How Long Do Metal Garages Really Last? A Breakdown By Material, Maintenance & Climate

Have you ever wondered how long a steel frame garage can last? Is it for a decade, 20 years, 50 years, or more? Well, the answer is not that simple due to numerous reasons. Above all, a metal garage life depends on three key factors:

• Material: Type and quality used in making a garage building.
• Maintenance: How well you take care of it over time.
• Climate: What is the location of the installation and the local weather pattern?

These three factors work together to determine how long your metal structure will last. Here, we will break down all three so you can make a wise decision when installing a new steel building on your property for home, farm, or commercial use. Let’s begin.

How Does Material Choice Impact The Lifespan Of A Metal Prefab Garage?

The type of metal used in a steel building plays an important role in its longevity. Some common materials are: galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The durability of a metal 2-car garage is not just about the material but also depends on its thickness and protective coating that prevents rusting. The popular choices of material for metal structures are:

A. Galvanized Steel: Here, steel is dipped in molten zinc to create a layer that makes it rust-resistant. It is strong and widely used in the construction industry. The typical lifespan of a 100% galvanized steel can be anywhere from 20 to 30+ years with proper care and maintenance.

Note that the lower gauge no. of steel is, the thicker, stronger, and longer-lasting it is.

You can apply a clear coating over galvanized steel to prevent fading, oxidizing, and damage from UV rays. It’s a resin, transparent layer of paint that won’t peel off easily [source: website].

B. Galvalume Steel: Here, steel is coated with aluminum-zinc alloy to enhance its rust protection. It has better corrosion protection than regular galvanized steel but comes at a higher upfront cost. You can expect it to last for about 30 to 40+ years with good upkeep practices.

Wondering how to protect your metal building from rusting? It can be done by adding ventilation and insulation, which reduces moisture and humidity levels inside a steel building. Further, you can opt for paint, coating, silicone sealant, etc., to prolong the life of metal panels.

C. Aluminum: It is commonly used for small sheds since it’s lightweight and rust-proof, but it is not common for a garage’s frame or panels. Aluminum is generally used in trim, accents, and roofing. It can last for 10+ years with proper care and regular cleaning.

D. What’s The Interplay? The material of a steel prefab garage may play a role in deciding its potential lifespan, but maintenance and climate are the next two reasons that will decide if it will reach that full lifespan or not. So, let’s see them one by one.

How Maintenance Affects A Steel Garage’s Longevity?

Taking care of the garage is as important as choosing the right material. You can have everything right, from site prep, foundation, and material selection to professional installation, but if you don’t take regular care of a vertical roof garage, it may not last very long.

A. Extends Durability: To increase the durability of metal structures, regular cleaning, timely inspection, and protective coating (like galvanizing steel) are a must. It helps protect metal frames and panels from rust and wear, and tear.

B. Regular Cleaning: Any kind of dirt, leaves, twigs, etc., over the branches can trap moisture, which can cause leaks and rust development. So, it is important to clean it on a regular basis. You can use mild soap and warm water to clean your garage at least once a year (in moderate areas).

C. Promptly Repairs: A small scratch on metal panels or fading paint over the roof may seem like some small issues, but these can accelerate over time. Don’t forget to check screws, bolts, and fasteners regularly to ensure everything is secured.

The ultimate steel building maintenance tips include performing checks regularly, cleaning the structure to remove debris and dust, checking insulation annually, using a soft brush to remove stains like bird dropping, and checking & cleaning gutters after rain and snow.

D. Protecting The Finish: Factory coatings with paint and protective layers help to prevent rusting. But if you find any scratches, fading, or chipping of paint, especially around the roof, it is a sign that your metal 1-car garage needs a fresh coat in some areas.

E. Site Maintenance: Good drainage prevents water pooling around the concrete slab and metal walls. This reduces the chances of foundation shift and rusting. If you have landscaping around your garage, ensure to keep it trimmed to avoid moisture buildup.

Even the strongest steel will degrade over time if not taken care of. Harsh climate regions may require a little extra effort to maintain the metal building and ensure its long-term durability.

How Does Climate Play A Role In The Durability Of A Steel Building?

Regional climatic conditions can influence wear and tear, such as moisture can cause rusting and weakening of the structure over time, hot temperature can fade paint and weaken seals around edges and joints, and snow and wind can cause dents in metal panels or loosen anchor grip over time.

• Harsh Winter And Road Salt: During winters, state and local transportation departments can spread road salt to keep highways, streets, and sidewalks for de-icing, which can corrode metal quickly. So, it is crucial to wash the garage after winter storms.
• Humid And Coastal Regions: In areas like Florida, salt in the air can speed up the process of rust formation over metal panels. So, it requires extra cleaning and protective coatings, especially in areas that are near to ocean.
• Extreme Heat And UV Exposure: Harsh UV rays can make the interior warmer (like an oven) and fade exterior paint. To avoid deterioration of the steel building, you can opt for a reflective coating and roof insulation to protect against long-term wear.
• Storm-Prone Areas: Areas such as Tornadoes Alley often have high-speed winds that can make structures airborne. These strong winds can loosen anchors and fasteners, compromising structural integrity. Here, you can opt for a 12-gauge steel frame commercial building that comes with a thicker gauge steel frame, 26-gauge metal panels, extra braces, and anchors to keep the building stable.

Different types of climate stresses material differently, that is why it is important to choose the right metal based on your location. You can also learn more about the minimum requirements from your local municipal department. Regardless of the weather, the right material choice and timely maintenance can keep your garage structure stable and strong for a long time.

Other Factors That Affect The Longevity Of A Steel Structure

Other than these three factors, here are some other key features that you must look for in a metal structure, whether it is a carport, garage, barn, or a commercial unit, before buying:

• Well-engineered design that can resist daily wear and external seasonal changes
• Precision installation and fasteners for strong and secure joints
• Properly prepared site and strong foundation for a stable garage
• Secure and evenly placed anchoring for stability (especially against strong winds)
• Customizations, including ventilation, insulation, and HVAC inclusion for better efficiency
• Protective coatings, such as reflective paints, and using 100% galvanized steel

Before You Buy A Metal Garage, Know How To Make It Last!

If you want your metal parking garage to last longer, then you need to pay attention to these key points in detail –

• Material Matters: Higher quality and thicker steel material will last longer and stand against wear.
• Right Upkeep: Regular cleaning, inspections, and protective coatings can help prevent molding, rusting, and wear.
• Climatic Factors: Extreme weather can shorten garage lifespan, so the right placement on your property is crucial.

With these factors in mind, we can conclude that there is no single answer to the question of how long a metal carport or a garage last on your property.

But, with the right material selection before installation, choosing the correct site on your property during installation, and regular upkeep post-installation, you can prolong the lifespan of your steel garage to its maximum. If you need help with planning and designing your dream garage space, call us at (336)-914-1654. Our expert team will guide you throughout the process, from design to installation.