Metal structures do not maintain themselves. Without regular maintenance, a building's service life shrinks from 30–40 years to 15–20. In Almaty, specific factors add to the challenge: seismic events (even small 4–5-point ones) require a post-earthquake inspection, and the mountain climate accelerates corrosion at joints. Let's look at what to check and when.
once a year
scheduled technical inspection
visual inspection of load-bearing structures, roof, facade, gates — minimum frequency
after 5+ points
unscheduled inspection after an earthquake
Almaty: even small seismic events can disturb structural junction nodes
every 5 years
anti-corrosion coating renewal
under normal operating conditions — more often in aggressive environments (chemical warehouse)
up to 5% of value
annual maintenance cost as % of building value
planned maintenance expenses — without maintenance, repairs cost 3–5 times more
Why Maintenance Is Critical Specifically in Almaty
Several factors make maintenance in Almaty more important than in other regions of Kazakhstan:
1. Seismicity Almaty experiences micro-seismic events regularly. Tremors of 3–5 points, which a person feels as light vibration, can loosen bolted connections or cause hairline cracks in welds. This is not always visible to the naked eye.
2. Temperature Swings From −25°C in winter to +38°C in summer — metal expands and contracts annually. After 5–7 years without maintenance, sandwich panel joints and roof flashings begin to let in moisture.
3. Mountain Environment UV radiation in Almaty is above the lowland average. Standard polyester (PE) coating loses its protective properties faster than in other regions. PVDF coating is significantly more durable.
Annual Maintenance Checklist
Monthly
- Visual inspection of the roof for signs of leaks (stains on the ceiling inside)
- Check gate and side door operation (play, closing force)
- Inspect condition of drainpipes and gutters (especially in autumn-winter)
- Clear snow from the roof when accumulation exceeds 20–30 cm (zone V–VI snow load)
Annually (in spring, after winter)
Roof:
- Inspect roofing panels — dents, cracks, shifts
- Check roof flashings at walls, parapets, ventilation outlets
- Clean gutters of leaves and debris
- Check condition of seals in panel joints
Walls and facade:
- Inspect wall sandwich panels for damage
- Check silicone seals at corner joints
- Inspect paint and coating condition (fading, rust at joints)
Load-bearing structures:
- Visual inspection of columns, trusses, purlins for corrosion
- Check bolted connections (re-torque any loosened ones found)
- Inspect anti-corrosion coating at points of mechanical damage
Foundation and ground junction:
- Inspect the apron (cracks, settlement)
- Check drainage channels
Gates and doors:
- Lubricate hinges, rollers, springs
- Adjust horizontal level of sectional gates
- Check operation of locks, latches, and seals
After an Earthquake (5+ points)
- Immediate visual inspection of load-bearing structures
- Check bolted connections for signs of displacement
- Inspect foundation for cracks
- If damage found — call in an engineer for a technical assessment
Earthquake 5+ points — mandatory inspection
Every 5 Years: Renewal of Anti-Corrosion Protection
Metal structures in Almaty are coated with an anti-corrosion system during construction. Service life:
- Alkyd primer + enamel: 5–7 years (under normal conditions)
- Epoxy primer + polyurethane topcoat: 8–12 years
- Zinc-rich systems (hot-dip galvanising): 20–30 years
Coating renewal procedure:
- Surface preparation (sandblasting or mechanical)
- Weld inspection, re-welding if necessary
- Application of primer and topcoat
Cost of coating renewal for a 1,000 m² warehouse (frame only): 1,500,000–4,000,000 ₸.
Annual Maintenance Costs
| Type of work | Frequency | Cost for a 1,000 m² warehouse |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled technical inspection | Once a year | 50,000–150,000 ₸ |
| Minor repairs (seals, bolts) | Once a year | 100,000–400,000 ₸ |
| Gate servicing (2–4 units) | Twice a year | 80,000–200,000 ₸ |
| Gutter and roof cleaning | Twice a year | 50,000–150,000 ₸ |
| Post-earthquake technical survey | As needed | 150,000–500,000 ₸ |
| Total per year (excl. anti-corrosion) | 280,000–900,000 ₸/year |
That is 0.2–0.6% of the building's value per year — a reasonable investment compared to the cost of repairs after neglect, which runs to 10–30 million tenge.
StroyHub provides maintenance services for completed facilities in Almaty
We service warehouses and industrial buildings — scheduled inspections, post-seismic surveys, anti-corrosion renewal.