Preparing your steel structures for winter
Preparing Your Steel Structures for Winter: Essential Maintenance Tips for the Colder Months
As the UK transitions from the mild temperatures of autumn to the chill of winter, it's crucial for homeowners and businesses to pay attention to the maintenance of external steel structures. From gates and railings to fire escapes and doors, these components face unique challenges during the colder months. At Bradfabs, where we specialise in custom-engineered, and more, we understand the importance of proper installation and when upkeep may be needed. Here’s a guide to ensure your structures remain in good condition through the winter, with insights on what you can handle yourself and when to call in the experts.
We understand that using the best options and treatments is crucial for the longevity. With over 30 years of experience, we select the most effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. For instance, galvanizing offers remarkable durability with a shelf life of up to 50 years, significantly reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Similarly, powder coating provides a robust finish that can last up to 10 years. To back our commitment to quality, we offer a XX-year guarantee on our installations too. If you notice any signs of failure within your original guarantee, we recommend contacting the original supplier to address any issues promptly and ensure continued performance. If we installed your product get in touch here
Inspect for Damage and Wear
What You Can Do Yourself: Regular inspections are the first line of defence against winter wear and tear. Start by visually checking for any obvious signs of damage, such as cracks, rust, or loose bolts. Pay special attention to joints and welds, as these areas are prone to stress and can be vulnerable to cold weather damage.
When to Call in the Experts: If you identify any significant damage, especially structural issues like compromised welds or severe rust, it’s best to call in a professional. Experts can perform a more thorough assessment and provide solutions that ensure the structural integrity of your steel components.
Address Rust and Corrosion
What You Can Do Yourself: Rust is a common problem for steel structures exposed to the elements. Identify the areas of concern and take photos of the problem. We don’t recommend any remedial action by yourself at this stage as it could damage the finish elsewhere.
When to Call in the Experts: For extensive rust damage or if you’re unsure about the extent of corrosion, professional help is essential. Experts can sandblast or chemically treat affected areas and apply high-quality protective coatings to prevent future issues.
Check and Maintain Protective Coatings
What You Can Do Yourself: Check the condition of existing coatings like powder coating or paint. If you notice any peeling or chipping, this can be addressed with a new coating. This helps maintain the protective barrier against moisture and cold.
When to Call in the Experts: For comprehensive coating services, including powder coating or galvanizing, professional application ensures durability and effectiveness. Experts can also reapply coatings where necessary, ensuring a consistent and protective finish across all surfaces.
Ensure Proper Drainage
What You Can Do Yourself: Clear any debris from gutters, downspouts, and drainage channels near your steel structures. Proper drainage helps prevent water accumulation, which can lead to ice formation and potential structural damage.
When to Call in the Experts: If drainage issues persist or if there are complex components like integrated drainage systems, professionals can ensure that your drainage system functions effectively and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
Secure Loose Components
What You Can Do Yourself: Check all bolts, screws, and fittings for tightness. Cold temperatures can cause metal to contract, potentially loosening components. Tighten any loose parts and replace any missing fasteners to maintain stability.
When to Call in the Experts: If you encounter difficulties with securing components or if there’s noticeable movement in structural elements, adjustment of all components, can be made as part of an onsite survey ensuring safety and stability.
Monitor for Ice and Snow Accumulation
What You Can Do Yourself: Regularly remove snow and ice from external steel structures to prevent excess weight and damage. Use a plastic shovel or broom to avoid scratching or damaging the surface. Avoid using metal tools, as these can cause scratches that lead to rust.
When to Call in the Experts: Although we don’t suffer from heavy snowfall often on the UK, you may sometimes need assistance. For large structures or areas where snow and ice buildup is significant, professional services may be required. They can provide specialised equipment and techniques to safely remove ice and snow without damaging the structure.
Regular Cleaning
What You Can Do Yourself: Clean the steel surfaces regularly to remove grime, salt, and other pollutants that can accelerate corrosion. Use a mild detergent and water, followed by a thorough rinse and drying to keep the surfaces clean.
When to Call in the Experts: For deep cleaning, especially if there’s significant buildup or staining, professionals can use industrial-grade cleaning solutions and equipment to restore the surface to its original condition.
Winter weather in the UK can be temperamental on external steel structures, but with proper maintenance, you can ensure their longevity and safety. Regular inspections, addressing rust and corrosion, maintaining protective coatings, ensuring proper drainage, securing loose components, and managing ice and snow accumulation are all crucial steps.
While many tasks can be handled yourself, don’t hesitate to call in the experts at Bradfabs for more complex issues or when in doubt. Our commitment to quality and custom-engineered solutions ensures that your steel structures remain in peak condition, no matter the season.
For any professional help you might need, from inspection to coating and repairs, contact us today to ensure your steel structures are winter-ready and continue to perform beautifully through the colder months.
