Galvanization is considered to be the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel, this method helps to prevent rusting in the long run. The most common method in sheet metal fabrication shops is hot-dip galvanizing, by which parts are submerged in a bath of molten zinc.
Hot-dipping galvanizing deposits a thick and robust layer of zinc iron alloys on the surface of steel which provides a protective layer.
This protection occurs in three different ways:
- The zinc coating, when intact, prevents corrosive substances from reaching the underlying steel or iron.
- It acts as a sacrificial terminal, which is the main component of a galvanic cathodic protection (CP) system used to protect buried or submerged metal from corrosion. This means that if the coating is scratched, the exposed steel or iron will be protected by the remaining zinc.
- The zinc protects its base metal by corroding before iron.
Now you must be wondering how you can incorporate this wonderful galvanized sheet metal in your construction projects? Generally galvanized steel is used in commercial construction projects, however there are many other creative ways to use this wonderful product, such as;
- Awnings
- Balconies
- Building frames
- Canopies
- Playground equipment
- Handrails
- Fences
- Industrial walkways
- Ladders
- Staircases
- Street Furniture/ Seating
- Roofing
- Verandas
- Piping
In a nutshell, the zinc benefits the steel by making it resistant to corrosion, moisture, rust and scratches. It protects the metals during transportation, installation as well as service. From playgrounds to fencing, to DIY projects and airplanes the creative ways to use galvanized steel are endless as these projects would be nothing without hot-dip galvanizing.
Feel free to contact us for any more info or a quotation on marketing@jcpsteel.co.za or 011 814 1898