Galvanisation is one of the best ways to protect steel from the elements. The process involves coating steel with an unreactive zinc layer, providing the underlying steel with resistance to corrosion while enabling the steel to retain its durability. Because of the effectiveness of this process, galvanised steel is one of the most popular materials for construction, infrastructure, and outdoor structural applications. However, when working with galvanised steel, it is important to take proper care to ensure that the benefits of galvanisation aren’t lost. In this post, we look at some common mistakes you should avoid when working with galvanised steel.
Using the Wrong Paint or Coating
One of the most common mistakes people make is using the wrong paint or coating on galvanised surfaces. Because galvanised steel has a layer of zinc on its surface, certain types of paint or coatings may not be able to adhere to the surface properly without priming. Thus, it is important to remember to prepare your galvanised steel surfaces through etching or applying a suitable primer if you want to paint or coat them.
Using the Wrong Type of Fasteners
Certain metals such as copper and bare steel may also not be compatible with galvanised steel as they can cause galvanic corrosion when they come into direct contact in the presence of moisture. Because of this, it is inadvisable to use fasteners that are made from such incompatible materials as they can compromise the integrity of the zinc coating and accelerate its degradation.
Cutting Without Resealing Edges
Cutting galvanised steel sections can expose parts of the underlying steel to the elements and prevent them from being protected by the zinc layer. This can lead to areas of weakness developing along the edges of your galvanised steel sections. To avoid this, ensure that you reseal any exposed edges using a zinc primer or a galvanising spray after cutting or drilling.
Excessive Bending
Bending galvanised steel sections excessively can also lead to cracks forming in the protective zinc coating on the surface. This can lead to areas where the steel is exposed directly to the element, causing corrosion in the steel. To avoid this, ensure that you adhere to the bending limits as advised by the manufacturer and use proper techniques when bending galvanised steel sections to preserve the coating.
Get Your Galvanised Steel from RW Steel
RW Steel is a premier supplier of galvanised steel in Melbourne and we offer a variety of galvanised steel sections, including galvanised steel posts, retaining wall steel H beams and much more. When you get your steel from us, you can rest assured that you are getting nothing but the best quality steel. We also offer additional value added services such as free on site cutting of steel according to your specifications at no additional cost. Get a free quote on our website for all of your steel needs today!