Introduction to Steel Buildings
Whether your own steel framed building is used for industrial purposes or you have a collection of steel buildings for schools, it is imperative that the correct steps are taken to ensure the proper maintenance of your building.
There is no doubt that steel framed buildings are not the highest maintenance structures, but of course there are things that you can do to minimise the risks of problems in the years to come. Steel framed buildings are, when constructed to industry standards, made of quality, sustainable materials that are incredibly durable, with a very long shelf life. Even the most fastidious owner, however, could benefit from our tips to keep their building ship shape.
What is your building used for?
Each and every building is subject to various stresses that can lead to minor damage and disrepair. For steel buildings for schools, storage buildings, vehicular storage or any other ‘light use’ then regular generalised checks will likely suffice. If, on the other hand your steel framed building plays host to a more demanding activity like housing of livestock, such checks will need to be more frequent and more rigorous. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly animals are not predictable (unlike more stationary stock!) and can damage the walls by banging against them. The second reason is that the animals create waste which can cause problems if not appropriately mitigated against.
Weather conditions and situation
More than anything else perhaps, the overriding factor that influences the stresses and strains placed upon your steel framed buildings is down to their location and the weather conditions therein. If you’re located in the land of the links golf course, out in the open near the sea then you’d better make sure that extra measures are taken to ensure that the building is well secured using quality fixings. You would also, in such a location, need to take care that the salt is not causing issues due to corrosion and doubling your building inspections from twice a year to four times a year is sensible. Where snow is common you will have to clear it frequently to prevent corrosion and damp.
Insulation is vital
As with all buildings (but perhaps it gets forgotten more in steel buildings) insulation is vital. It must be maintained and checked to avoid those unwanted increases in utility bills as well as keeping your carbon footprint as low as possible.
The bits and bobs
Yes, that’s the technical term! Seriously, though, with steel framed building it can often be the extra pieces that need attention. We’re talking everything from cladding, gutters, doors, locks and windows. Everything must be included in regular checks – paying special attention to all seals. Ladders must be climbed to check for blocked gutters and frequent lubrication applied to door and window tracks to avoid costly repairs down the line, not to mention annoying squeaks and groans for those working within!