How Long Do Steel Buildings Last?
The lifespan of your metal buildings is greatly influenced by the regularity of maintenance you conduct and the weather protection measures you implement. Generally, a steel building will withstand at least 50 years of use when properly taken care of but its life expectancy will decrease if you don’t frequently inspect it.
In this article, we’ll cover the basic lifespan of a metal building and guide you through extending that lifespan as far as safely possible.
What is the Lifespan of Steel Buildings?
Thanks to the strength and durability of steel, a building constructed from it can last for upwards of 50 years. With routine professional inspections and the installation of protective materials, your steel building could transcend generations and withstand up to 100 years of use.
When you take care of a building, it takes care of you. So we recommend hiring an expert building assessor at least once a year to ensure there is no corrosion that requires repair.
You should have an inspector visit between seasonal changes, that is just after winter and just after summer. This is because temperature fluctuations and variations in weather conditions can put your building under pressure, causing expansion and contraction in the metal which can lead to cracking.
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Do Steel Buildings Last Longer Than Their Alternatives?
The longevity of steel buildings compared to, say, wooden or concrete structures, entirely depends on several factors:
- The quality of the steel.
- The techniques used during construction.
- The regularity of maintenance.
- The environmental conditions of your region.
- The intended use of the building.
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Why is Steel Used for Building?
Generally, steel boasts a range of beneficial properties that make it better for constructing an agricultural building, that its alternative materials struggle to measure up to.
Durability
Although steel corrodes over time, it is not susceptible to deterioration from pests, unlike wood. Wood is vulnerable to termite infestations, which eat away at the structure over time and can render it unsafe for use. Steel doesn’t have this problem, as it’s impenetrable, which means the termites can’t get through.
Fire Resistance
Steel is non-combustible and hinders the spread of fire. So if you’re using your steel structure as a workshop or hay storage building, you don’t have to worry about mass damage, which would be a very expensive problem in other types of buildings.
Maintenance
Metal buildings require far less upkeep than wood or concrete alternatives, but this doesn’t mean they require no maintenance. Further below, you’ll find our recommendations on steel maintenance to ensure your building lasts as long as possible.
It’s Ecological
Steel is recyclable. So if a steel building is deemed unsafe and dismantled, it can simply be melted down and remoulded. The quality of the steel is not affected by the recycling process and it ends up, generally, being a much cheaper alternative to wooden or concrete buildings.
- Wood is susceptible to decay, insect damage and fire over time.
- Concrete shrinks and expands, settles, freezes and thaws considerably faster and more dramatically than steel.
- Masonry is far more expensive and labour-intensive to install and is vulnerable to more severe deterioration over time.
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For these reasons, steel is an incredibly beneficial building material that combines its positive attributes and provides a far more long-lasting structure.
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How do I Increase the Lifespan of My Steel Building?
Increasing the lifespan of your steel building is all about maintenance, whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it for you. There are some measures that you must consult an expert for but some can be done at your convenience.
Have Regular Inspections
Your inspector will assess the condition of the roof, walls, floors, foundations and connections that may have degraded since installation. They will then provide a full report so you understand the problem points and take steps to fix the problems.
Install Corrosion Protection Paint
Paint isn’t just decorative. Specialised Agricultural paint can be used as a highly effective tool to provide a barrier between your metal structure and the weather that may wear it down.
Fit Proper Drainage Systems
Allowing stagnant water to sit on your roof or surround the foundations can damage the materials it’s made of. Proper drainage systems can prevent the accumulation of water and keep your building as dry as possible.
Insulate and Ventilate the Interior of Your Building
This will help to regulate the moisture inside of your building and prevent a build-up of water that can contribute to rust, corrosion and mould.
Each of these measures contributes to a longer-lasting structure and will save you from lots of unnecessary costs in the future.
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Get High-Quality, Longer Lasting Steel Structures From Kit Buildings Direct
At Kit Buildings Direct, we manufacture our steel structures to strict BS EN 1090-1:2009 + A1:2011 standards. Our steel is fully accredited, CE Marked and manufactured in our workshop, to ensure you’re only receiving the best of the best.
We have over 40 years of experience providing clients across the UK with high-quality steel buildings for agricultural, equestrian, and industrial use. We also design bespoke buildings, so you get exactly what you’re looking for.
Choose Kit Buildings Direct as your steel building manufacturer and supplier, and receive best-in-class customer service and top-quality workmanship.
Get in touch with us today to enquire and receive a quote for your steel building.