Living in a humid climate presents a number of notable challenges. For one thing, there is the matter of staying comfortable personally, as humid weather tends to be difficult to deal with throughout the day. Beyond your own comfort, there is the condition of your buildings and other items that you’ll need to consider. With so much moisture in the air, it’s possible that things you own will degrade faster than they would in a drier setting.  

So, is a metal building a bad idea in a humid climate? Not at all – you can take some steps to protect your building and make sure it lasts for years regardless of the weather conditions. We’ll take a closer look at this topic in the article below.  

When you are ready to order a metal building to add to your property, make sure to work with the team at American Steel Carports, Inc. for the project. We have a Build & Price tool here on our site that you can use to create the ideal building for your needs, and we are always happy to answer any questions if you simply contact us at your convenience.  

How Humidity Affects Steel Buildings

If you have a metal building in a humid climate, you need to worry about all of the moisture in the air causing condensation on the walls of that building. If the structure is consistently damp over a period of months or years, it is very likely damage that is going to take place.  

Specifically, it is corrosion that is a primary concern. Not only is rust on your metal building unsightly, but it will also weaken the structure and could lead to premature failure of various components. If you are able to effectively manage the humid conditions and keep the building as dry as possible, corrosion will be less of an issue, and you can get a much longer useful life out of the structure.  

How to Protect Your Metal Building in Humid Climates

Step 1) Keep the Air Moving 

There isn’t much that you can do about the humidity in the area around your metal building – the weather is going to do what it is going to do. One way you can fight back a bit against that humidity, however, is to keep the air moving inside of your building as much as possible. A common problem for metal buildings in humid environments is that they will trap the moist air inside when the humidity is at its highest – and then hold onto that moisture even as the conditions outside improve.  

To avoid this issue, you’ll want to keep the air in your building moving as much as you can. That means doing things like opening up windows and doors, or even running a fan, to make sure the air in the building doesn’t just sit and stay damp. This approach isn’t going to completely solve the problem, of course, but it can make for better conditions and will help you manage the moisture effectively. Also, you should keep this factor in mind if designing a new metal building and include as many doors and windows as possible so you’ll be able to move air around freely.  

Step 2) Add a Dehumidifier 

Keeping the air moving is a good start, but it might not totally solve your problem. If the weather where you live is particularly humid, investing in a dehumidifier for the space may be worth the cost. This is a piece of equipment that does exactly what it sounds like – it pulls moisture out of the indoor air and dumps it outside. The result is drier air in your building and better conditions for the metal structure to remain in good condition over the coming years.  

Naturally, you will need a power source to run a dehumidifier, so this is only going to be a practical plan if you already have a power supply to your building. And, the piece of equipment is going to take up a bit of space, so make sure you have the room available inside the structure to place it out of the way.  

Step 3) Paint with High-Quality Paint

Painting your metal building with high-quality, rust-resistant paint is a crucial step in protecting it from the harsh effects of humidity. This protective layer acts as a barrier between the metal and the moisture in the air, significantly reducing the risk of corrosion. At American Steel, inc., we will paint your building to protect it from the elements and have many shades to choose from. 

Step 4) Regular Inspection for Rust

Regularly inspect your metal building for signs of rust, especially in areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as joints, seams, and areas around doors and windows. Early detection of rust is crucial, as it allows you to address the issue promptly before it spreads.

Step 5: Cleaning the Building

Cleaning your metal building periodically can help remove dirt, debris, and corrosive substances that can accelerate rust formation. Here are some cleaning tips:

• Mild detergent: Use a mild detergent and soft brush to clean the building’s exterior.
• Pressure washing: For stubborn dirt and grime, consider using a pressure washer, but be careful not to damage the paint.
• Rust removal: If you find rust spots, use a wire brush or rust converter to remove the rust and treat the affected area.
• Drying: Ensure the building is completely dry after cleaning to prevent water damage and rust formation.

Build Your Custom Metal Building in a Humid Climate

As long as you plan for the humid weather that exists in your area, and stay ahead of the maintenance game, a metal building can work wonderfully in such an environment. Of course, nothing in this process is more important than working with a quality supplier who is going to exceed your quality expectations, so team up with American Steel Carports, Inc. right away to bring this vision to life.