Construction companies have several options when it comes to what material they are going to use. In general steel is always a good option for a number of reasons. Galvanized steel offers a number of advantages over other materials that are used in this industry.
8 Reasons to Use Galvanized Steel:
- The first cost for galvanized steel is low. In fact, it has the lowest first cost. The reason for this is simple. The costs associated with other coatings have increased faster and far more than those associated with the process of galvanizing. Painting, for example, is a very labor and work intensive process. That all means that galvanized steel ends up with a lower first cost.
- It is cheaper in the long term and to maintain. There are times when the process of galvanizing steel does carry with it a higher initial cost. Even when this is the case, this form of protection remains a cheaper option than others. It will last longer and need less maintenance than other coatings. When maintenance is needed, it can be more expensive when the structures in question are not in easily accessible regions. If a plant disruption or some sort of shutdown is part of the problem, the costs go even higher.
- Galvanized steel lasts a long time. The galvanizing coating has a very long lifespan. For buildings and other structures that are located in rural areas, this coating can last more than 50 years. In areas with serious coastal exposure or in urban areas, the life expectancy is still between 20 and 25 years.
- It is very reliable. The typical standard that is used for most galvanizing processes is the Australian/New Zealand 4680. The thickness that is applied is generally the standard, minimum thickness. The end result of this is a reliable and predictable coating performance and lifespan. Companies know what to expect when they use this kind of coating. This cuts down on their costs by cutting down on some of their guesswork.
- The galvanized coating is the strongest around. The structure of the galvanized coating is a unique, metallurgical one. This gives it an extraordinary resistance that makes it nearly impervious to any kind of mechanical damage that can be incurred during transport, service or erection of a structure.
- The protection provided is nearly complete. From the sharp corners to inaccessible areas and recesses, all areas of a structure are protected. When you try to apply a coating to a building or a structure after it has been completed, you cannot possibly get the same level of protection as you can when the coating is applied to the beams and other areas before the construction even begins.
- Galvanized steel is easy to inspect. It is easy to complete a visual inspection and there are non-destructive and simple tests that can be performed to ascertain the state of the coatings’ thickness. No special tools are needed to do this. With this kind of coating, you see what you get. If the coating looks like it is in good shape, it is.
- Using galvanized steel building units cuts down on erection time. When beams, for instance, that have gone through the galvanizing process get to a construction site, they can be used immediately. When other coatings are used, the parts arrive on the site and they need to be treated before they can be used and that adds to the time it takes to construct the structure.
The galvanizing process is a superior one to other coating methods. Steel is also one of the best materials around to use. In addition to all of the benefits of the galvanizing process, the material has an additional benefit that some other materials lack. It is very environmentally friendly. It is one of the most recycled materials on the planet. Nearly 88% of the steel produced across the globe is recycled, according to the American Iron andamp; Steel Institute. By recycling steel, other materials are saved. In North America, almost 69% of all steel is recycled each year. Each ton of steel that is recycled will save nearly 120 pounds of limestone, 1,400 pounds of coal and 2,500 pounds of iron ore.
andnbsp;
