Steel workshops and buildings can heat up incredibly fast. As we edge closer and closer to spring, the temperatures will begin to rise. Whether you use it for business or pleasure, you should optimize your steel workshop to its more thermal efficient. Doing so will create a more comfortable working environment, allowing you to focus on the tasks and projects at hand. But just how are you supposed to keep a steel building cool? There are actually several different methods that are proven to have a dramatic effect on the temperature inside of a steel building.
Mother Nature’s Shade
When constructing and setting up a steel workshop, it’s recommended that you choose an area that’s naturally shaded. It doesn’t have to be completely shaded, but it should have at least some coverage to block out the sunlight. Conventional wisdom should tell you that shade will cool down the both the outside and inside of your building. Even if it’s just a couple of oak or pine trees, a little bit of shade can make a world of difference in your comfort levels.
What if your steel workshop is already constructed? In this case, you should plant some fast-growing trees around it, preferably at the appropriate angle to block out the sun. This isn’t a fast solution, as it will likely take several years for the trees to grow tall enough to block out sunlight, but it’s a small step in the right direction.
Roofing Matters
Don’t underestimate the importance of using the right roofing on your steel workshop. The absolute worst type of roofing for this application is generic asphalt shingle. While they may seem harmless enough, asphalt shingles absorb enormous amounts of heat. A smarter and more thermal-efficient option is to use light-colored tile shingles, which reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Even if you currently have asphalt shingles on your steel building, you can go back and replace them during your free time. Doing so is a simple and effective way to help keep the interior cool once the summer months approach.
The secret to keeping a steel building cool is to reflect the heat away, and that’s exactly what tile shingles do. You’ll find they usually cost slightly more than asphalt shingles, but it’s an investment that’s sure to pay off in the long run.
Other Ways To Cool a Steel Workshop:
- Install a window air conditioning unit.
- Set up one or more oscillating fans.
- Install additional insulation.