The Secret To Not Throwing Away Your Old Roof And Walls
Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, small business owners weren’t exactly worrying about things like long-term roof maintenance or aesthetic upgrades—they were just hoping their roof didn’t collapse under the weight of their entrepreneurial dreams. “Shade and shelter” was the motto, and that’s exactly what they got. Low-cost metal buildings were the choice du jour, constructed with the bare minimum to keep things running—and honestly, they did their job! Fast forward to today, and suddenly the cracks are showing (literally, in the form of your leaky roof). So, what’s an owner to do with a metal building that’s been around longer than the soundtrack to Boogie Nights?
Well, it turns out that breathing new life into your old metal building is a thing. Not only is it a way to give your business a facelift, but it’s also more cost-effective than you might think. Today’s higher costs of new construction, combined with stricter zoning laws, mean that the metal building retrofit you already have might just be the best investment you make—if you know where to start. Read on for how to fix your old metal building.
Step 1: Start With the Roof—Because It’s Still the Most Important Thing You’ll Own
Let’s face it: the roof is the crown jewel of any metal building, and if it’s leaking like a bucket with a hole in it, it’s time to rethink things. Your 30-year-old screw-down roof is probably not cutting it anymore. These roofs were designed with a “meh, it’ll last” attitude and were equipped with fasteners that have the lifespan of a candy bar on a summer day.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to live with that leaky old mess forever. Metal building retrofits often start with upgrading to a standing seam system, which will give your metal building a solid weatherproof guarantee and could extend its life by decades. Plus, you can add energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels to save on utility bills—because who doesn’t love a bit of extra green (as in both money and energy savings)?
Step 2: Evaluate Your Walls—It’s More Than Just Aesthetic Appeal
Once your roof is upgraded, it’s time to look at the walls. While metal walls are durable, they can get damaged over time, especially at the lower sections, where rust and dents tend to accumulate. A metal building retrofit should include an inspection and repair of the lower 4 feet of the wall, where most damage happens due to impacts, weather, or foot traffic.
You also don’t have to settle for metal. With many pre-engineered systems, you can add a stone or brick façade to enhance both durability and aesthetics. This adds curb appeal and can strengthen the structural integrity of your metal building. You can also use insulated wall panels to increase energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.
Step 3: Upgrade Your Entry and Overhead Doors for Modern Security and Functionality
Let’s be real—those old, rickety overhead doors from 40 years ago aren’t doing you any favors. They were never designed with modern safety codes in mind, and now they might be causing more headaches than an 8:00 AM Monday morning conference call. It’s time to swap out those old overhead doors for newer, code-compliant versions. Not only will this reduce the chances of failure, but it’ll also improve the overall security of your metal building. Plus, reinforced panels and rolling tracks are now standard, so say goodbye to all that hassle.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget personnel doors and security hardware. It might not sound glamorous, but updated doors mean fewer security breaches and a more reliable entry for your employees and visitors.
Step 4: Curb Appeal—Because First Impressions Matter (Even for Buildings)
Your metal building might be functional, but it probably doesn’t scream “wow, I’m the coolest place to do business!” It’s time to give it a facelift. Start with the building’s entry—canopies, pergolas, landscaping, and other enhancements will give your metal building that extra touch of “this place means business.” Think of it like giving your business a nice suit. You can even jazz up those entryways with a fresh coat of paint if your metal building’s starting to look like it belongs in a dystopian film.
Step 5: Talk to the Pros
Restoring an old metal building may seem like a daunting task, but the truth is, it can be game changing for your business. These retrofits are an investment that can increase your metal building’s value, functionality, and efficiency—making it a long-term asset instead of a ticking time bomb.
So, what’s next? Well, it’s time to chat with your local metal building contractor (hint – that’s us. Give us a call, email, contact request), who can help you figure out how to bring your old metal building into the 21st century. And, hey, if you built this place 20 years ago, they might just have some good ideas about improving it (just don’t tell them you forgot to maintain it over the years).
TL;DR Key Takeaways:
- Start with the roof: Upgrade from screw-down to standing seam to protect your metal building and add energy savings.
- Focus on walls: Replace damaged sections and consider adding insulation or decorative facades.
- Upgrade doors and security: Improve overhead and personnel doors for modern safety and function.
- Enhance energy efficiency: Use modern insulation and add solar panels to reduce energy costs.
- Don’t forget the interior: Improve interior spaces with modern upgrades for a better work environment.
By undertaking a metal building retrofit, you’re not just giving your building a makeover—you’re future-proofing it for years of successful business operation.