A steel building doesn’t need much, but it does need something. A couple of hours a year keeps cladding looking good, protects your material warranties and catches small problems before they become leaks. Here’s the checklist we’d follow.
Wash the areas rain doesn’t reach #
Rain keeps roofs clean, but it doesn’t reach everywhere. Salt, dust and grime build up in sheltered spots, and that’s where corrosion starts. Manufacturers call these unwashed areas:
- under eaves and soffits
- the underside of gutters and fascias
- walls sheltered by overhangs, verandas or nearby buildings
- around and under fixtures such as aerials, flues, air conditioners and solar panels
Manufacturers’ guidance is to wash wall cladding manually every 3 to 12 months, depending on the environment and paint system, and unwashed areas more often: about every 3 to 6 months in milder conditions, down to monthly in the harshest. Use water with a sponge or a soft nylon brush. If you use a water blaster, keep it at no more than 20 MPa.
Every few months #
- ☐ Clear leaves and debris from gutters, valleys and downpipes
- ☐ Check gutter overflows aren’t blocked
- ☐ Wash unwashed areas (more often near the coast)
Once a year #
- ☐ Walk around the outside and look for scratches, rust spots, chalky or faded paint
- ☐ Check fixings and flashings for looseness or corrosion
- ☐ Look for lichen or moss on the roof; manufacturers have separate guidance on removing it
- ☐ Service roller doors and motors, and check wind locks and seals
- ☐ Check the ground and garden haven’t built up against the cladding; keep soil, mulch and bark clear of it
- ☐ Check inside for drips or water marks after heavy rain
After any work on the roof #
Drilling and cutting leave metal filings (swarf) that rust and stain the paint. Sweep or brush them off straight away. Make sure any new pipes, flues or fixings are compatible with the cladding.
Keep a record #
Note the date you washed or checked the building, with a photo. If you ever need to make a warranty claim, records of regular maintenance help.
Let us do it #
Steelspan has maintained or repaired more than 100,000 m² of buildings. If you’d rather not climb ladders, or you manage a commercial site, we can look after it for you. In the greater Auckland region, and on request in Tauranga, Hamilton and Whangarei, we offer pressure washing and a complimentary check of any building bought through us. If you’re unsure about something, we’ll come out and take a look. In other regions, we can advise how your building should be maintained and put together a maintenance plan for you.
The most common problem we see is blocked gutters. Leaves, plus seeds, dirt and grass dropped by birds, wash off the roof and collect in the gutters. Gutters that sit for long periods in muddy, stony water can corrode, particularly at the joins, so keep them clear.
Talk to Steelspan #
Ask us about a maintenance plan for your building. Call 0800 787 726 or email info@steelspan.co.nz.
