Metal buildings are safe from termites and other organisms that can damage wood, but they can still be harmed by moisture. Excessive moisture is not just found in the wet ground around the frame of a house; it’s also present in the air. Warm air can keep more water vapor than cold air, and when cooled, it creates tiny water droplets. Uncontrolled water vapor tends to cause severe damage to a metal building. Moisture in the insulation can cause rust, corrosion, mold, or other forms of internal decay. The key to cutting down on moisture buildup is careful attention to sealing gaps around pipes, doors, windows, and an airtight roof structure.
Today, we will further explore various preventive methods that will help you control moisture in metal buildings.
Here’s what you need to know:
Use Proper Insulation
Insulation should be adequately sealed to prevent excessive moisture. One vital step to take is to test the insulation to make sure that it’s airtight. You can do this by running a feather through the insulation, and if the feather can pass through, you’ll want to reset it.
If you don’t have enough insulation, you may want to consider adding more. It’s not difficult to do. For example, you can add blown-in insulation, which is an especially good option if you already have a moisture problem.
Control the Humidity
If you’re able to install a humidifier or dehumidifier in the home, you may be able to keep moisture levels in the proper range. However, a humidifier can increase the risk of moisture buildup in insulation if you’re not careful. It’s not good to use a humidifier if you don’t have an airtight roof.
Do Not Allow Stagnant Water to Build Up
If you experience regular water ingress within the building, you should reinforce the roof. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself in big trouble. In addition, you should make sure that the top is always dry. We recommend not growing plants on your roof.
Keep the Ground Around the Building Dry
Any open water can be dangerous. For example, if your building is located in an area with frequent flooding, you should raise it on support. To this end, it’s essential to make sure that the area around the building is free of moisture.
Ventilate the Interior Properly
You should also make sure that you ventilate the inside of the building correctly. Metal buildings are typically unventilated, which leads to moisture buildup in the air, so you should add more fresh air to the interior. You should be able to add a fan to a metal building that’s properly sealed.
Install a Moisture Control System
If you can’t control moisture by other means, you may have to invest in a moisture control system. For example, you can install a heating and cooling system with humidity control. Humidity can be controlled by refrigerants that evaporate at a specific temperature. The air conditioning system will blow the water vapor outside.
The Bottom Line
Metal buildings are impervious to many dangers that afflict other types of structures. Nevertheless, they can still be harmed by moisture buildup. Moisture in the insulation and the roof structure can cause rust, mold, and other forms of internal decay. Controlling moisture is an essential aspect of maintaining a metal building.
It’s essential to have a good, solid foundation. Having a strategically placed vapor barrier is also very important. By knowing the best way to prevent moisture in metal buildings and following our simple tips, you should be able to keep your metal building in good shape for many years to come.
If you are looking for the best and most reliable metal structures, we can help you. At Union Steel Structures, you won’t find a team with as much expertise and experience in designing and building steel structures. Our primary mission is to help America provide the best shelters with strong, metal buildings for homes and businesses. Give us a call today to learn more about what we can do for you. Get a quote online now!
