10 Best Ways To Prepare Your Steel Building for Winter

Steel buildings offer exceptional durability and longevity, but like all structures, they require seasonal maintenance to perform at their best. The winter months specifically bring unique challenges—from freezing temperatures that affect moving parts to heavy snow loads that stress roofing systems—that can test even the most robust steel construction.

The following 10 strategies will help you better prepare your steel building for the winter. By taking these proactive steps now, you can prevent costly repairs, maintain energy efficiency, and avoid potential operational disruptions.

Conduct a Comprehensive Structural Inspection

Begin your winter preparation with a thorough examination of your steel building’s structural integrity. Walk around the entire perimeter, checking for signs of rust, corrosion, or metal fatigue. Pay special attention to areas where water might collect, such as around the foundation, roof edges, and any joints or seams. Look for cracks in the steel panels or framework, loose bolts, and any areas where the protective coating may have worn away.

Don’t forget to inspect the interior structure as well. Check for any signs of stress or movement in support beams, and ensure all connections remain secure. Document any issues you find with photos and measurements—this information will be valuable when working with repair professionals or ordering replacement materials.

Seal Every Gap and Opening

Cold air infiltration can dramatically increase heating costs and create uncomfortable conditions inside your steel building. Identify and seal all gaps, cracks, and unintended openings throughout the structure.

If you have a prefabricated metal building, be sure to focus on areas where different building components meet. These could be where walls connect to the foundation, around door and window frames, and where utility lines enter the building. Use appropriate sealants for each application. Silicone-based sealants work well for steel, but be sure to check if the sealants you buy are compatible with the metal your building uses.

Additionally, check the seals around overhead doors carefully, as these large openings are common sources of air leaks. Replace worn weatherstripping and ensure proper door alignment to maintain tight seals when it’s closed.

Evaluate and Upgrade Insulation

Adequate insulation is crucial for maintaining comfortable temperatures and controlling energy costs during the winter months. Inspect your current insulation for signs of damage, settling, or moisture infiltration that could reduce its effectiveness.

Consider the thermal resistance standards, or R-values, for your climate zone and intended building use. If your insulation falls short, plan upgrades before cold weather arrives. Reflective insulation systems work particularly well in metal buildings, providing both thermal and radiant barriers.

Prepare Your Roof System

Your steel building’s roof faces the greatest challenge during winter: bearing the weight of snow accumulation while protecting against moisture intrusion. To help your roof remain intact during the colder months, be sure to clean all debris from its surface. This debris includes leaves, branches, and any equipment or materials that shouldn’t be there.

Inspect roof panels for loose screws, damaged seams, or worn sealants around penetrations like vents or skylights. Be sure to also test all drains and ensure they’re clear of obstructions.

Don’t forget to take the snow load capacity of your roof system into consideration, and plan for safe snow removal if accumulations exceed design limits. Check roof-mounted equipment like HVAC units or exhaust fans as well to ensure they’re properly secured and won’t create additional stress points when it snows or becomes windy.

Clear and Inspect Drainage Systems

Even though snow accumulation is a big problem, it gets even worse once everything melts. To prepare for this, you need properly-maintained drainage systems. Clean all gutters thoroughly, removing leaves, debris, and any other blockages that could prevent water flow. Check for proper gutter slope and secure mounting.

Be sure to also inspect downspouts for damage or disconnections, and ensure they direct water well away from your building’s foundation. If it’s necessary, install downspout extensions to prevent water from pooling near your building’s base.

Lastly, examine the grading around your building to ensure surface water flows away from the foundation. Failing to do all of this can lead to foundation issues and increased moisture problems inside your building.

Service Moving Components

Something important to note is that cold temperatures can cause lubricants to thicken and metal components to contract. This can potentially lead to operational problems with doors, windows, and ventilation systems. To avoid this issue, apply appropriate lubricants to all hinges, locks, rollers, and tracks before cold weather sets in.

For overhead doors, pay special attention to springs, cables, and opening mechanisms. These components work harder in cold weather and benefit from professional inspection and maintenance. Test all emergency release mechanisms to ensure they function properly. And don’t forget to inspect smaller components like window cranks, vent operators, and access door hardware.

Test and Maintain Heating Systems

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your steel building for the winter is to schedule professional service for all heating and HVAC equipment well before you need it most. Failing to do so before temperatures drop could lead to you having to wait longer if systems break down during the winter. The pros will clean or replace filters, check electrical connections, test safety controls, and verify proper combustion in fuel-burning equipment.

Take the time to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available and delivery systems are functional. For propane or oil systems, check tank levels and delivery access. Schedule fuel deliveries before winter weather makes access to your systems more difficult.

You should also test backup heating systems and emergency power supplies if your building has them. Verify that automatic switching systems function properly and that fuel supplies are adequate for extended operations.

Install Weather Protection Features

If you want to take things a step further, consider installing storm doors on frequently used entrances to create an additional barrier against heat loss. These can be particularly effective on buildings with high traffic volumes or temperature-sensitive operations.

If you’re unsure what else you could add, take the time to evaluate whether your building would benefit from things like wind barriers or screens. These features reduce the impact of prevailing winter winds on exposed areas. Barriers can be overkill for some buildings but critical for others.

Manage Surrounding Vegetation

Be sure to look outside your building as well. Check the trees and trim branches that overhang your roof or grow close to the structure. Ice-laden or snow-heavy branches can cause significant damage if they fall on your roof or walls. Remove any branches within 10 feet of the building when possible.

If needed, clear thick vegetation away from the building’s foundation and ensure landscaping promotes drainage away from the structure. Remove any climbing plants that might trap moisture against steel surfaces or interfere with building components.

Develop a Snow Management Plan

Finally, you should take the time to create a strategy for dealing with snow accumulation before it becomes a problem. This includes having appropriate removal equipment readily available and establishing safe procedures for roof snow removal.

Identify priority areas for snow and ice removal, such as emergency exits, fire department connections, and critical access routes. Consider installing snow guards or other roof snow retention systems if your building experiences problems with sudden snow sliding.

You’ll also want to establish relationships with snow removal contractors before you need their services, as they become extremely busy during severe weather events. Having contracts in place ensures priority service when conditions are most challenging.