that fall debris into your gutters all year.

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR STEEL BUILDING MAINTENANCE...

Steel buildings need very little maintenance, even during winter months. It is not possible to maintain a steel building without making preparations.