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When deciding to buy a steel shed or building, one of the factors that will influence your decision is the structure's longevity. If you're to go for a steel shed, you'd like to ensure you're getting the best value for your money. You don't want to spend money on a steel farm shed or a steel building for your industry only to start spending big on repairs a few years after you've made the purchase. So, how long does steel building actually last?
How Long Will My Steel Building Last?
How long does steel building last? There's no one size fits all answer to that. The lifespan of your steel building largely depends on you. Yes, you. What you plan to use the steel building for and how often you look after it will greatly influence how long your steel building will last. Although steel buildings tend to last longer than wood or concrete options, however, maintenance is key. Steel is a durable metal and, by nature, can withstand nearly anything thrown at it. With steel, you need not worry about numerous problems like fire or pests that usually plague other alternatives. With proper maintenance, your steel building will leave to the end of its warranty.
Generally, steel can last for up to 50 years. And no matter how bad the climate of the Northern New Zealand region might get, Anchored steel can offer you a steel building that can last for up to 50 years and more. Our steel buildings are made by applying the best engineering practices that guarantee sturdy built quality. With our top-of-the-class steel building and proper maintenance on your part, you can expect your steel shed to last for 50 years and even more.
Factors That Can Influence The Lifespan Of Your Steel Building
Steel buildings are rightly famous because of their impressive lifespan, which beats other alternatives, including wood. While the steel alloy is lightweight and highly malleable, it is also very strong and durable. Besides steel buildings standing for half a century, some of the factors that can influence its lifespan that every farmer, construction manager, and industrial manager in NZ should be aware of includes,
The Usage
While no one buys steel sheds just to pamper them, how you use your steel structure will significantly impact its longevity. If you're too rough on your steel building, don't expect it to live to its full life.
Maintenance
While steel buildings demand lesser maintenance than other alternatives, regular maintenance on your building is a high reward task. You can prolong the lifespan of your steel building through simple and routine maintenance jobs.
What Makes Steel Buildings Last Longer?
It's no brainer that steel buildings offer several advantages over other more traditional building materials. For one, they are more durable and last longer than most other alternatives. But what are the qualities that make them so strong and durable? What really makes steel buildings stay so long?
Corrosion-Resistant
The presence of water and oxygen leads to corrosion. Steel structures, by design, are coated with corrosion-resistant agents like paint. Galvanized steel also creates a strong protective barrier against corrosion. However, in wood, the presence of moisture encourages the wood to corrode with its fasteners (nails or screws). Rusting, which is the product of such corrosion, will make the wood less resistant to wind. In concrete, the corrosion of the reinforced steel will lead to cracks.
Moisture Resistant
Steel is relatively stable and does not expand or contract due to high or low moisture levels. It also eliminates the chances of moisture-related issues like rot and mold—to a greater extend. On the other hand, moisture creates a colossal problem for wood and concrete. In woods, it could lead to swelling and shrinking, which ultimately impacts the energy bills and also force you to spend more on maintenance. And in concrete, cracks, peels, and flakes are common features. Also, high moisture levels can lead to mold growth in the walls, which is altogether so unhealthy for your health and that of your workers.
Pest Resistant
Going for steel buildings is the way out if you want to avoid the extra cost that comes with frequent inspection and maintenance of wood buildings due to possible pests and insect infestation. By nature, steel is generally unaffected by termites. On the other end, woods gets easily eaten by termites. While wood coating can help keep these woods-eating insects away, it never guarantees a permanent solution as steel structures do.
Fire Resistant
Accidents happen. If a fire should break out, steel buildings are going to be the least affected. They also help slow the spread of the fire as they are less combustible. This will go a long way to save lives and properties and allow more time for first responders to appear at the scene. Wood, which is pretty combustible, will happily encourage the fire, destroying lives and properties faster than what the fire alone could have done.
How Do You Maintain Your Steel Building?
You can prolong the lifespan of your steel structure through regular inspections and by carrying out any of the following.
Washing thoroughly (at least once a year)
Applying fresh coatings and paints (every two or three years)
Addressing any minor damages (cracks and scratches) in an efficient and timely manner
Inspection of roof and gutters
Having well-built, perfectly customized, and cost-efficient structures are important to farmers, industrial managers, and construction managers, not just in New Zealand but all over the world. Steel sheds have proven to be the perfect solution. It comes as no surprise why they are the number one option in farms and different industries spread across Auckland, Waikato, and Bay Of Plenty.
If you're looking for the best place to get high quality customized shed in New Zealand, Anchored steel has an answer for you. For more information on steel buildings for farms and industries in NZ, reach out to Anchored Steel, https://anchoredsteel.co.nz/.