Can galvanised steel rust?

It is important to make certain everyone in need of high quality crash barrier goods gets them. With lacklustre installations, people are more vulnerable to harm and accidents. When you shop with us though, you will get the best merchandise for competitive prices. They ensure people can carry on about their business whilst feeling safer than ever before.

Rust is a big concern for many businesses, including the owners of crash barriers. If you are worried about it, one option is to use a material that resists corrosion. Another is to coat the metal. You could choose galvanisation, powder coating, or other options here.

Steel is the most common choice for barrier products. However, it can present rust issues. Whilst thinking of coating to enhance the corrosion resistance, the first thing people usually think of is painting. This helps to protect the look, but scratches, dents, and other damage can all ruin the protective layer, allowing corrosion to begin in time. As a result, the better option would be galvanisation. Although, people often ask whether galvanised steel rusts. Let's talk about that topic in more detail here so you know what to expect.

Why does it happen?

We'll begin by sharing some critical details. Corrosion happens when there is an oxygen attack on the steel. The iron in the alloy is highly reactive. So, if there is moisture in the air, the iron atoms react with the oxygen, forming iron oxide. It can ruin the metal, compromising the finish and the strength.

Oxide layer

Some metals don't rust because they generate an oxide layer. Two materials that are famous for this are stainless steel and aluminium. Exposure to the air leads to the rapid creation of a stable protective layer that means air and moisture can't get to the substrate.

Galvanisation

Zinc is a material that does not rust. As a result, it is a great option for protecting steels. The galvanisation process creates a special bond with steel, producing a protective layer of zinc. So, if you need your steel coating to last and be solid, you're best off with galvanising.

Rust can still happen

While galvanisation does protect steel from rusting, there are factors capable of influencing the corrosion process here. So, to answer the question above, yes it can still rust.

One fact is that zinc carbonate is insoluble. But this does not mean the corrosion process isn't possible. Some of the factors that can influence rust here are a mixture of air and salt in the water. That can create a highly acidic environment that can damage the steel.

You also need to watch out for conditions where the steel has a frequency of being soaked or wet. It can cause big problems for any protective coating if it is wet often.

Environmental imbalances are a factor as well since they can change humidity levels. The risk of corrosion is higher when it is humid because of moisture in the air.

Ordering your ideal crash barrier

At Barrier Mart, we have plenty of crash barriers available. They include open box beam and Armco. Also, we have barrier posts, end pieces, and more on sale. These are some of the highest quality goods you can find, so you can buy with confidence. The galvanised products can be best for settings where there is a higher risk of corrosion.

If you would like to order a crash barrier, please let us know or browse our website. You can also speak to us if you have any special requirements.