Barndominiums have become an increasingly popular housing option in recent years. A barndominium is essentially a barn that has been converted into a residential home. The rustic, industrial style of barndominiums appeals to many homeowners. However, one common concern about barndominiums is whether or not they rust over time. In this article, we will examine the factors that can cause a barndominium to rust, steps that can be taken to prevent rust, and how to address rust if it does occur.
What causes barndominiums to rust?
Like any steel structure, barndominiums can be susceptible to rusting if not properly cared for. Here are some of the most common causes of rust on a barndominium:
Exposure to moisture
Excess moisture is one of the main contributors to rust formation. If a barndominium is exposed to a lot of humidity or rain, rust can start to develop. Areas that tend to get wet like around windows, doors, and roof peaks are particularly prone to rusting.
Lack of protective coating
Most barndominiums are constructed from galvanized steel. This means the steel is coated in zinc, which provides some protection against corrosion. However, over time this zinc coating can wear away, exposing the vulnerable steel underneath. Without a protective barrier, the steel will start to oxidize when exposed to moisture. Reapplying a protective coating is essential to prevent unchecked rusting.
Scratches and abrasions
Even minor scratches, scrapes or abrasions in the steel can allow moisture to penetrate and cause rust. These defects expose the bare metal beneath any protective coating. Once rust takes hold in one small area, it can quickly spread across the surface.
Trapped moisture and condensation
Poor ventilation and air circulation inside a barndominium can lead to moisture becoming trapped within wall cavities or other enclosed spaces. This trapped moisture enables rust to form out of sight. Condensation forming on cool nighttime surfaces can also start rust formation. Proper insulation helps reduce condensation issues.
Salty coastal conditions
For barndominiums located near the ocean or in other coastal regions, exposure to saltwater and salty air can accelerate corrosion. The high salt content of ocean air causes steel to rust more rapidly. Extra preventative measures are necessary for coastal barndominiums.
Chemical exposure
Certain chemicals are corrosive to steel and can instigate rusting. Most notably, chlorine from pool chemicals or cleaners can damage steel building components. Any chemical spills on a barndominium should be quickly neutralized and cleaned.
Preventing Rust on a Barndominium
While rusting is a possibility with steel buildings, there are many ways to prevent or minimize rust on a barndominium:
Apply protective coatings
As mentioned, most barndominiums come pre-treated with a zinc galvanized coating from the manufacturer. However, applying additional protective coatings is advisable for enhanced corrosion resistance. Epoxy paints and polyurethane coatings help create a moisture barrier and prevent rust.
Address scratches and nicks
It’s impossible to prevent a barndominium from getting the occasional scratch or surface imperfection during construction or everyday use. Addressing these defects quickly is key. Use a zinc-rich primer and topcoat paint to seal any nicks and scratches as soon as they occur.
Keep rain drainage systems clear
Clogged gutters, downspouts and drainage channels around the barndominium can lead to moisture build up and rusting. Make sure rainwater doesn’t collect around the structure or leak into seams.
Allow proper ventilation
Ventilation helps control humidity levels and prevents condensation inside a barndominium. Ensure adequate air flow throughout the interior by installing vents and fans as needed. Insulation also helps regulate interior moisture.
Clean chemical spills promptly
If any chemical solutions or cleaners get onto the barndominium siding, rinse thoroughly with water and neutralize the chemicals right away to avoid corrosion. Avoid spraying landscaping chemicals near the structure.
Regular washing and maintenance
Make it part of your regular maintenance routine to wash down your barndominium, ideally with a pressure washer. This prevents dirt build up while also removing any salt and chemical deposits before they can cause excessive damage. Wax coatings can also be applied for added protection.
Watch for rust prone areas
Pay extra attention to areas most prone to moisture accumulation and rust like windows, roof lines, and where water drainage systems empty. Look for any visible rust spots in these areas during your inspections and address quickly.
Added protection in coastal climates
For barndominiums near the ocean or other bodies of saltwater, take extra steps to combat rust. Wash the structure frequently to remove salt deposits, apply coatings formulated for marine use, utilize stainless steel hardware, and consider cathodic protection systems to counteract the corrosive salty conditions.
Dealing with Rust on a Barndominium
If you do discover rust forming on your barndominium, don’t panic. Surface level rust still can be dealt with relatively easily. Here are some tips for addressing rust issues:
Clean and sand
Thoroughly wash the rusted area with a high-pressure hose. This blast away loose rust and helps prepare the surface for repair. Use sandpaper to sand away any remaining rust flakes or scale, down to bare metal.
Spot prime with rust converter
Specialty primers containing rust converters chemically transform existing rust into an inert protective barrier. Apply this rust-neutralizing primer only to rusted areas before adding general primer and paint.
Use rust-inhibiting primer
After spot priming, apply a rust-inhibiting primer formulated for metal buildings to the entire siding surface where rust was found. The primers leaves an anti-corrosive film to prevent further rust development.
Repaint with exterior grade paint
Follow up your rust-blocking primer with a fresh topcoat of high-quality exterior grade acrylic latex paint. Repainting creates that vital protective barrier to keep moisture from touching bare metal.
Address underlying issues
Make sure to remedy any moisture or ventilation issues that may have caused the rust in the first place. Failure to address the underlying problems will only result in rust recurring again.
Monitor and maintain
Check on formerly rusted areas regularly to ensure rust does not reappear. Rust damage can spread beneath coatings so stay vigilant. Ongoing maintenance is key to long-term prevention.
When to Seek Professional Help
Minor surface level rust spots are fairly easy for a homeowner to repair themselves following the steps above. However, it’s advisable to call in a professional for assistance if any of the following apply:
– Rust has penetrated beyond surface level and begun to cause structural damage.
– Large sections of siding are rusted through with widespread flaking and scaling.
– Rust keeps quickly reappearing despite your maintenance efforts.
– You wish to apply a galvanization coating, which requires electroplating expertise.
A professional can properly assess the extent of corrosion damage and restore integrity to heavily rusted sections. They have specialized tools, methods and advanced coatings at their disposal to fix even severe rust issues.
Conclusion
While barndominiums are steel structures prone to rusting if not cared for properly, owners can take many preventative steps to avoid rust damage. This includes keeping the structure well-coated, maintaining drainage systems, providing adequate ventilation, promptly fixing any nicks and scratches, regular cleaning and inspections. If those efforts fail and rust still develops, it can be controlled through spot repairs, rust-inhibiting primers and fresh coatings. Persistent rust or rust penetrating below the surface requires professional repair. But with diligence and timely intervention, owners can keep even a steel barndominium corrosion-free. Taking the right preventative and responsive measures makes rust little cause for concern when it comes to the longevity of a barndominium.