Galvanising
Here at Cedric Hall Wrought Iron Gates & Railings, we are all about expertise. So, when it comes to ultra protection against the elements of the great Northern Ireland weather, we recommend to galvanise all outdoor metal work. To do this we use local galvanising companies.
See below for:
> What is galvanising?
> Benefits of galvanising
What is Galvanising?
Galvanisation (or galvanising as it is most commonly called in that industry) is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron, to prevent rusting.
Galvanised steel is steel that has been coated with zinc in order to prevent rusting / corrosion. Sometimes the galvanising process is referred to as hot dip galvanising. The zinc forms a barrier against corrosion in that the steel underneath does not come into contact with water / moisture in the air.
The hot dipping process applies quite a think layer of zinc to the steel by passing the steel through a molten bath of zinc. The temperature of the zinc is usually in the region of 460 degrees centigrade. The zinc forms a bond with the steel by forming an iron-zinc alloy. The zinc also forms a zinc oxide when it comes in contact with the air which also helps prevent corrosion.
Benefits of Galvanising
It is estimated that up to 4% of the world’s GDP is lost through corrosion each year so life-cycle costs are a key consideration in many modern construction projects. Sustainability is also becoming a significant factor when choosing materials and contractors, due to enforced regulations as well as conscious and ethical decisions, to ensure that buildings are as sustainable as possible.
Hot Dip Galvanising has long been seen as the most environmentally-friendly finishing process available to prevent corrosion. Galvanising is highly sustainable and produces minimal waste, as any zinc which does not instantly form a coating on the metal remains in the galvanising bath for re-use. This is due to the metal’s non-ferrous properties, which makes it indefinitely recyclable without loss of physical or chemical properties.
Galvanised products, once constructed or installed, can also be removed, re-galvanised and re-used, as well as being easily recycled with steel scrap in the steel production process.
Galvanising offers:
> Durability – a permanently bonded tough coating
> Hygienic – easy to clean surface
> Long Life - Up to 50 years+ maintenance free
> Economic – lowest overall cost compared to other coatings
For your quick reference, we believe that hot dip galvanising offers 10 major important and measurable benefits:
1: Lower Costs
Galvanising offers a lower long term cost with its extremely long life and durability. Also, as a general rule of thumb, galvanising is lower in initial cost than a lot of other commonly specified corrosion protection coatings for steel.
2: Extremely Long Life
Galvanised coatings on steel can last in excess of 50 years on typical structural members in most rural environments, continually protecting steel against corrosive elements. Its life expectancy in severe urban and coastal exposure start between 20 to 25 years plus.
3: There is Less Maintenance Required
Hot dip galvanised coatings are self-maintaining, thicker, and because they last longer than other options, maintenance costs of these steel items are inevitably lower, e.g. painting, galvafroid. So, in essence is saves you both time and money!
4: Reliability
As work is carried out to meet AS4680:2006, there are standard, minimum coating thicknesses that have to be achieved. Hence, coating life and performance are reliable and predictable.
5: Tougher Coating
AS4680 coatings are not only generally thicker, but unlike any other steel coating option, they form a metallurgical bond with the steel, which gives them outstanding resistance to any physical damage, including mechanical damage in transport, erection and service.
6: Automatic Protection for any Damaged Areas
Galvanised coatings provide a sacrificial protection to the steel. – As an added benefit, and unlike with other coatings small damaged areas do not need touching up.
7: All Over, Complete Protection
With hot dip galvanising, all parts of the fabrication being galvanised is coated, and hence protected, even sharp corners, recesses, or what could normally be inaccessible areas. – No other corrosion protection coating can offer the same protection to your steel.
8: Ease of Inspection
Galvanised coatings are easily visually inspected. The galvanising process is such that if coatings appear sound and continuous, they are sound and continuous.
9: Faster Installation
As galvanised steel members are received they are ready for use. No time is lost on-site in surface preparation, painting and inspection. When assembly of the structure is complete, it is immediately ready for use, or for the next construction stage. – not unless, of coure you have requested Cedric to spray paint/highlight your iron work
10: A Full Coating can be Applied Quickly
A full protective coating can be applied in minutes in the galvanising plant. The entire process is not dependent on weather conditions, so that is good news to us here in Northern Ireland. Usually there is a fast turnaround time, approximately up to a week, however this fluctuates at certain times of the year and can be up to 2-4 weeks.
Article reference: http://www.wedge-galv.co.uk/galvanizing-services/benefits-of-galvanizing, 2016