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Galvanise & Cleaning

Galvanised steel plate

Proven, honest, sustainable

Hot Dip Galvanizing has protected steel across UK and Ireland for more than 150 years. It bonds itself metallurgically to steel imparting toughness and abrasion resistance through its alloy layers. It’s unique characteristics help provide a long maintenance free life for steel.

The science
Galvanise is a tried and tested treatment of steel used to stop it from corroding, its chemically bonded to the steel.
Zinc the protective element in galvanise when it oxidises (rusts) it forms zinc carbonate which then unlike iron it is not porous so stops it rusting any further, it self heals so to speak.

Maintenance free, Just leave it.
If you want it to shine use car polish or wash and wax shampoo, if you want to paint wipe with degreaser then use a roller to apply the paint, its very quick modern paint only needs one coat.
To clean just use mild soapy water and sponge do not scrub you will not damage it (using a nylon brush) but it will create bright spots which take time to match the rest of surface.
Harsh marks are best taken out using car shampoo and jet wash, Household cleaners with ammonia can also be used but rinse thoroughly.

5 reasons why you must galvanise your steel

1. It’s proven

With a history that stretches back over 200 years, there are innumerable examples in many environments proving its performance.

 

1944 to assist the flow of supplies during the D-Day landings. The Callender-Hamilton design was originally intended only to be a temporary bridge but is still in use 70 years after construction. An inspection of the bridge was conducted by Galvanizers Association in 1999 after 55 years service. This indicated that the galvanized steel was in excellent condition with no signs of rust on any members. It is anticipated that the coating will achieve a maintenance-free life of more than 100 years.

2. It’s honest

Due to the unique alloy growth that occurs when clean steel is immersed into molten zinc – the coating effectively becomes part of the steel – if it looks good on day one it will remain so for many many years to come.

3. It’s sustainable

The long-term durability provided by galvanizing is achieved at relatively low environmental burden in terms of energy and other globally relevant impacts.

Several studies have demonstrated the high economic and environmental costs associated with the repeated maintenance painting of steel structures. These burdens can be significantly reduced by an initial investment in long-term protection. Lack of attention to optimal corrosion protection can leave a damaging economic legacy of repeated maintenance costs.

In social housing projects, future maintenance costs will be borne by the local authorities. In public infrastructure projects, use of galvanized steel leads to lower maintenance budgets, releasing public funds for other purposes.

4. It’s tough

The unique nature of the galvanizing process – formation of a series of zinc-iron alloy layers – provides a tough and abrasion resistant coating.

5. It’s self healing

Zinc corrodes in preference to steel and sacrifices itself to protect the steel, hence hot dip galvanizing will provide this sacrificial action. The corrosion products from the zinc are deposited on the steel resealing it from the atmosphere and therefore stopping corrosion.