Galvanised steel is an essential material in the construction industry, being steel that has formidable strength and extended durability thanks to the inclusion of zinc during the manufacturing process. Galvanised steel has many benefits over plain steel and is highly versatile, being used in a range of projects and industries, including agriculture, solar, automotive, construction and more.

Galvanised steel should absolutely be considered for your next construction project thanks to its wealth of benefits. Taking a closer look at these, you can better identify how to apply galvanised steel in your project.

What Is Galvanised Steel?

Galvanised steel starts out as regular steel, but during the manufacturing process a layer of zinc is added to prevent rusting and add extra protection against the elements. This process can also be applied to steel, which then becomes galvanised steel, better known as corrugated iron.

There are a number of steps involved when it comes to galvanising steel. These are:

• Cleaning steel in a degreasing solution
• Placing steel into a vat of diluted, hot sulfuric acid
• Fluxing steel  in an aqueous solution such as zinc-ammonium chloride
• Steel is immersed in a vat of molten zinc
• Once done, the steel is inspected for a complete, consistent coating.

This zinc coating is what gives galvanised steel its benefits and range of uses.

What Are The Benefits Of Galvanised Steel Usage?

In the world of construction, galvanised steel brings a lot to the table. 

A Lower Initial Cost

When compared to other treated steel, galvanised steel benefits users with a lower initial cost. Whilst steel prices fluctuate all the time, galvanised steel almost always tends to be cheaper than stainless steel. Additionally, it needs no preparation and is ready for use straight away, and can be fabricated and manipulated the same way as ordinary steel. Anyone who can work with steel can also work with galvanised steel.

A Longer Life

One of the other benefits of galvanised steel is that it has a longer life. The galvanization process can provide between 34 to 170 years of protection for steel – and in the meantime, there is no maintenance required. The increased durability of the steel’s finished product also increases the product’s reliability.

Rust Resistance And An Added Protective Layer

One of the main benefits of using galvanised steel versus other forms of industrial steel is that the layer of zinc provides a high level of rust resistance. This makes it ideal for outdoor structures which are constantly exposed to rain and other environmental damage. As the iron elements found within steel are extremely susceptible to rust, the added layer of zinc makes galvanised steel use a priority, since it can project problem areas such as sharp corners and recesses that other coatings cannot.

Zinc coating also interacts with steel in another interesting way: any steel that is damaged or even completely exposed remains protected by the zinc, since the zinc will corrode preferentially to the steel. This is why galvanised steel is so resistant to damage.

Which Industries Benefit The Most From Galvanised Steel?

Galvanised steel is implemented in a wide range of industries, particularly those whose final product will be outside. 

One of the top users of galvanised steel is, of course, the construction industry. Both residential and commercial buildings utilise galvanised steel for the previously mentioned reasons such as strength and resistance. It’s also used to make tubing, gutters, railings, poles and more.

The automotive industry also benefits from zinc-coated steel, which is now the standard for modern cars and vehicles. It helps to minimise rust across the body of the vehicle, which is a trait shared with the agricultural industry, since farming equipment is rather susceptible to being corroded due to being out in the elements all day.

No matter which industry you work within, rest assured that Australian Steel Traders can provide you with all of your galvanised steel needs. Feel free to enquire about our suppliers today.