Waterproofing Your Post Frame Building

Your new post-frame building is completed and it‘s the perfect combination of beauty and function. But how do you maintain your building so it looks as good as the day was erected? 

From buildings and vehicles to tools and electronics, proper maintenance is a key part of extending its life. Taking proper care of your post-frame building is not only vital for your safety, but also for the belongings stored inside. You don’t want your agricultural equipment, livestock, or sporting gear to become damaged. 

While no building will truly last forever, your post-frame building can stay in ideal condition for years to come with proper care and maintenance. One of the most common ways to protect and maintain your building is waterproofing. 

Why Waterproofing? 

Waterproofing involves the use of coatings to protect the building’s contents and well as structural integrity. This helps to create an envelope, or controlled environment, to protect the building from water and excess moisture. 

Moisture is one of the greatest threats to post-frame buildings. A tiny leak or a small drip can lead to big problems and potential damage if not fixed in a timely manner. Water damage can lead to one or more of the following: corrosion and rust of metal parts, mold or mildew which decreases air quality, damage or loss of internal contents, soggy insulation, and premature aging and structural damage which decreases your building’s value. 

Preventing Water Damage

Regular maintenance and due diligence can help prevent water damage.  Here are ways you can protect your building from water and excess moisture:

Check for Leaks

Leaks will develop in your post-frame structure over time, even in the best-kept of buildings. The best way to inspect for leaks is by climbing on your roof and spot-checking. However, if heights aren’t your thing, try walking around the interior of your building during a storm. While you may miss some of the tinier leaks, you’ll discover where any major leaks are and will be able to repair them before the next storm. 

Checking for leaks will also help you stay on top of mold and air quality issues. Exposure to mold can increase the threat of illness carried by spores and lead to overall poor air quality. This is especially important if you’re using your building to house livestock. 

Leaks aren’t just an issue for post-frame buildings, but for your home and office as well. For the health of you and your family, also inspect these structures post-storm. 

Inspect Windows and Doors

Whether your building has sliding or overhead doors to gliding or double-hung windows, they will eventually start showing their age. Like any piece of equipment, when it gets older its performance starts to decline. Weather-sealing is frequently subjected to precipitation and cold weather, and as a result, will degrade due to the elements. Once the sealant wears down, they will no longer function effectively and you’ll start feeling the leaks and drafts in your barn. 

Remove Snow and Debris

Winter can be harsh on all structures, including your post-frame building. While the experts are Gingerich Structures take every precaution to ensure your building is able to handle our snowy winters, some winters pack a bigger wallop than usual. Excess snow should be cleared from the roof on a regular basis to ensure that it isn’t heavier than its designed snow load. 

To remove the snow safely, invest in a roof rake. If you need a ladder to remove additional snow, please have someone hold the ladder for you. Snow and ice make any surface slippery, especially a ladder resting on the side of a building. 

Another reason to remove the snow from your roof is to prevent a blockage in your water frame draining, also known as ice dams, resulting in large icicles. These icicles are not only dangerous to a passerby if they fall, but they can also damage the roof and increase the likelihood of leaks. 

Additional Maintenance Tips

Check Your Building Regularly

Issues can pop up out of nowhere, as there are a number of external factors that can impact your building. A weekly walkthrough and exterior inspection should be adequate to identify potential problems before they become serious. 

Fix Small Issues

If you notice a frayed weather seal or tiny crack in the wood upon your weekly inspection, fix it while it’s still a minor issue. If ignored, these small issues can develop bigger problems and will take more resources (and money) to repair. 

Watch the Weather

Bad weather is a risk to any structure (post-frame or otherwise). In the Midwest and Great Plains, we’re no strangers to heavy snowstorms and high winds so it’s best to be prepared. If heavy snowfall is predicted, clear any debris and existing snow off the roof. Double-check the doors and windows to ensure they are tightly closed and secure. 

At Gingerich Structures, we know there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing the perfect structure for your needs, but choosing the right site is the key to a long, low-maintenance high-quality building. We offer a wide variety of building styles at Gingerich Structures. No matter what look you're going for, you can count on us for the options you need. We proudly have more than 15-years of experience building everything from machine sheds to hobby shops! Call us at (402) 426-5022 today to get a FREE quote on your next building project.