Metal buildings are increasingly becoming popular for agricultural and other farm uses. Rather than selecting wood, which is susceptible to water damage, mold, mildew, and termites, many are now preferring metal for its durability and resistance to these issues. 

If you invest in a farm metal building, it is essential to prevent them from rust. Numerous coatings and paint finishes can be used to prevent rust. However, it is a potential issue that depends on material quality, coating, and maintenance. 

In this blog, we dive into how long farm metal buildings last and how to best prevent rust. 

How Long Do Metal Buildings Last?

Before we dig deeper into rust and its effects on metal buildings, it is vital to understand how long a farm metal building lasts. These buildings are known to last for at least 40 years because of their high durability, low maintenance, and strength. 

When built with high-quality materials and maintained well, steel structures can last for decades. Specific parts of these buildings can last for more:

  • Steel frames can stand tall for over 100 years.
  • Metal panels and roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 80 years on average. 
  • Hot-dipped galvanized steel fasteners can live for 35 to 60 years. 
  • Steel doors and windows can last for 30 to 50 years.

These parts of metal buildings can last for more years than mentioned if they are properly maintained, regularly repaired, and well protected from rust, mold, decay, and corrosion.

Why Do Farm Metal Buildings Rust?

Metal buildings, including barns, are prone to rust. Even galvanized steel structures, which are coated with thin layers of zinc that act as a barrier, can rust if not taken care of. While prefabricated metal barns are designed to withstand rust and corrosion, like any farm building or structure they can face damage too. 

Rust is usually formed on metal due to oxidation, which means when steel comes into prolonged contact with oxygen and moisture. It weakens metal over time and compromises its structural integrity. 

Major reasons for rust to form over a metal farm building, making it highly difficult for farmers and ranchers are:

  • Exposure to moisture

Rust is primarily triggered by moisture. In areas prone to heavy rain, snow, or high humidity conditions, it is likely for it to affect unprotected metal surfaces. Moreover, if a metal farm building is not properly ventilated or insulated, condensation within the building can be a source of rust too. If you frequently use irrigation systems that can overspray onto the building, it can also compromise the structure.  

  • Seawater exposure

Metal farm buildings that are located near coastal areas with high salt content in the air are more prone to rust. Salt is likely to accelerate the process of rust formation, making the metal more vulnerable to moisture.

  • Animal waste

Livestock housed in metal barns often generate high levels of ammonia from their waste, especially in case of poorly ventilated areas. When this ammonia reacts with metal it can accelerate corrosion leading to rust forming where animal pens are located.

  • Poor coatings

There are several coatings applied on metal buildings to protect them from rust, like zinc coating, paint, or powder coatings. However, they often undergo wear down or chip or can be improperly applied, which makes these farm structures susceptible to rust unless these coatings are reapplied to maintain protection.

  • Improper drainage

Water pooling over the roofs of a metal barn can lead to rust formation. Poor drainage systems, like clogged downspouts or gutters that fail to push water away from the structure, can expose the roof and lower sections of the structure to moisture. Rainwater can also splash back to lower parts of the building, keeping them constantly wet. The water, combined with mud or farm chemicals, can corrode protective coatings too. 

  • Manure, chemicals, and fertilizers

Metal barns often have areas where soil, mud, and manure build up around the base and the moisture from them can seep into the structure. Moreover, if you store fertilizers and pesticides within or near these barns, there is a chance that they lead to the degradation of metal panels in cases of spills as they contain corrosive elements. 

How To Prevent Or Treat Rust Formation On Farm Metal Buildings?

While metal buildings are highly durable, the formation of rust can lead to devaluation of the farm structure, leaks, mold, or weakening of the structural stability. 

Hence, it is important to not only protect them from rust formation but also treat rust properly for the longevity of the metal farm barn. 

Prevention

  • For barns or equipment sheds where exposure to the elements is constant, it is ideal to opt for galvanized steel or apply protective coatings like powder coating or specialized paints.
  • Install effective gutter systems and downspouts to direct rainwater away from the farm building.
  • In the case of livestock buildings, maintain proper ventilation to reduce humidity caused by respiration or wastage. 
  • Regularly clean metal surfaces, especially the areas that are often exposed to dirt, manure, or farm chemicals. 
  • Fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm chemicals should be stored in properly ventilated metal buildings and any spills should be immediately cleaned. 
  • Use rust-proof screws as well as fasteners to avoid compromising the structure. 
  • It is advised to use form-based trim that will prevent the steel panels in your barns from being exposed to water. 

Tips

  • Inspect the farm building regularly, especially the doorways, windows, and the base.
  • Use a wire brush, sandpaper, vinegar, or a chemical rust remover to scrape off the rusted areas. For larger spots, it is recommended to use a power grinder.
  • Apply rust-inhibiting primer or paint to avoid any more oxidation. 
  • Reapply paint and protective coatings. Ensure that high-traffic areas, like feed storage rooms or tractor sheds, are checked and recoated regularly to maintain rust resistance.

Rust is like cancer for steel buildings. However, given the longevity of metal barns, it is safe to assume that when maintained well, they are the best and the most cost-effective alternative for farm buildings. Hence, it is important to prevent rust formation on these structures for the healthy life of your produce and livestock. Farmers can ensure their metal buildings last longer and remain resistant to harsh conditions using the tips and prevention methods mentioned above. 

So, find a farm metal building dealer near you to get the best galvanized steel structures offering stronger protection against rust.