Tips for Getting Your Steel Building Ready for Winter
Buildings with a steel structure from CanAm Steel Building Corporation are becoming more and more popular. Steel is an eco-friendly and sturdy material. It can bear heavy loads and does not rust, thus it is an ideal building material for wet and cold climates.
However, before winter comes, every owner of a steel building needs to take a few steps to prepare it for the freezing season. Here are a few important tips:
- Remove Debris
Debris accumulated in joints, on the roof and from draining pipes needs to be thoroughly removed. Any kind of material that can absorb water poses a risk, because as water freezes its volume expands and, in time, it may cause physical damage to the building.
- Wash the Overall Structure
Steel is sturdy by its nature, but it needs to be maintained clean in order to keep its physical properties over time. Washing a steel building is not a complex affair: the only necessary ingredients are a general-purpose household cleaner, a brush with soft bristles and a water hose running on low pressure. Once the main washing is done, rinse the building properly with clean water.
- Inspect the Sealing
Every building has joined surfaces protected by a sealant material, and steel buildings are no exception. Pay special attention to the seals around skylights and vents, the flashing around chimneys and pipes. Minor issues can be solved by reinforcing seals with caulk or other weatherproof sealing materials. For major damages it will be necessary to hire a specialized contractor.
