How to Cover Steel

Although steel has an excellent structural strength, it is still susceptible to the elements. Rain, wind and hail cause damage to the exterior of steel over time. When steel is not used, it is best to cover the steel with protective material. Use different materials depending of the type of steel you are trying to protect. For smaller items, more expensive materials such as Tyvek can be used. For larger structures, cost effective materials such as Poly-tarps or cold weather shrink wrap are a better investment.

Cold-weather shrink wrap
Poly-tarp
Tyvek

Instructions

- 1
  Protect your steel by covering it with element-resistant material. Rust and corrosion are common with unprotected steel.
- 2
  Cover your steel structure form moisture, wind and cold temperatures by protecting it with cold weather shrink wrap. Cold-weather shrink wrap forms a tight bond between the steel to add further protection. They are fire-retardant and do not rip or tear easily. Rips or tears increase costs to your steel protection. Install the shrink wrap quickly and efficiently since it wraps directly around your structure's outer-base.
- 3
  Cover your steel structure with poly-tarps. Poly-tarps come in multiple colors and are made of polyethylene. Polyethylene is completely water and mildew resistant. It protects your steel structure from cold, acid and tears as well. It is more costly to repair tears in poly-tarps compared to shrink wrap.
- 4
  Cover your smaller items, such as a motorcycle or car, with Tyvek material. Tyvek is made of tiny polyethylene fibers. It is water and mildew resistant. The fabric is soft to the touch, so it does not scratch the paint finish on motorcycles or cars, but it still provides the same protection. It is a lightweight material that is more expensive than both shrink wrap and poly-tarps. Tuvel material is washable, so you can use it over again.

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