Do you have a metal outbuilding or garage? If so, is it ready for winter? If you don’t have much experience winterizing metal buildings in NC, or if you’re thinking of purchasing one and you’re wondering what kind of winter preparations it will require, consider these 10 tips. 

Sweep it out

With a broom or a blower, clear out all debris from inside the building. Don’t leave anything that can hold moisture or corrode the floor or walls. Clear out cobwebs and nests of any kind. 

Clean it off

Use a pressure washer to spray down the building, both the roof and outer walls. Dirt and plant debris that is left on the building when winter weather sets in can cause rust or deterioration, especially when covered with a layer of snow or ice. 

Clear out gutters

Remove leaves, dirt, and other debris from your gutters, either by hand or with a pressure washer. It’s very important that water is able to run off properly during the winter to prevent ice from forming and causing damage to gutters or other parts of the building. 

Trim back greenery

Trim trees and bushes away from the building, especially the roof. Tree branches, leaves, and other plant matter can cause damage to the roof and outer walls of your metal building. 

Inspect and repair seals

Check the seals around windows and doors, especially the garage door. Make sure there are no gaps between the walls and the roof and foundation. If you find any, seal them up or replace damaged weather stripping.  

Inspect and add insulation

Inspect the building’s insulation and be sure it is sufficient to prevent condensation from forming on the inside of the walls. Add insulation as necessary. 

Properly store organics

Do you store items such as potting soil or pet food in your metal shed or garage? If so, store them in airtight containers to prevent moisture from invading and causing spoilage. 

Organize

Before closing up your shed or garage for the winter, do a little tidying up. Put things in their proper place if they aren’t already and organize things so that you can find them easily when you open it up in the spring. 

Purge

Get rid of things you don’t need. As you organize you’re bound to find some items you don’t really use. Sell, donate, or throw things away as you see fit and you’ll have more storage space for your spring yard supplies like bags of mulch and fertilizer. 

Lock it up

Security is just as important during the winter, if not more so. Make sure you securely lock your metal outbuilding to protect your belongings while not in use. 

Purchase Solid, Secure Metal Buildings in NC 

If you want the best chance of preventing possible winter damage to your metal outbuilding or garage, these tips can help. But maintenance can only do so much. It’s important to purchase a sturdy, reliable building from the start. Vega Metal Structures manufactures and installs top quality metal buildings in NC. You can get a new building now that is already winterized and ready for the season ahead. Call (336) 799-4416 today for a free quote on winter-ready metal buildings in NC.