There’s an old adage that goes something like this: “They sure don’t build things the way they used to.” And that may be true, which explains why there are so many automobiles from the 1950s through the 1970s still on roads, or why that refrigerator your parents had for 30 years is still working perfectly, tucked away in a corner of your garage and stuffed with beer, soda, and holiday leftovers.
Much like that reliable old refrigerator, metal shelving is extremely durable and resilient, but still needs a little TLC from time to time.
If you’ve purchased an innovative and affordable metal shelving system from ShelvingMate, then you know the quality of the products we sell and install can’t be beat. All of our metal shelving comes from high quality 3.1B certified high tensile steel coils that follow EN 10204 standards. But that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. One of the points we stress to all our customers is they’ve paid “good money” for quality products that can last for generations if maintained properly.
Here are some tips to follow when it comes to making your metal shelving units last as long as possible:
- The ultimate villain for any metal is rust, which is made up of iron oxides. Iron oxides form through the reaction of oxygen and iron contained in water or air moisture. Given plenty of time, oxygen, and water, any metal mass will eventually succumb, turning entirely to rust and disintegrating. For this reason alone, it’s a good idea to keep metal shelving in dry environments or, in the very least, try and dry them if they become wet.
- Only buy metal shelving or steel storage products that are manufactured using a galvanization process. This normally occurs when a layer of metallic zinc is applied to the object to be protected either through hot-dipping galvanizing or electroplating. These are the only types of metal storage solutions ShelvingMate sells.
- Control the humidity in the area where the metal shelving units have been installed. This is sometimes accomplished, for instance, by placing gel packets in items shipped via oceanic transports.
- Keep the area free not only of moisture, but free-standing water or other liquids.
- If the metal shelving units have been installed in an area that is regularly sprayed with water, such as an auto body repair shop or car wash, they need to be dried off regularly.
- Metal shelving that may be exposed to water should be protected with rubber caps on the base so the unit isn’t sitting directly in liquid.
- Make sure bolts and other fasteners the metal shelving was assembled with aren’t lose, as these spots can be a prime area where rust takes hold without being noticed.
Ultimately, high quality metal shelving can last for decades if properly maintained. If you have any questions, please contact one of our qualified sales professionals for a free consultation.
