Many clients choose steel for their building because of the durability of the material related to its cost. They want to spend money on something that will last a lot longer than only a few years before renovations are needed.
Steel buildings, especially those using Nucor Building Systems, are made to last. Depending on what you’re using it for and how well you maintain it, a steel structure can stand more than 50 years! How can you stretch it to this length of time and beyond?
How Long Will My Steel Building Last?
When we say that a building can last 50 years or more, it’s important to consider how you will use it. No matter what the material, a building that takes a beating routinely won’t stay in the same condition as long as one that is treated gently during day-to-day operations. A horse barn, for instance, may show wear sooner than a clothing shop.
When compared to buildings made from other materials, however, steel buildings have a great advantage. Steel is a very durable metal, and buildings made from it are custom engineered to withstand all the tests time can throw at them.
For example, with a steel building, you will never have to worry about running into problems such as insect infestations or rot, as you would with a wooden structure. Brick and stone buildings can also form weak spots over time, especially in the mortar. When compared to these other choices, steel comes out on top.
Keeping It Structurally Sound: How Can I Maintain My Steel Building?
There’s a lot you can do to stretch the lifespan of even the most beaten steel building. Start by planning to give your structure a thorough washing, both the interior and exterior – at least once a year. Not only will this give your building a clean look, but you will remove any substances that could potentially degrade the material. It can take many factors to harm steel, but if something corrosive is left to sit on it for a long enough time, the steel and its protective coating can wear down.
You should also perform regular inspections to find any damages to the sides or roof of your building. As the building will sit exposed to the elements, some damage is bound to happen – dents from hail, scratches and scrapes from blowing debris from wind, and freezing and thawing cycles. You can easily buff out the marks as long as you have protected the metal substrate underneath the panels!
Luckily, steel buildings don’t demand a lot of their owners. Upkeep for structures made from brick, stone, or wood can be both time-consuming and expensive. A steel building is a low-maintenance solution that will save you time and money while allowing you to focus your efforts elsewhere.