When a layer of molten zinc is applied to steel to give it added durability and reduced maintenance requirements, the end product is known as galvanized steel. While plastic and painted coatings keep steel protected while intact, should they become damaged in any way, the steel beneath can quickly begin to rust. In comparison, galvanizing (or using galvanizing paint on any steel product), protects steel from even the most extreme of weather conditions, climates and chemicals that may be present in the environment, and offers a range of economic benefits during the process of construction, too.
With this in mind, here are 8 reasons why you should choose galvanizing steel for your next construction project. Do note that if you have an existing metal structure that hasn’t already been galvanized, you can coat it with galvanizing paint to help protect it from the threat of corrosion.
1. It’s lower in cost
With zinc prices having remained relatively stable in recent years, galvanized steel remains an affordable and durable option for construction projects of all sizes. Take into consideration its low maintenance requirements, too, and it becomes a lower cost option when compared to other building materials.
2. It requires less maintenance
Maintaining galvanized steel is pretty straightforward, and unless it has been damaged by fire or mechanical abrasion (as with any type of construction material), it will require minimal maintenance. With the protective layer built in to the material, paints and powders don’t have to be reapplied to galvanized steel as they might with other materials, either.
3. It offers total protection
With every single square inch of steel’s surface being dipped in molten zinc, a fully protective alloy covers the material from top to toe, and thanks to its anti-corrosion properties, the zinc coating can still protect the iron below from corrosion, even when it becomes damaged.
4. It’s easy to use
Stainless steel can be a nightmare to weld, and while it still requires a certain degree of skill to weld galvanized steel, anyone working with it is afforded better protection than when working with the majority of other metals.
5. It provides a quick turnaround
Should a customer require galvanized steel, yesterday, large galvanizing plants can help them meet their needs quickly and efficiently. Additionally, should you need to replace any parts of galvanized steel at any point, because it can be stored easily, keeping an inventory of parts for replacements as and when needed, is made simpler, too.
6. It’s easy to inspect
Thanks to the fact that zinc and unclean steel don’t have an adverse reaction, it’s relatively straightforward to carry out a visual inspection on galvanized steel. Ideally, the facility that you buy your galvanized steel from will know the in’s and out’s of the ASTM standards for producing high quality materials, too.
7. It’s reliable
With high levels of quality control fitting seamlessly into the manufacturing process, years of experience, intense observations and endless research, the production and use of galvanized steel, has become something of a science.
8. Its long lasting
When galvanized steel is used to build a structure, you can expect not to have to carry out any maintenance on it for at least a century, which is pretty incredible in itself, but even more so when compared to other metal construction materials.
While galvanized steel is a fantastic material for use in a wide variety of construction projects of all sizes, the use of anti corrosion galvanizing paint can help make any type of steel more durable and hard wearing, and is an affordable option for many.
