Steel buildings: Common problems and solutions

No construction material is completely infallible to problems, including steel. Steel is still a superior construction material. However, to have it be at its peak performance, it is vital that a steel building is properly constructed. Proper construction can help eliminate a variety of problems. Other problems have easy solutions to help solve them.

Problems steel buildings face and their solutions

As you do research on steel buildings, you may see some problems pop up associated with them. You may be a bit hesitant to continue with your choice of a steel building for your project . However, you shouldn’t let these potential problems sway your decision as they have simple solutions to help prevent them. Potential problems and their solutions can include:

• Condensation — If a steel building is improperly insulated or not insulated, condensation can happen due to the temperature transfer and difference from inside to outside and the moisture becoming too heavy with moisture. Steel buildings can fall prey to visible and concealed condensation. However, with proper insulation, it is possible to help prevent condensation from happening. If you are currently in the construction process, you can prevent condensation from happening by insulating your building during the construction phase. If your building is already completed, it is still possible to properly insulate your building to end or prevent condensation.

• Rust and corrosion — A major problem that can plague steel is rust and corrosion. However, this has an easy solution. Corrosion-resistant coatings like galvanization can be coated on the steel to help prevent rust and corrosion. Galvanized steel is coated with a layer of zinc. This helps to protect the steel from moisture and oxygen, which are needed for the rusting and corrosion process. It is still important to inspect your steel building regularly to help identify any issues before they become major damage problems.

• Insulation — There are a variety of types of insulation on the market. It is important to choose the best insulation method that will work in a steel building. Using the incorrect insulation can be as detrimental as not insulating your building at all. Proper insulation is vital to help prevent condensation and help boost energy efficiency . Insulation can also help combat gaps that can allow pests inside your building.

• Noise — Steel buildings have a reputation of being noisy. However, with proper insulation or sound-absorbing materials used in the design, the sound disruption can be lessened. It is entirely possible to have a quiet environment in a steel building. With proper insulation used, the noise level difference is barely detectable.

• Light gaps — Steel panels can have small gaps in them that can allow light to peek through. If you see light in areas where the panels meet, a solution would be to add insulation or look into other modes of sealing your building.

• Insects — While steel is inherently pest resistant, if there are gaps in your building due to improper construction or just the nature of panels, it can be possible for pests to find their way inside. Like helping with light gaps, insulation and other modes of sealing your building can help solve this potential issue.

• Leakage — It is possible to have an issue with water seepage and leakage into your steel building. This can occur due to a variety of reasons. Your foundation slab may be too large and not have an adequate slope for water to drain off. Whatever the underlying issue causing water to come in, adding sealing to your building can help prevent further water issues.

• Steel failure — You may worry about your steel building not holding up to potential snow loads or other environmental factors. There is a very easy solution to this problem. Steel comes in a variety of strength ratings to meet environmental challenges. Steel can come rated against high winds, heavy snows and even seismic activity.

• Material costs — Steel is a market-driven commodity . There isn’t an exact firm solution to this, but it is possible to work with a reputable supplier or buyer to help combat the difficulty of price fluctuations. When taking the longevity, durability and low maintenance needs of steel, the additional expenses can be well worth the investment.

• Lightning — There is a concern that steel buildings attract lightning. However, this is not the case. Steel buildings, when properly grounded, are as safe as traditionally constructed buildings. Other lightning protection systems can be added to your building for extra layers of safety if you are in a lightning-prone location.

• Aesthetic options — Steel buildings have long had a stereotypical industrial appearance. Advances in designs are now available, making it almost impossible to detect the difference between a steel building and a traditional construction material building. Customizations are virtually endless, allowing you to find the perfect aesthetic appearance you desire.

National Steel Buildings can help soothe your concerns of potential steel building problems

National Steel Buildings produces top-of-the-line steel building products. We are a proud certified Varco Pruden Builder. As a certified builder, we have been through a very strict and rigorous approval process to represent Varco Pruden, the second-largest metal manufacturer in the U.S. You can rest assured that we have the solution to any potential problem you may worry about with your project. We can help alleviate your fears and bring your project from dreams to reality, providing you with a durable construction .

Contact our team today for more information about our steel building options and pricing.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.