Effective Tips for Preventing Rust on Commercial Metal Buildings

Commercial steel structures are known for their strength. But did you know they can also become weak? Yes, rusting makes them weak and ruins their appearance. Rusting reduces the lifespan of the steel structure and causes many other problems if not managed properly.

Since commercial metal buildings are big investments, protecting them from rust is crucial. Whether you are protecting a warehouse, factory, or any other metal building, you need to follow some effective techniques to prevent rust. Our team has researched some tips to help you deal with this problem.

You can ensure the long-lasting performance of your commercial building by following these easy tips. So, are you ready to protect the shine of your metal structures for decades?

What Is a Commercial Metal Building?

Before we move on to understand rusting and tips to prevent it, first go through the basics of a commercial metal building. This will help you grasp the problems and solutions effectively.

A commercial metal building is a structure constructed of steel components and mostly used for business purposes. They are mainly used for purposes like

• Warehouses
• Factories
• Offices
• And retail spaces

Why Rust Prevention Matters?

Do you know rust is more than just an aesthetic problem? It not only ruins the appearance of your commercial metal storage buildings but also weakens them. This is a major problem because it can affect the integrity and lifespan of a metal building. This is because when metal steel rusts, it weakens, leading to structural damage.

Its strength becomes its weakness.

We all know that weak structures can compromise the safety of workers and stored goods. This can result in costly repairs or even the need for premature replacement. Moreover, which customer would like to come into your store after seeing the deterioration of the building? It can harm your company’s professional image.

Rust can also lead to leaks, reduced energy efficiency, and reduced functionality over time. Thus, the problems caused by rusting are numerous. You should focus on solutions and safeguarding your investment in prefab steel commercial buildings.

How Does Exactly Rust Formation Take Place?

Quickly look at the reason behind rusting so you can prevent it with the right information.

Rust is a type of corrosion that gives a reddish-brown color to the steel structure. Rusting occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and water particles. This chemical reaction, known as oxidation, is popularly known as rust.

Improper maintenance can accelerate rust formation. After learning about the rust formation process, you must understand one thing: Moisture plays a crucial role in rusting. So, protect your commercial steel structure from water buildup.

Expert Tips for Preventing Rust on Commercial Metal Buildings

We have curated a list of tips in the space below. Following these tips can prevent rust on your commercial steel structure and help you run your business operations efficiently.

Use High-Quality Coatings

Coatings strengthen steel structures, resist corrosion, and help keep buildings in good condition. High-quality coatings act as barriers, shielding metal surfaces from moisture and oxygen.

Types of coatings:

• Sealants for seams and joints: Silicon-based sealants safeguard joints and seams for water entry.
• Epoxy coatings: Ensures strong adhesion and resistance to chemicals for a long time
• Rust inhibitors: These are special chemicals designed to delay rust formation.
• Paint: paint forms a protective layer that blocks moisture and oxygen.
• Powder coatings: They deliver a hard finish using heat curing for enhanced protection.

Regularly Clean and Inspect:

It may seem like a basic process, but it is very important. Even this is the first step in preventing rusting on commercial metal storage buildings. Dirt and debris can trap moisture, which increases the risk of rust. When you regularly clean a building, it removes buildup. This way, you can maintain the integrity of your steel structure. Inspections allow you to identify and address early signs of corrosion. They stop the corrosion from becoming worse for the building’s strength.

Ensure Proper Drainage Systems

As you read above, “Rusting formation,” you already know moisture build-up is the biggest problem. Poor drainage leads to water pooling, which accelerates rust formation. So, when you design a metal building, carefully install gutters and downspouts. Try to install sloped and vertical roofs to direct water away from the building. Moreover, inspect the building regularly to ensure the drainage system functions properly.

Use Corrosion-Resistant Materials

Choose corrosion-resistant materials, such as high-quality galvanized and stainless steel, for your commercial metal building construction. Both types of steel have their purposes. Galvanized steel components are coated with a layer of zinc and protect a metal building from corrosion.

Stainless steel is known for its natural resistance to rust. It provides long-term durability by standing firm against adverse weather conditions. So, both materials ensure structural stability. However, due to its protective layer, galvanized steel can be costly.

Incorporate Rust Resistant Design

When you customize prefab steel commercial buildings, tailor them, keeping rusting in mind. This is because steel structure design also plays an important role in rust prevention. You can include overhangs, raised foundations, vertical roof styles, and proper ventilation to reduce exposure to moisture. This way, you can keep your commercial steel structure dry, which will prevent rust from forming.

Choose Building Materials Carefully

The quality of building materials also affects the structural integrity of a building. So, choose high-quality steel structures. But how will you ensure it? When you start searching for metal building dealers, choose the top companies known for their quality buildings. These dealers use 14-gauge, 12-gauge, and even thicker steel components to offer great strength to commercial steel structures.

Consider Surrounding Environments:

Where you live and where you want to install the prefab steel commercial buildings both matter to prevent these structures from rusting. If you live near coastal areas with high humidity and salt levels, the steel structures will be more prone to rust. Additional proactive measures, like specialized coatings, become important in such locations.

You should also pay close attention to rusting prevention if you live near the below locations.

• Industrial areas
• Extreme temperatures changes
• Heavy rainfall and snow
• Highly populated areas

Popular Techniques for Rust Removal

If you cannot focus on rust prevention for some reason, you can still save and restore your commercial metal structure. Whether it is a small area or widespread corrosion, rust removal techniques can help you prevent further damage.

• Abrasive Blasting: This technique uses sandblasting or similar methods to remove rust. This process scraps rust off the metal surface.

• Reapplying Protective Coatings: After removing rust, it’s important to apply coatings like paint or powder coating. These protect the metal and prevent future rust.

• Chemical Treatments: Rust converters or acid solutions can turn rust into a stable compound, allowing you to paint over it safely.

Final Thought

Rusting on commercial structure can be your rival because it can affect your business growth. If your commercial metal buildings look beautiful and robust, customers do not think twice before entering them. So, think proactively to protect your space. We have helped you with expert tips; start following them from today.

Start from inspection and cleaning, use high-quality coatings and corrosion-resistant materials, and consider surrounding environments. Do not forget to plan building designs while keeping rust prevention in mind. This way, you can reduce half of the rust prevention work. If rust still happens, use popular rust removal techniques.