5 Benefits of Galvanized Steel

What are the benefits of galvanized steel?

1. Cost-effective
2. Better durability
3. Minimal maintenance
4. Good surface finish
5. Corrosion-resistant

There are many benefits of galvanized steel that you should know about. If you’re using steel metal for many purposes, you need to consider if they can withstand different environmental factors.

Not all metals without a protective layer of coating can be protected against different types of corrosion, like cracking, pitting, leaching, and more. If you want to make the most out of your steel product, you should highly consider having it galvanized. Better yet, buy galvanized steel products like pipes, rebars, and beams. Continue reading to learn more.

What is galvanization?

 As mentioned before, galvanization involves the application of a layer of zinc coating to steel and iron alloys. This is because of the highly-concentrated iron content in steel which can make products of this kind more prone to rusting. Through galvanization, alloys can be better protected against forms of destruction and erosion that may form on their surfaces.

Although there are many kinds of galvanization techniques such as hot-dip, electrogalvanization, thermal spraying, and sheet galvanizing, hot-dip is arguably the most common form.

Cost-effective

One of the advantages of galvanized steel is that it is considerably more cost-effective compared to other coating options. Because the process is so simple, steel product manufacturers and suppliers don’t have any problem when it comes to galvanizing different steel products.

Hot-dip galvanization is not only the most common but also the most affordable. The process only involves three simple stages, such as surface preparation, galvanizing proper, and then product inspection. Here’s how.

• First, manufacturers would have to clean the surface of the steel specimen. The time it takes to do this depends on the size of the material. Cleaning removes unwanted substances that can hamper the galvanizing step.
• After a thorough cleaning has been completed, the steel will now be dipped into a hot molten zinc bath that maintains a temperature range of 435 to 455 degrees Celsius. A metallurgical reaction allows the zinc to bond with the material.
• Manufacturers would then conduct inspections on the product to ensure that no defects take place. It is now ready to be distributed for supply.

Better durability

When you’re buying any kind of steel, whether it be for structural, functional, or decorative purposes, you want to make sure that the steel product is durable. This is so you won’t have to spend too much money on simply getting steel supplies for your intended project.

Unlike other types of steel coating techniques, galvanizing also offers better durability. You can be sure that any galvanized steel product that you will use won’t have to be constantly replaced. They can retain their shape and form for a long time, even when they are met with abrasives or any other substances that can impact the shape and form of the steel.

Minimal maintenance

When you’re buying unprotected metal products, say for your plumbing system, you may become more prone to maintenance issues. If you’re not using galvanized iron pipes for this aspect of your building space, for example, you may experience more frequent problems such as leaks and busted pipes.

Maintaining your pipes can be time-consuming and can take a lot away from the other important things that you need to take care of, during the day. With this in mind, galvanized steel pipes present you with a less labor-intensive solution for your current piping problems.

The zinc layer that has been properly bonded to the alloy’s surface protects the metal from any kind of damage. You won’t have to constantly have to inspect, maintain, and reinstall your piping network just to maintain its full-functioning.

Good surface finish

Steel products are not only good for structural purposes, but they can also make a great addition to any contemporary space. If you’ve long been wondering how to incorporate metals in your house’s exteriors or interiors, then galvanized steel might just be the key.

You can make steel a part of residential spaces or building structures, by using them as exposed structural steel, railings, beams, columns, furniture, and the like. With zinc coating, these steel materials are made infinitely more attractive and durable because of their decorative surface finish.

You can easily complement your steel accents and fixtures with other designs and elements that you want to place in your space, without having to think too much about what color best suits the alloy.

Corrosion-resistant

You shouldn’t underestimate just how well galvanization protects any steel product against corrosion — arguably one of the enemies in the metal fabrication industry.

For example, exposed steel surfaces might experience a sped up wear and tear of the material. When this happens, the material may no longer be conducive for application. Corroded steel pipe fittings, in particular, may no longer be attached to the pipes. Structural beams, on the other hand, may pose dangers to the entire structure.

With a corrosion-resistant layer such as zinc, it’s far safer to continue making use of the steel, as long as its surfaces are intact. They would also still be able to retain their high-performance qualities, making them perfect for high-temperature and high-pressure applications.

Key Takeaway

Knowing the benefits of galvanized steel can help you gain a better sense on the kind of steel products that you should always be looking out for. Although steel already has a few key desirable properties, the addition of the galvanization technique improves its durability, surface finish, functionality, and corrosion-resistance.

The next time you’re purchasing steel materials, see if your supplier can accommodate galvanization. This method is relatively easy to do and will provide you with cost savings that you simply have to take advantage of.