There are many reasons that people build stand-alone garages on their property. Most people choose to build their garages with steel because of its strength. However, there are some things you can do to make sure your garage lasts as long as possible. Here are our tips for maintaining your new metal garage.
Install Gutters
Metal garages are typically very weather-resistant, but their one weakness is water. Make sure water is not pooling around the base of your garage after it rains. If you see pools happening, that’s a sign you need to install gutters and downspouts to direct the water away from your garage.
Remove Pests
Wasps and birds love to build their nests on homes and stand-alone garages, and both can cause problems for homeowners. Ideally, you should remove bird nests as soon as you notice the parents building them, and not while there are eggs or baby birds inside.
With wasp nests, you should remove them whenever you see them. Stand at a distance and try knocking down the nest when the wasps are away.
Inspect for Rust
Though most metal garages are made of galvanized steel with a protective coating, it’s still a good practice to inspect your metal garage after a heavy rainstorm. Doing so will help you catch rust and any other water-related problems quickly, before they can cause long-term damage.
Trim Overhangs
Always have a professional come out to trim branches that stick out over your metal garage. One reason is that heavy branches could end up hurting your garage if they fall down in a storm. The other main reason is that dead leaves piling up on your garage’s roof can trap moisture and become homes for pests and fungi.
Regular Cleanings
Another tip for maintaining your new metal garage is to give it a good sweep a few times a year. No matter how good you are at keeping things clean, there’s always debris and cobwebs to clean out. Tackling the problem on a regular basis will keep the work manageable.
Having a metal garage can add value to your home and increase your storage capacity. However, you will need to stay on top of regular maintenance to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
