Prefab steel buildings are both excellent storage and protection solutions for numerous reasons. They are durable, versatile, inexpensive to assemble, and built to withstand the toughest weather conditions. They’re also fully functional, requiring little to no maintenance throughout their lifespan. Despite being safe from rot and pest infestations, metal buildings are susceptible to damages caused by moisture. Condensation occurs when there is more moisture in the air than it can hold. This can cause serious damages to metal buildings. But you can prevent all this by taking the right measurements.
Types of Condensation and Their Signs
There are two types of condensation that can occur in steel buildings: visible and concealed. Visible condensation is more noticeable to the eye, commonly appearing on surfaces as water, frost, or ice. You may see it occur on insulation vapor retarders, skylights, cold water pipes, or cooling ducts. Concealed condensation is much more damaging and difficult to deal with. It occurs when moisture is passed into the building’s interior and condenses on a surface that has a temperature at or below dew point. It may appear as damp spots, mold, mildew, or stains on walls and ceilings.
What Problems Are Caused by Condensation in Metal Buildings?
If left untreated, condensation can cause extensive damages to most any building, no matter what materials were used to engineer it. We’ve listed a few of the issues that could make any homeowner or business owner cry below:
- When left exposed to moisture, the metal can begin to corrode. It will oxidize and weaken, ultimately shortening the unit’s life.
- The effectiveness of your insulation will be reduced greatly.
- Both mold and mildew can grow, causing unpleasant odors and numerous health risks.
- It can attract insects and pests, creating infestations.
The Solution is Much Easier Than You Think
For most people, the ultimate goal is to eliminate all moisture and maintain a relative humidity indoors. And while there are several steps you can take to prevent both moisture and condensation issues, the two most effective steps are to insulate and ventilate.
- Ventilation – Having an excellent ventilation system is one of the best ways to prevent moisture. Whether you are using vent gas or oil heaters, keeping the air moving continuously will allow warm air to escape and prevent condensation. This is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to maintain the interior temperature of your unit and prevent moisture problems.
- Insulation – Metal building insulation is one of the most popular ways used to control condensation and moisture problems in structures. Though it’s important to remember that when insulating a metal structure, all joints and seams must be lapped, sealed, and secured. It must be continuous throughout the building, not just placed between the framing pieces. We offer two types of insulation at Get Carports, including our prodex total insulation and a foil-foam-foil insulation.
The Best Solution of All – Invest in a Steel Building from Get Carports!
And the best solution of all… investing in a steel building from Get Carports! We provide a large collection of metal buildings to choose from, each available with a large variety of customization options, including insulation. Our insulated structures are the most durable, versatile, and affordable solutions offered in the metal building industry. No matter your needs, give us a call today at (866) 681-7846 to find your ideal storage solution.
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