Chat with us, powered by LiveChat
The new pricing is being updated. Please call at (866) 681-7846 for accurate pricing.
Home / Articles / 10 Tips for Maintaining Your Outdoor Metal Building
10-tips-for-maintaining-your-outdoor-metal-building
02May 2019Metal Buildings

10 Tips for Maintaining Your Outdoor Metal Building

10-tips-for-maintaining-your-outdoor-metal-building

From carports and garages to storage units and horse barns, metal buildings can meet any and all your residential, commercial, and agricultural needs. These prefab steel structures are designed to protect your vehicles and other valuables from theft and potential damages caused by harsh weather elements. With precise-engineering and flexible designs, metal buildings are more durable, long-lasting, and functional than structures made of other materials. To increase the life-span of your outdoor metal structure, we have listed a few helpful tips below:

Make Sure You Have the Perfect Location and Foundation

Choosing the perfect location for your outdoor steel structure is an important step to the process. You must make sure the site allows enough room, and more, for your structure to be installed. Be sure to check with your local ordinances regarding permits and local building codes BEFORE having your structure installed. The next step is to choose the foundation type: ground, gravel, asphalt, or concrete. Keep in mind that no matter what foundation type you choose, it must be level before assembly.

Eliminate Any Snow

While your vehicles are protected from accumulating snow, the roof of your prefab steel building is catching it all. Allowing the snow to settle on your roof can cause a lot of stress to the framing and foundation. When on top of your unit removing the snow, you need to take extra precautions. First, you will need to check the roof for any damage; DO NOT proceed if there are areas that look as if they have buckled. If still in good condition, begin shoveling from the end walls and work towards the center.

Maintenance and Inspections

Even though metal buildings don’t require a lot of maintenance, they do need a little TLC every now and again. You want to make sure the structure stays free of dirt and grime as the longer it builds up, the higher the chances are for corrosion and oxidation. Washing your unit at least twice a year will help to avoid this problem. When washing the building, be sure to use a phosphate-free laundry detergent, hot water, and a pressure washer. Another way to ensure no damages are missed is to perform routine inspections before and after harsh weather and winter

Choose the Right Building Materials

Which building material best fits my needs? The best way to answer this question is to understand what your needs and requirements are. The materials used to construct your metal building will determine its durability, versatility, and longevity. While most outdoor structures in the past were stick-built, most people today are opting for steel. Compared to other materials, steel is more durable, flexible, and cost-effective.

Avoid Rust

Moisture can cause quite a few problems with the longevity and durability of your structure. Installing a proper ventilation and circulation system can help to prevent any moisture problems from occurring. You can also include a vapor barrier with your insulation for additional help. Rust is a common issue caused by moisture, appearing on both the exterior and interior of the building. On the outside, rust can be quite ugly and lower your property value, but it isn’t as harmful as interior rust. Interior rust can weaken the structural integrity of your metal building. While galvanized steel is the best way to avoid rust, you still need to make sure your provider offers warranties.

Oil Your Doors and Hinges When Needed

When inspecting your structure, take time to inspect your doors and hinges as well. If you have issues when trying to open and close the doors, adding a few drops of oil can help to solve the problem. Don’t add too much as it can clump up and wear the hinges out must faster than usual.

Choose the Right Quality Metal Building Provider

No two companies in this industry are alike, each having different goals and strategies. When planning to spend your hard-earned money on such a significant investment, you want to make sure your provider has your best interest in mind. Here are a few things to ask when choosing a provider:

  • Will they take time to understand your needs and budget or are they just trying to sell you?
  • Can you meet them face-to-face?
  • Do they have the best possible price?
  • How big is this company and how long have they been established?

Pre-Engineered Buildings are the BEST Way to Go!

Pre-engineered structures are custom-designed, precision-engineered, and fabricated in a manufacturing facility. These buildings can be delivered and installed to almost every state in the entire United States! There are many features that make pre-engineered structures the best option for all your storage needs: durability, versatility, energy-efficiency, affordability, and longevity.

Quality Paint

When it comes to wooden structures, you will most likely need to re-stain and re-paint your building every few years. However, the color on steel buildings is infused during manufacturing, allowing the paint to maintain its original look for years on end. Here are Coast to Coast Carports, we provide our customers with 13 available color options.

Choose the Right Tubing

The tubing of a structure determines its overall durability and stability. Having a strong, sturdy frame will ensure your building can withstand harsh weather elements and the ever-changing seasons. Coast to Coast Carports offers two tubing options: 12-GA and 14-GA. While 12-GA is thicker and can supply more support, 14-GA is thinner which allows for more give. Your decision will depend on the type of structure and local weather.

Coast to Coast Carports, Inc.

The dedication we have for our customers here at Coast to Coast Carports is what sets us apart from other companies in this industry. We strive to provide excellent customer service and quality products that can meet your needs AND budget. We form relationships that last beyond the initial sale, we are here to help as long as you need us. Just give us a call today at (866) 681-7946 to speak with one of our building specialists. Let us come alongside you to find your dream structure!

Get Your Custom Building Quote in Just a few Clicks

Select Your Building Requirements

Choose Building Type
Width
Length
Height

Your Contact Details

Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Zip Code
Type your message here…

Explore Similar Articles

Clear Span Buildings & Texas
27Jan 2022
Metal Buildings

As the second-largest US state, both in land and population, Texas is home to a wealth of industrial opportunities. It boasts a resilient economy, which experienced phenomenal growth through both the 2009 recession and the Covid-19 pandemic.

What Are the Most Economical Metal Building Sizes
18Dec 2023
Metal Buildings

When purchasing a metal building for your home or business, one of the first questions you'll ask yourself is, 'How big do I need my structure to be?' While the question might seem simple on the surface, the choice you make can have a significant effect on your project and its final price tag. Steel buildings come in many shapes, sizes, and configurations, and finding the right one for your needs is crucial if you’re working on a budget and limited building space.

most-popular-metal-building-dimensions-by-coast-to-coast-carports
29Oct 2023
Metal Buildings

The secret is out– metal buildings are some of the most versatile buildings on the market and are engineered to handle some of the toughest jobs out there. As more and more Americans choose to invest in steel buildings for their homes, businesses, and farms, the demand for these prefab metal structures has grown exponentially.