How To Safeguard Your Metal Building From Rusting?

Whether you own a metal carport, steel prefab garage, a metal farm barn, or a commercial steel building, having a strong and durable structure ensures it will last long and can withstand the elements. But, there is one enemy who sneaks beneath, can potentially cause damage to panels & frames, and threaten the longevity of steel pre-fabricated garages – Rust!

You may have seen rust on old metal fences or tools. Now, they may look harmless, but they can weaken the metal structure, reduce its life, and take away that polished aesthetics you got when it was installed first.

So, what to do? Well, the good news is you can take preventive measures to deal with rusting before it even shows up. How? Let’s dive into the blog and see it for yourself. We’ll start with common causes and then remedies.

What Can Cause Rust In A Metal Building?

How Is Rust Formed?

Rust is the natural enemy of metal buildings and wears down over time. It is formed by a simple chemical reaction:

Iron + Oxygen + Moisture = Rust Formation

This process is called oxidation, which creates a reddish brown color flake over metal panels. If not checked, it can lead to structural damage. One of the myths about metal buildings is that all of them rust. However, this is not true. Only iron and its alloys, such as steel, can rust. But this problem is well-known and comes with a solution.

But first, let’s see some common sources of rusting. The common external and internal factors that can lead to rust formation in a metal parking garage and building are:

Common Environmental Triggers For Rusting

External factors like rain, humidity, snow, ice formation over roofs, salt in coastal areas, and from de-icing on roads, and airborne pollutants in industrial areas can degrade metal over time. These factors often feed the oxidation process, making metal garage sheds vulnerable, weakening the structure with time.

Internal Sources Of Rusting

Rusting can also develop inside the pre-fabricated structure due to trapped moisture, leaky pipes, water exposure, or logging just outside the building, and due to poor air circulation. These situations create a damp environment where rust thrives.

But with smart prevention and maintenance, your prefab steel building will stay strong and durable for years to come.

6 Steps Action Plan To Rust-Proof Steel Pre-Fabricated Garages

Rust may look inevitable, but with the right choices and upkeep, you can keep your metal structure strong and make it last long. Let’s see them:

1. The First Line Of Defense – Galvanization

What Is Galvanization? The galvanization process involves dipping steel into molten zinc that creates a protective coating against moisture and oxygen. This is done in the factory before manufacturing begins. So, ensure to check for ‘100% galvanized steel‘ before investing in metal pre-fabricated buildings. This will ensure you get the right product that maintains long-term structural stability.

Choose Quality Materials: Not all metal is made the same. So, make sure to choose the right gauge for your metal garage for longevity and lower regular upkeep needs. This type of building comes with a protective coating to resist rust over time.

You can opt for thicker steel frames, such as a 12-gauge steel building, which has a thickness of 0.1046 inches and can bear a weight of 4.27 lbs. per sq. ft., making it ideal for large structures, commercial buildings, and harsh weather-prone areas.

Right Installation: A metal building is as good as its installation. So, don’t cut corners when it comes to construction. We provide shipping and installation services included with our final quote on all types of steel buildings for your convenience.

Some Smart Design Features To Reduce Rusting

From site preps to selecting the right site, here are some tips for installing a rust-resistant building –

• Ensure to raise the foundation slightly above the ground for better drainage, especially in areas with frequent flooding.
• Make sure to design window placement strategically for better airflow and to reduce trapped humidity.
• You can add proper gutters to your steel building and choose the right roof slope to direct water away from the walls and base.
• Choose the right site on your lot for installation to prevent moisture-related issues and create a wind barrier to avoid the sudden impact of strong winds.

2. Regular Maintenance Works Best Against Rust

Routine Cleaning: One of the ultimate tips of metal building maintenance is routine cleaning. You can use mild soap, warm water, and a garden hose with a nozzle to remove dirt and pollutants. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, which can damage the protective layer over the metal surface, exposing it to rust.

