Maintenance Guide: How to care for the Metalcon structure of your home
Galvanized steel lasts 50+ years with proper care. Learn to inspect joints, detect early oxidation, and protect your structure after winter.
The galvanized steel Metalcon structure is one of the most durable assets in your Canadian House. With proper care, it is designed to last over 50 years without loss of structural capacity. Still, an annual inspection protects you against external factors like environmental humidity, point leaks, or coating abrasions.
1. Visual Inspection of Exterior Coating (Post-Winter)
Galvanized steel is protected by two barriers: the zinc layer and the structural coating. If either fails, surface oxidation can begin.
- What to look for: Orange or reddish spots at joints, window connections, or installation penetrations.
- Immediate action: Clean with degreasing solution and apply anti-corrosion paint for galvanized metal. Do not use abrasive products.
- Frequency: Once a year, in October (after winter).
2. Review Anchor Points and Fasteners
Self-tapping screws that join profiles can slightly loosen in extreme thermal expansion cycles (common in areas like San Felipe, Curicó, or Chillán with 20°C+ temperature swings).
- The test: Gently press wall corner joints and verify there is no movement or unusual creaking when walking.
- When to call: If you detect any movement, contact a professional — do not tighten without prior diagnosis.
3. Air Cavity Moisture Control
Between the Metalcon and the exterior cladding, there is a ventilated air cavity. If it gets accidentally sealed (paint, construction dust, or objects blocking vents), moisture can condense inside.
- Vents: Verify that the lower ventilation slots in the baseboard are not blocked by soil or plants.
- Warning symptom: Moisture stains on interior side of exterior walls without any visible leak from above.
4. Care After Expansions or Penetrations
If you carry out expansions, install outdoor outlets, or attach pergolas or awnings, every penetration in the Metalcon must be sealed with polyethylene gasket or anti-corrosion sealant.
- Common mistake: Leaving stainless steel screws without an EPDM washer — metal-to-metal contact in the presence of water causes galvanic corrosion.
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