Did you know that buildings have a “life expectancy?” If you are going to build a new structure on your property, you have likely wondered how long do steel buildings last or how long do metal buildings last compared to other types of construction.
Making the right choice in design and materials is essential to ensure your investment stands the test of time. Whether it is a small shed or a large manufacturing plant, the building must withstand weather conditions and other factors that can cause wear and tear.
Why bother putting time and money into the construction of a building if it will only last a few years? During the design process, evaluate how the building will be used which will help you determine the right materials to ensure steel building longevity.
Your choice of materials is one of the key factors that will affect the lifespan of the building. As you are finalizing design details, compare the durability and maintenance requirements for steel buildings, plastic sheds, wood buildings, and more.
Average Lifespan of Steel Buildings
How long do steel buildings last? A well-built structure with quality materials can easily last more than 50 years, depending on the use of the building over time. If you want to ensure the lifespan of the building, then it’s essential to choose quality materials that withstand seasonal damage.
Key Factors That Impact Steel Building Lifespan
Steel is an excellent choice for building materials if quality and durability are your priority. But, not all steel buildings are created equal. Consider these factors that can affect how long steel buildings last:
- Design: A well-designed steel building helps minimize wear and tear. For example, when Industrial Steel Buildings incorporate features that manage water flow, the design should also ensure that the building joints are protected.
This combination increases the building’s chances of achieving a longer lifespan compared to poorly designed structures. How long do prefab buildings last? With a good design, they can hold up just as long as a custom-designed building.
- Use: If you are rough on the building, you can expect wear and tear to show more quickly. Manufacturing with chemicals inside the building can take a toll over time because of the corrosion that can affect the steel.However, if you’re only using your steel building as a storage shed, for example, your building will last longer than manufacturing buildings because there isn’t as much wear on the steel.
- Location: Local climate patterns can affect the durability of the building. For example, areas with heavy snowfall require extra maintenance because of the weight of the snow on the roof.
Also, steel frame buildings in coastal climates can wear out more quickly because of the air’s humidity and salt. Heavy industrialization in the area can take a toll on the building due to the high levels of pollutants in the air.
- Maintenance: Steel doesn’t require a lot of care compared to other building materials. But it’s important to stay consistent with occasional maintenance-related tasks to extend the life of the building. Without occasional cleaning, maintenance, and repair work, damage to the building can occur because of rust, mold, and corrosion.
The optimal approach to ensure the durability of your building is to talk to a steel building expert about your goals. Our team can provide recommendations to ensure that your new building performs as needed.
How to Maintain a Steel Building
Inspect the building regularly to identify areas that require maintenance or repair work. The optimal frequency should be approximately twice a year – a quick look in the Spring and a thorough check in the Fall.
It’s important to check in the Fall as it allows you to clean the gutters from leaves and prepare for the Winter ahead. Maintenance requirements vary depending on location because seasonal changes can play a role in the building’s durability.
Consider these common recommendations for steel building maintenance:
- Wall Pressure: Find anything that might be touching the walls of the building. You want to avoid unnecessary weight that might strain the building, such as equipment leaning against the wall.
- Wall Contact: Avoiding undue contact is essential to prevent water from staying on the surface of steel buildings. Moisture is one of the most significant vulnerabilities that threaten the durability of the steel. Clean up the landscaping and other things that are coming in contact with the steel building.
- Roof Limitations: Know the roof limitations so you know when snow needs to be cleared. If you think that the roof is reaching the weight threshold because of accumulated snow, then have a plan in place to clear the snow safely. It’s a good idea to check the roof during the warmer months as well because a buildup of muck and leaves in the rain gutters can cause undue wear and tear.
- Regular Cleaning: Avoid rust and corrosion on steel buildings by cleaning off the grime and dirt that accumulates. Washing the steel panels regularly will keep the materials in top-notch condition. You can buy industrial cleaners designed for steel buildings or create a homemade solution using water and ammonia. Steel buildings should be cleaned every few months, inside and out. Ideally, your building should be washed a minimum of once a year to remove substances that could cause harm to the building.
- Fresh Paint: One way to protect the building is by adding a fresh coat of paint. After the steel panels are washed thoroughly, add a quality exterior paint to act as an extra layer of protection against the weather elements.
