How To Prepare Your Metal Building For Winter

Posted by Ben Sparhawk on Oct 30, 2019 10:30:27 AM

There are countless reasons why you choose to build a metal building.

They are cheaper in the long run, they are more versatile, they require less maintenance, and they are durable.

Durable enough to stand up to natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires.

Their wood-framed counterparts can't claim those same advantages.

They can also stand up to all four seasons, whether it is the harsh heat in the summer or the bitter cold in the winter.

With winter right around the corner, there are a few things you should do to prepare your metal building for the harsh winter months.

Getting your steel building ready for winter is simple and very important.

It always costs less to prevent problems now than it does to fix problems in the future.

In the article below, we will help you make sure your metal building is ready for the winter.

Table of Contents

Get Ready For Winter Today

As you likely already know, your steel building will require very little maintenance throughout its lifetime.

If you perform these simple tasks today, you will set yourself up for a stress-free winter.

And remember, you should resist the urge to procrastinate and get these things taken care of right away.

The longer you wait, the more likely winter will blow in before you are prepared.

Prune and Trim: One of the first things you should do is prune back any trees or bushes that have grown too close to the surface of your building. Remove all foliage that could rub against your steel building in strong winter winds.

Heavy snow and ice will accumulate on trees during storms and weigh them down. Trim away any branches that are close enough to bend or break and damage your building.

Clear Debris: Hop on your roof and remove all of the leaves, twigs, pine needles, and dirt you can find.Any substance with the ability to hold water is going to cause problems. Waterlogged debris tends to gather around the screws on a metal structure, inviting corrosion.

Wash Your Building: Was the entire exterior of your metal building, including your roof. You can use any mild household cleaner and mix it with water to get the job done.

Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush or a power washer on low pressure to clean it gently. Once you've finished, be sure to rinse everything off with water.

Clean Your Gutters: Gutter maintenance is an important task to complete all year long, but especially when you are preparing for winter.

Make sure your gutters are positioned to route all snow, rain, and ice away from your building. You also need to be sure that all of your gutters and downspouts are firmly attached to the metal building. And don't forget to clear your gutters of all debris.

Examine Your Roof: Check your entire roof for any corrosion or scratches.

The seals around your skylights and vents should be free of any cracks or voids.

Inspect the flashing around your chimney, valleys, or pipe boots.

While you're at it, examine all window and door seals to be sure they are tightly sealed. Reinforce any seals with a weatherproof sealant if necessary.

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Prevention Is Better Than Reaction

Although it may seem a lot at first glance, most of the jobs listed above are relatively easy, and they can all be performed in a single day.

Wood-framed buildings, on the other hand, require extensive year-round maintenance.

Here are a few simple reasons why:

  • Nails can pop out, loosen the framing, and cause drafts.
  • The lumber will require extensive treatment with harsh chemicals to avoid termite infestation
  • The wood will warp, rot, and twist.
  • Long spans will sag over time.
  • Wood buildings need to be scraped and repainted frequently to protect them for the elements.

And those are just a few of the things that need to be done in order to maintain a wood building.

Maintaining a metal building is easy, especially compared to a wooden building.

For your metal building, an annual washing and simple inspection will keep your metal building in tip-top shape for generations.

Your metal building will also hold its value much longer than its wooden counterparts.

If, during your inspection, you find any leaks, repair them quickly to prevent further damage.

Check your ceiling for signs of discoloration caused by condensation, water leaks, or mold.

Fortunately, a high-quality prefab metal building will seldom have any waterproofing problems. Check out our article 5 Questions To Ask Yourself If You're Considering A Metal Building for more information about choosing a pre-engineered metal building. 

Make sure you stay nice and cozy inside of your steel building

Enjoy The Winter In Your Metal Building

Enjoy your winter feeling nice and cozy inside of your metal building.

The weather outside might be frightful, but performing these simple tasks will ensure your metal building is delightful all winter long.

Your prefab metal building will outperform and outlast just about any other structure.

And the best part about it is that readying your low-maintenance building for winter weather is a breeze.

To see how CDMG can help you set up your business with a pre-engineered metal building, click on the link below.

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Topics: steel buildings

About The Author

ben-sparhawkI'm Ben Sparhawk, the Content Writer and Marketing Account Manager for CDMG. I write to showcase the work that CDMG does and everything related to the pre-engineered metal building industry as well as their engineering capabilities. When I'm not working on content, you can find me spending time with my wife and children. You can also find me in the gym, trying to better myself, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking or checking out local parks.