Once cleaned, let the metal structure air dry to prevent moisture. For instance, an expert tip for cleaning your steel barn includes regular dusting and sweeping, using pressure washing (once/ twice yearly) to remove stubborn stains, inspecting for leaks, and using proper seals to cover cracks, gaps, and holes.

Conduct Visual Inspection: Schedule a monthly inspection routine to check small rust spots, weak points, etc., around seams, fasteners, edges, and areas that are prone to debris buildup. Spotting rusting early will prevent costly repairs in the future.

Good Ventilation Is Essential: Proper airflow reduces humidity inside the garage and prevents condensation. So, ensure all vents (passive or active) are cleaned regularly and maintained for air circulation.

3. Opt For Advance Rust Protection Methods For Metal Buildings

Protective Paints And Coatings: You can apply rust-inhibiting paints to shield metal from corrosion, such as –

• Epoxy-based coatings (for strong adhesion and higher durability)
• Polyurethane coatings (for UV shield and moisture resistance)

At Viking Steel Structures, we offer up to 17 color options to choose from. You can choose these colors for roof, side, and end wall panels, trim, wainscoting, and doors. You can check them out on our metal carport and garage color planner page.

Rust Converter For Early Corrosion: These are chemicals that react with rust and turn it into a stable, paintable surface before the rusting begins to take over. Some other protective coatings are –

• Powder Coatings (heat-cured protective layer offering long-term durability)
• Silicone Sealants for Seams and Joints (to block water leaks at weak points and prevent rusting)

4. Effective Waterproofing And Moisture Control

Proper Drainage: Standing water around or on top of a metal roof can lead to rusting. That’s why you must add gutters to metal buildings. They will redirect water from the roof to a deposition tank, which can be filtered and used for gardening or irrigation. Make sure to add a downspout to direct water away from the concrete slab.

Add Insulation With Right R-Value: We also provide single and double bubble insulators and woven R17 insulator (higher thermal efficiency) to reduce heat transfer and control moisture inside. For areas with long, humid summers, you can choose –

• Dehumidifiers
• Silica Gel Packs
• Waterproof Sealants

5. Tips To Prevent Long-Term Rust In A Prefab Metal Garage

Here are some more preventive tips to reduce the chances of corrosion in metal structures –

• For Winters – Ensure to remove excessive snow from roof panels as melting ice can speed up the corrosion process.
• For Summers – Heat can cause some metal to expand, leading to cracks or gaps where moisture can accumulate and lead to rusting.
• For Rainy Seasons – Opt for a vertical roof garage with a higher pitch for proper drainage and to keep the roof dry.

Tip: You can do maintenance on your own or ask for professional help to treat severe rust problems.

6. Dealing With Existing Rust On Metal Panels

Treat Rusting Immediately

If you notice minor rust formation, it is important to address it promptly to avoid further acceleration of rusting. Here’s how you can do it –

• For Light Surface Level Rust – You can use a wire brush or sand it, apply metal primer, and then two coats of paint to seal it.
• For Deeper Rust – You can use rust converters to neutralize the oxidation process before painting (one or two coats).

Some Other Techniques To Remove Rust

• Abrasive Blasting (high-pressure sandblasting to strip off rust layers)
• Chemical Treatments (rust is converted into a paintable protective compound)
• Reapply Protective Coatings (paint/ powder coating)

Note that ignoring the signs of rusting can lead to structural weakening. So, address them as soon as you spot them. Also, invest in high-quality raw materials for long-lasting structural integrity and lower maintenance needs.

Rust Proof Your Investment With Us, Simple Steps, Big Savings!

As you have seen, preventing rust is not just about maintaining its external appearance but also about protecting its strength. You can easily clean a metal structure, inspect for signs of rusting, and add proper insulation and vents to see a difference.

Metal buildings are generally long-lasting, highly durable, and come with tons of custom features. And with little maintenance, you can maintain its shine and structural strength. If that sounds great, call us at 877-801-3263 to know more about offers and customization for your dream steel building. We provide carports, garages, barns, and commercial structures that serve across all sectors.