- Repair Work: Scratches and scuffs might seem like minor issues, but these points of damage can become weak points in the building. When the damage is continuously exposed to the weather, it can lead to corrosion and rust. Buff out the marks and be proactive about repairing any areas of damage.
Minor problems can start creeping in, which is why you need to be proactive with repairs and maintenance. These seemingly small tasks can go a long way to add years to the life of your building.
For owners who want to maximize the longevity and performance of their steel building, Norsteel provides a Preventative Maintenance Manual, available on the Manuals page of our website. This resource offers detailed guidance on routine inspections, cleaning practices, and repair recommendations to help you care for your building effectively over time. By following the recommended maintenance steps, you can address small issues early and ensure your building remains in top condition for decades.
Steel Building Warranty
When you choose quality building materials, you can trust that the structure will stand firm for many years. Many manufacturers of steel buildings offer solid warranty coverage, including 40- and even 50-year structural warranties, depending on the type of building you construct.
This written guarantee ensures that if anything goes wrong with the materials, repair or replacement is offered within a specific timeframe.
It is important to note, however, that warranties do not necessarily last for the lifetime of the product and may not cover every issue. Reviewing the available warranties carefully can help you make an informed decision about the type of steel building you wish to construct.
Choosing Norsteel means choosing industry-leading warranties that are built to last. From the roof to the paint, Norsteel buildings are designed to look great and perform reliably for decades. Our designs meet or exceed IBC requirements, Canadian building codes, individual provincial codes, and CSA-A660 standards.
We stand behind our materials with a 25-year limited rust-through perforation warranty on AZ55 Galvalume roof panels, a 40-year limited paint warranty to ensure long-lasting colour, and a 30-year limited chalking and paint colour change warranty to keep your building looking fresh over time.
At Norsteel Buildings, we are committed to providing our clients with the best solutions in the steel building industry. If you would like to learn more, we invite you to contact us to speak with an industry expert.
We will pair you with a building consultant for personalized recommendations on the specific products and materials that best suit your needs. We are proud to be a trusted leader in the steel building industry: 1-866-822-4022.
FAQs
How long do steel frame buildings last without major repairs?
The right answer to this is forever. A well-engineered and properly maintained steel frame building can last 50-60 years and longer with the proper care – no major repairs required.
This longevity is due to the inherent strength of steel, its resistance to pests, fire, and moisture, and its ability to withstand environmental stress. Remember, the key to success is proper installation and with the right materials and design considerations can achieve impressive durability over time.
What reduces the lifespan of a metal building?
Several factors can reduce the lifespan of a metal building. Moisture is one of the most significant concerns, particularly if landscaping, equipment, or debris is allowed to trap water against the building’s walls or roof.
Environmental pollutants, such as salt in coastal areas or chemical exposure in industrial settings, can also accelerate wear and corrosion. Additionally, the type of use matters; manufacturing environments with heavy equipment and chemicals will put more strain on a building than a light-use application like storage.
Neglecting regular maintenance, such as cleaning, inspections, and small repairs, can allow minor issues to grow into larger problems that compromise the building’s integrity. Finally, improper installation can be the root of reducing the lifespan of a metal building. Ensuring proper construction from the planning to the building will allow your building to stand the test of time.
Do steel buildings rust over time?
Yes, steel buildings can develop rust over time if they are not properly maintained. However, most modern steel buildings are manufactured using galvanized steel and coated with rust-resistant materials, significantly reducing this risk.
Routine maintenance, including regular cleaning to remove grime, salt, or industrial pollutants, helps prevent rust. Promptly addressing any scratches or exposed areas also protects the steel from corrosion.
Is a longer lifespan worth the higher upfront cost of steel?
Yes, the longer lifespan of steel buildings is worth the higher initial investment. While the upfront cost may exceed that of wood or fabric structures, steel offers superior resistance to pests, fire, moisture, and environmental stress.
This translates into long-term cost savings through reduced maintenance, fewer repairs, and longer intervals between replacements. Additionally, the durability of steel buildings can enhance property value and reduce insurance costs, making them a cost-effective and worthwhile investment over time.
