Written by Rocky Mountain Metal · Reviewed by Micah Hostetler, Owner · Based in Penrose, CO, serving Colorado.
A properly engineered and maintained steel-framed building lasts for decades. Its lifespan comes down to the steel frame on a solid foundation, panel and fastener quality, drainage at the base, engineering for your site's loads, and a little yearly upkeep.
Key takeaways
- A steel frame doesn't rot, warp or attract insects, which is a big reason Rocky Mountain Metal sells steel-framed buildings only.
- Panel gauge, coating and fastener quality decide how the skin ages under Colorado sun and hail.
- Drainage and grading around the building prevent most early problems.
- Engineering for your site's snow and wind loads keeps the structure working as designed.
- A short yearly inspection catches small issues while they're easy to fix.
What limits a building's life?
1. The frame and foundation
The frame is the skeleton, and on a steel-framed building it's steel from top to bottom, anchored to its foundation. There's no wood in the ground to rot and nothing for insects to eat. What the frame needs from you is simple: a foundation built to the manufacturer's anchor plan, and water kept away from where the steel meets the concrete. Read why steel framing avoids rot for more on why we chose steel.
2. The steel skin
Roof and wall panels are steel with a protective coating and a painted finish. What matters:
- Gauge. Heavier panels resist hail dents and foot traffic better. Ask for the gauge in writing.
- Coating and paint. Colorado's high-altitude sun is hard on paint. A quality paint system holds its color longer.
- Fasteners. Screws with good washers, driven correctly. Overdriven or underdriven screws are a common leak source on older metal buildings.
3. Water at the base
Splash-back, snow piled against walls and ground that slopes toward the building all put moisture where the wall meets the foundation. Good grading, a gravel apron and gutters where they make sense keep the base dry.
4. Structure and loads
A building engineered for your site's snow and wind loads works within its design in a big storm. One built to a generic spec can be pushed past it. That's why every building we sell is engineered for its site. See what snow load and wind load does my building need?
What does yearly maintenance look like?
- Yearly: walk the roof edges and walls, look for backed-out screws, check sealant at penetrations, clear debris from gutters and the base of walls, check door seals and tracks.
- After storms: look for hail dents that broke the paint, loose trim or lifted panels. See what to do after hail or wind damage.
- Every few years: wash the panels, touch up scratches, and replace any fasteners with worn washers.
Our full maintenance checklist for Colorado owners covers the details.
What wears on buildings in Colorado?
- Sun and altitude. Paint fades faster at elevation. Choose a quality paint system, and consider lighter colors if fading is a concern.
- Hail. Common along the Front Range and out on the plains. Heavier-gauge panels dent less.
- Freeze and thaw. Water that gets into a seam or fastener hole and freezes works it open. Keep sealants sound.
- Snow slide. Metal roofs shed snow in sheets. Keep doors, walkways and lean-to roofs out of the slide path or add snow retention.
What's covered by warranty?
Your building comes with the manufacturer's standard warranty from 1st Choice Metal Buildings and Carports. Keep the paperwork with your drawings and permit; it helps with warranty questions, insurance and resale.
What's the bottom line?
Built with a steel frame on the right foundation, quality panels and fasteners, engineered for its site and given a little attention each year, a steel building is a long-term asset. We look at your site, plan the building, place the order and oversee the project, and the manufacturer's crew from Texas installs it. Request a free quote anywhere in our service area.
Frequently asked questions
Does a steel-framed building last longer than a post-frame building?
The parts that age on any metal-skinned building, like panels, fasteners, doors and sealant, are the same. The difference is the frame: steel doesn't rot or attract insects. That's the reason Rocky Mountain Metal sells steel-framed buildings only.
Will the steel frame rust?
Steel framing is protected by a coating, and on a proper foundation with good drainage it stays dry. Touch up scratches and keep water and snow away from the base of the walls.
How long do metal roof panels last?
A long time with basic care. Fasteners and sealants are usually the first items you'll service, long before the panels themselves wear out.
Does insurance treat steel buildings differently?
Insurers generally cover engineered, permitted steel buildings like any other outbuilding. Keep your engineered drawings, permit and warranty paperwork together.
