Steel Care: Post-Construction Structural Steel Maintenance Service

24 February 2023

One of the most favourable materials in the building sector is structural steel. It is long-lasting, low-cost, beautiful, simple to instal, and has high tensile strength. Like any other material, steel needs adequate care to remain in excellent condition, particularly after the construction of any structure. This document focuses on structural steel maintenance requirements after construction.

Inspect The Structure Regularly

To discover and solve concerns on time, you should evaluate your structural steel building at least twice a year. Inspect at the end of each season because some seasons, such as winter, have harsh weather that can cause damage. You don’t want structural concerns in the future due to defects that emerged in past seasons.

You should also evaluate structural steel sections of a building following a renovation job, such as expanding an existing structure because the addition might compromise the integrity of the current structure. Hire an expert to guarantee no errors go undiscovered for safety concerns. Take before and after shots of the building. They will aid you during the next inspection since you will detect other flaws you did not previously see. Also, keep a record of the names and dates of the specialists or firms you deal with during the examination. Government regulatory bodies may require these vital facts during safety regulations checks.

Fix Minor Flaws

Always perform small repairs as soon as possible before they worsen and undermine the structure. If you detect any small problems, contact a welder immediately; you don’t have to wait until your next inspection to remedy them. Minor fittings such as door hinges are steel elements to look out for. Fasteners or fittings prone to corrosion are commonly used to join structural steel piles. When they rust, they might become loose and compromise the structural integrity of your building.

As a result, you must examine, replace, or repair them on time. Oil the door hinges regularly to decrease friction and allow them to function properly. To be extra cautious, coat new fittings with coal tar.

Trees And Bushes Should Be Pruned

If there are trees and shrubs around the steel constructions, they must be trimmed before they are linked to the structure. Because plants tend to store water, they expose your structure to water, which might lead to corrosion or mould growth. Furthermore, the branches might cause scratches on the roof and walls; therefore, you should cut them as soon as possible.

Examine the Insulation

Insulation is typically used in structural steel structures to reduce temperature, moisture, and noise. Birds, insects, rats, and other pests, on the other hand, may cause harm to the insulation. For example, if multiple birds make holes in the insulation while nesting, cold air from outside will enter and harm the thermal comfort of your construction. As a result, if your building does not block noise or energy costs have increased owing to excessive AC consumption, inspect the insulation and contact a professional if you discover any damage.

The Structure Should Be Cleaned

You must clean your steel structure to remove collected dust that might cause scratches or dull the structure. Furthermore, mould that has grown due to moisture exposure should be removed. Use a gentle cleaner or combine one cup of ammonia with five gallons of warm water. Invest in a soft-bristled brush or a low-pressure washer as well.

When you have the appropriate recommendations, structural steel maintenance is simple. We provide structural steel welding services. We can also check your steel structure, replace broken pieces, and advise you on how to avoid future problems.