Protect Your Investment with Metal Building Maintenance

Michigan’s unpredictable winter weather can be tough on commercial metal buildings. With heavy snowfall, sudden thaws, and ice buildup, it’s crucial to take preventative maintenance steps to protect your steel building. Regular upkeep extends the lifespan of your metal structure, prevents costly repairs, and ensures it remains energy-efficient throughout the season. Use this metal building maintenance checklist to keep your facility in top condition during harsh winter months.

Inspect the Roof Regularly
Clear off snow buildup safely using a roof rake or professional service to prevent overloading. If snow removal is necessary, remove approximately half the snow depth in a balanced pattern to prevent structural stress—progress from each end wall toward the center and clear snow from the eave toward the ridge.
Avoid metal shovels or scraping the roof down to the panel’s surface, as this can damage fasteners and lead to roof leaks.
Watch for ice dams along edges and gutters, which can cause leaks and structural damage. Use a rubber mallet to break thick ice, avoiding metal tools that might puncture the roof. Inspect the roof system for unusual deflections in frames, purlins, or joists.
Periodically check roof fasteners to ensure a proper seal and replace any that are missing, stripped, or broken.

Maintain Gutters and Drainage Systems
Keep gutters, downspouts, and roof drains clear to prevent water backup and ice formation.
Ice damming is more likely on the north side of a building and in shaded areas. Consider installing heat tape in gutters and downspouts to reduce ice buildup.
Walk the building exterior and repair any clogged or dislodged downspouts.
Ensure proper water drainage away from the building foundation to prevent erosion and structural issues.

Check Doors and Windows for Proper Sealing
Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts and moisture infiltration.
Repair or replace damaged seals to maintain energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
Remove ice buildup around doors to prevent warping or operational issues.

Assess Structural Integrity
Check for new dents, cracks, or shifts in the metal structure caused by ice expansion or heavy snow loads.
Tighten loose fasteners and bolts, as extreme temperature fluctuations can cause them to loosen over time.
Inspect metal flashing and sheeting lap joints to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks.
Make sure all support beams and framing are in good condition.
Remove salt accumulation on base trims to prevent corrosion and rusting.

Prevent Condensation and Moisture Issues
Ensure insulation is in good shape to reduce condensation buildup inside the building.
Use dehumidifiers or proper ventilation systems to maintain interior moisture control.
Inspect metal surfaces for rust or corrosion and treat them immediately to extend the lifespan of your metal building.
Remove overhanging tree branches, as well as piles of leaves or pine needles, which can trap moisture and accelerate metal corrosion.

Check and Maintain Heating Systems
If your building has a heating system, ensure it’s running efficiently to prevent freezing issues.
Clear any obstructions around vents or exhaust areas to maintain airflow and ventilation.

Plan for Emergency Weather Events
Have a snow removal plan for driveways, entryways, and parking areas to keep the property safe and accessible.
Stock up on salt or sand to maintain non-slip walking surfaces around the building.
Watch for extreme deflections in the roof structure and listen for unusual noises when snow and ice accumulate.
If a roof leak occurs, address it immediately to prevent further damage and water infiltration.

If you need professional assistance with metal building upkeep, roof inspections, or structural repairs, FED Design/Builders is here to help.

Contact us today for expert advice and tailored solutions for your commercial building maintenance needs!