Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) are renowned for their durability, efficiency, and long service lives. But even the toughest steel panels benefit from a little planned attention. The good news: maintenance is straightforward when you know what to expect — and when you have the right parts and expertise in your corner.
Starting Right: Maintenance During Panel Erection.
Good maintenance habits begin during construction. A few simple steps taken during panel erection can prevent cosmetic damage and protect your panel finish from day one.
Remove metal shavings immediately. When panels are cut on-site, hot metal chips can embed in the paint finish of pre-painted panels. If left in place, these particles will rust and stain the panel surface. Workers should clear them right after cutting.
Sweep panels daily. Fasteners, saw filings, and other metal debris left overnight on panel surfaces can cause the same type of staining. A quick sweep at the close of each workday goes a long way.
Touch up scratches promptly. Minor coating scratches are a normal part of installation. Address them as soon as possible using paint and procedures approved by your paint manufacturer. Proper surface prep, such as removing any rust, dirt, or wax, is critical before applying touch-up. Limit touch-up paint to only the area where the original coating was removed. It’s not intended for recoating large surfaces.
Wash down after installation is complete. Once all panels are in place, rinse the entire surface with clean water.. For any remaining stains, follow your paint manufacturer’s removal recommendations, then rinse thoroughly. One important rule: never use strong alkaline or abrasive cleaners on coated steel panels. These can permanently damage the finish.
Keeping It Up: Periodic Maintenance After Completion
Once your building is in service, a consistent maintenance routine is what separates a building that looks great for decades from one that shows its age prematurely.
Inspect at Least Once a Year
All roofing and siding installations should be inspected a minimum of once per year. Catching small issues early — a loose fastener, a compromised sealant joint, a developing scratch — is far less costly than addressing deterioration that’s been allowed to progress.
Cleaning Needs Vary by Panel Type and Environment
Not all Butler panels require the same level of attention:
- Bare galvanized and Galvalume Plus panels typically don’t require periodic washing as they’re designed to weather naturally.
- Pre-painted panels may need more regular cleaning to maintain their appearance, particularly in industrial environments where airborne contaminants are more prevalent.
In rural settings, an annual rinse with clean water is often sufficient. In industrial areas, a manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution followed by a thorough water rinse may be necessary.
Clear Debris Before Cleaning
Before any washing, remove leaves, dirt, and accumulated debris from roof gutters, valleys, and corners. This ensures proper drainage and prevents moisture from being trapped against panel surfaces.
Tackle Mold and Mildew Promptly
If mold or mildew develops on a pre-painted panel, it can be addressed with a liquid bleach solution approved by your paint manufacturer. Follow treatment with an immediate and thorough rinse with clean water.
Be Careful With Snow Removal
In snowy climates, exercise care when clearing the roof. Snow removal tools can scratch and damage panel coatings if used without caution and protecting that coating is what the rest of your maintenance program is designed to do.
When It’s Time for Repairs: Genuine Butler Parts Matter
Even with diligent maintenance, panels, fasteners, sealants, gutters, and trim components will eventually need replacement. When that time comes, using genuine Butler Manufacturing replacement parts matters, both for proper fit and for maintaining the integrity of your building system.
At Butler Parts Online, we carry the full range of replacement components for Butler buildings, including roof systems, wall systems, structural components, and other products.
Because we only sell official Butler Manufacturing products, our team knows these systems inside and out. That expertise matters, especially with systems like the MR-24 roof, where following proper guidelines and using the right components can be the difference between a watertight building and a costly leak.