7 Simple Maintenance Tips For Your Metal Garage

A metal garage has the advantage of being extremely strong and long-lasting. Steel framed metal garages will last 20 to 30 years or more if properly maintained and have many advantages over wood garages. It is because of these advantages more and more homes have metal garages.

Do you know how to take proper care of your metal garage? Not to worry, we did some research and discovered 7 simple things you can do to add years to the life of your metal garage.

Keep reading to learn how to keep a metal garage working and looking strong for decades to come.

Metal Garage Maintenance Tips

Metal garage buildings are strong enough to stand up against many structural threats both natural and man-made. Metal structures are more resistant to fire, can withstand strong winds and are even more resistant to earthquakes.

In the case of a metal portable garage, you can even move it to a different part of your property. These metal structures are designed to be assembled on-site making them easy to disassemble and reassemble at another location. 

But as mentioned earlier, metal garages also require maintenance to extend their service lifespan. The same requirement also applies to steel garage buildings, another popular option for garages. The only difference is that they’re typically thicker and stronger than metal garages, making them more resistant to storm damage and extreme weather conditions.   

The following maintenance tips will make sure every part of your metal garage is worth keeping if you do.

Clean Inside and Out

They say cleanliness is next to Godliness and we are sure you can imagine God’s garage to be perfectly clean. Dirt and grime come with moisture and corrosive acids that will eat away at the metal structure. Pressure wash the interior and interior of your metal garage at least every few months.

Garages are big enough for more than cars. Metal garage cabinets and metal garage shelves are often incorporated into the interior of the garage to maximize storage space. Often these storage spaces go without attention because of the time and effort of clearing them out and cleaning them properly.

Inspect the Foundation

The strength of a metal structure will mean nothing if the foundation becomes compromised. Look for cracking and breaking of the concrete foundation. If the building is leaning to one side, it is most likely an issue with the foundation and if left unfixed the strain and stress on the structure could cause the building to collapse. 

In addition to cracks and breaking, it’s also important to look for weep holes which are small holes in the foundation that allow water to drain away. If the foundation is made of concrete, look for signs of rust. Rust can indicate that the foundation is not properly waterproofed. 

Lastly, if the foundation is in contact with the ground, look for signs of moisture. Moisture can cause the foundation to decay. If you find any of these problems, it’s important to have the foundation repaired by a professional. A damaged foundation can lead to serious problems with the garage. 

One of the benefits of metal garages is they can usually be moved off a failing foundation and placed on a new foundation. A wood garage is much heavier and harder to move.

Watch the Weather Stripping

Moisture is the natural enemy of metal. Check the weather stripping around doors, windows, and vents for signs of leaking. If you see water running down the walls next to windows or pools of water collecting on the floor you might have a leak.

Over time these leaks will stain and rust the metal and eventually holes will break out. Replacing garage door weather stripping is a relatively easy to learn process and it can be done in only a few hours. A few hours and a few dollars to save energy and protect your interior from water leaks are well worth it.

Control Inside Humidity

Moisture in the air is terrible for metal garages. High humidity is common in metal structures because heat is conducted through the metal and trapped in uncooled garages.

Use disinfectants or a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low inside the garage. Keeping the temperature cool with fans and/or AC will also be helpful to keep the air optimal for maintaining the integrity metal.

When moisture collects and sets on metal surfaces, they will certainly rust and degrade over time. Reseal and paint metal surfaces every few years to protect the metal surface from water damage.

Renovate for Living Space

Large 2 car or bigger garages could be renovated for living space and even made to accommodate a small separate apartment. A metal garage with apartment could bring in rental income or provide the perfect living area for a college student or single adult.

Framing out a workshop or hobby room is another common renovation project. Some creative homeowners remodel the interior of their metal garage to be a fully furnished living space like a recreation room, second living room, or bedroom. For a finishing touch, replace the garage door with traditional windows and you have an extra room.

Metal building interiors are difficult to heat and cool because metal has high thermal conductivity. When renovating be sure to build interior walls and insulate them for efficient heating and cooling. 

Lubricate the Garage Door Rollers

Moving metal parts are particularly vulnerable to the buildup of grime. Over time rollers will stick, rust, and even stale. Use WD-40 or small engine oil to lubricate the rollers and keep them turning like new. 

Thoroughly work the grease into the rollers to prevent them from squeaking. Lubricate the rollers every few months to keep them in good working condition. However, if you’re uncomfortable lubricating your garage door rollers yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. 

Moreover, perform a monthly inspection of the garage door hardware including pulleys, rollers, and tracks. It is important to keep the tracks clear and clean of dust buildup so take a dry cloth and wipe them down as you inspect them.

Keep the Roof Clear

The roof is often first to show signs of damage and weathering. Make sure to clear the roof of debris and keep gutters clean. Roofs that are left with tree limbs, leaves, and other buildup will often develop leaks.

Remove snow and ice to prevent water damage and strain on the structures supports. This is even more important for large area metal structures that will not support much extra weight to the roof. 

If you have a lot of trees near your garage, trim the branches so they don’t overhang the roof. This can help prevent leaves and debris from falling onto the roof. Lastly, consider installing gutter guards. These physical barriers prevent leaves, debris, and other materials from clogging your gutters. This can help ensure that water can flow freely through the gutters and downspouts, preventing it from pooling on the roof.

Metal Endures

A metal garage is made to last and endure but just how long they last is decided by how well they are maintained. Take the proper steps to keep the metal clean and the foundation strong, and your metal garage will be keeping shelter to your beloved cars and belongings for a lifetime.

Read more home improvement tips on Tasteful Space.