Essential Summer Maintenance Tips for Steel Building Systems
Keep your steel building system in peak condition through the hottest months of the year.
Steel building systems are built to last, and when manufactured by a trusted partner like Pacific Building Systems, they deliver long-term durability, strength, and performance with less maintenance than traditional structures. But “low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance.”
Extreme summer temperatures can push even the toughest materials to their limits. Proactive upkeep during warmer months helps protect your investment, keeps energy costs in check, and ensures your building performs the way it was designed to, year after year.
Whether you manage a warehouse, farm facility, aircraft hangar, or civic structure, here’s how to keep your steel building system operating at its best this summer.
Why Preventive Maintenance Pays Off
Even well-engineered buildings need smart management. Extreme heat, increased UV exposure, and high levels of humidity can compromise the integrity of any steel structure if left unchecked.
Conducting routine summer maintenance:
- Extends your building’s lifespan by catching minor issues before they escalate.
- Reduces repair costs through early detection of wear or damage.
- Preserves curb appeal by preventing corrosion, discoloration, and buildup.
- Enhances safety and performance with regular inspections of key systems.
- Prevents moisture-related issues such as rust, mold, and insulation damage.
- Improves energy efficiency, which can reduce cooling costs in hot weather.
Summer Maintenance Checklist for Steel Building Systems
Follow these steps to keep your building strong, cool, and performing at its best all summer long.
1. Inspect and Clean the Roof
Your metal roof is your first defense against summer storms and heat. Inspect for loose fasteners, gaps, or damaged panels. Clear away leaves, dirt, or debris that might trap moisture or block drainage. At Pacific Building Systems, our steel building systems commonly feature PBR (Purlin Bearing Rib) panels. This reliable, low-maintenance roofing option benefits from a regular cleaning using gentle soap and a non-abrasive brush or a pressure washer with a wide-angle tip.
Bonus Tip: Choose lighter colors for roofing and siding to reduce heat absorption.
2. Check Side Panels and Paint Coatings
Inspect side panels for dents, scratches, rust, or fading, especially around doors, loading zones, and walkways. Use a flashlight to spot subtle signs of corrosion, like bubbling or discoloration around fasteners and trim. Touch up compromised finishes immediately to prevent oxidation and maintain the protective coating. Give your building a good exterior wash at least once a year to clear off dirt, moss, and grime. It helps protect the paint, keeps the place looking sharp, and makes it easier to keep things cool inside.
Bonus Tip: Use reflective coatings on roof and wall surfaces to reflect solar heat.
3. Inspect Insulation and Interior Conditions
Insulation plays an essential role in keeping temperatures stable. Check the insulation in the roof and walls for damage, sagging, or moisture. Seal any gaps to prevent air leaks and keep cool air in. High-quality insulation reduces condensation and supports more consistent indoor temperatures, which is especially important for steel building systems used for agriculture, storage, or manufacturing.
4. Check Seals Around Doors and Windows
Damaged seals and gaps around doors and windows are a common source of unwanted indoor heat. Inspect weatherstripping and seals and repair or replace as needed. This will help control the temperature inside your steel building system and reduce the load on your HVAC system.
5. Maintain Your HVAC System
If your steel building system uses air conditioning, make sure the system is running efficiently. Replace air filters regularly, clean air ducts, and clear obstructions around intake and return vents. Schedule a professional tune-up before peak summer temperatures hit.
6. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Without proper ventilation, the air inside your steel building system will likely become stale, humid, and difficult to cool; this naturally leads to hotter indoor temperatures and poor air quality. Check that ridge vents, wall louvers, and exhaust fans are clean and unobstructed. Consider installing additional vents or fans to improve airflow, especially in buildings without air conditioning. Cross-ventilation, such as aligning windows across from doors, can help circulate fresh air and reduce internal temperatures.
7. Monitor Foundation and Drainage
Extreme weather patterns can sometimes wreak havoc on soil around the foundation, so it’s important that you inspect for cracks, settling, or signs of water pooling near the base of your building at least once a year. Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear and channeling water away from the structure. Add gutter guards or splash blocks to prevent erosion or corrosion along the base trim.
8. Add Shade Where Possible
Reduce heat absorption with exterior shading components like awnings, canopies, or reflective window films. Even strategic landscaping, like planting shrubs or trees, can help shield your steel building system from direct sunlight, lowering surface temperatures and reducing the strain on cooling systems.
We’ve all heard the famous Benjamin Franklin saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That could not be more true when it comes to maintaining your steel building system. It is far easier and more cost-effective to prevent heat-related damage than to fix it after the fact.
A simple summer checklist that includes cleaning, inspecting, sealing, and servicing can help prevent costly repairs, maintain energy efficiency, and extend the life of your metal building so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
If you have questions about your existing steel building system or are planning a new project, Pacific Building Systems is here to help. With decades of experience serving the Pacific Northwest and beyond, we design and manufacture steel building solutions built to endure.
Reach out today to speak with our knowledgeable team and get the most out of your building this summer and every season after.
Discover what sets Pacific Building Systems apart and why thousands of customers across industries like industrial, commercial, agricultural, aviation, government, and community development continue to trust us with their custom building needs.
Ready to get started?
We have what it takes to make your next project a reality.
Contact a project consultant today.