BEHLEN Steel Buildings HOW WAS YOUR STEEL BUILDING SYSTEMS DRIVE TO WORK?

HOW WAS YOUR STEEL BUILDING SYSTEMS DRIVE TO WORK?

Driving to work or any job site across Canada during the winter presents challenges – snow, sleet, rain, gravel, salt, and de-icing chemicals all leave their mark on our vehicles. The same conditions affect the delivery of building materials, making proper protection essential.

At BEHLEN Industries, our primary steel structural frames are factory coated with a light acrylic-based primer designed to safeguard the steel during erection and exposure to the elements. Coil products for secondary framing, along with steel sheeting, feature galvanizing or Galvalume corrosive-resistant coatings and painted finishes. The coatings are intended to provide protection from standard site conditions on a completed project. During winter, all shipments are tarped at our plant prior to shipment to prevent exposure and potential damage from snow, salt, and road debris during transport. In milder weather, tarps may not always be necessary; however, materials must remain clean and dry with proper covering to prevent potential staining from accumulated mud and water.

Once on site, steel components continue to require proper storage and protection. Contractors should use tarps and covers to prevent snow and ice accumulation on flat surfaces and webs, which can compromise the primer if left exposed. Materials must remain off the ground, stored with appropriate drainage, and any wet packaged items or nested components should be unpacked, dried, and restacked before covering.

Protecting steel structures, components, cladding, and roof panels throughout transportation and on-site storage is critical to ensuring a clean, efficient erection process and a successful project outcome.

Make sure your steel building system enjoys the drive to work during our beautiful Canadian winters. Drive safe and keep it dry.