There are two main reasons homeowners may consider installing steel fencing on their property; one is to act as a security barrier, and another is for visual appeal. However, the competence and usefulness of steel fencing can increase if the metal has been galvanised.
The process of galvanisation involves applying a layer of protective zinc coating on a base metal. If you look around you, you’ll see a large number steel installation, erection and construction with this muted silver colour, and this is actually the zinc coating.
Why galvanise steel?
Untreated or uncoated steel fencing will quickly rust and corrode due to the conditions of the environment. The extent of the damage will depend on the general conditions where the fences were installed.
Aside from making fences long lasting and tolerant to the conditions of the environment, other advantages of using galvanised steel security fencing include:
- Lowered cost
Compared to stainless steel and aluminium, galvanised steel security fencing is more affordable but still superior in quality.
- Less maintenance
Because it slows down rusting and corrosion, this type of steel fencing won’t require frequent care or maintenance.
- Sustainability
With fewer repeated care and maintenance work on the steel fencing, galvanised steel can deliver relatively low environmental burden.
- Tough on damage
The zinc coating makes the steel fencing tougher and resistant to abrasions, which means less damage to the structure. When zinc corrodes, its deposits actually reseal the steel to prevent air and moisture from seeping through.
Types of galvanising methods
Rust proofing steel fences can be done in various ways, but galvanising is one of the more popular methods. Here’s three of the most common galvanising process below:
1. Hot-dip galvanisation
This is perhaps the most preferred process in a construction project where the use of steel fencing must satisfy a large number of requirements. The hot-dip galvanisation method involves bathing the base metal in a pool of molten zinc. But before dipping, the metal must first be extensively and adequately cleaned chemically and mechanically. This cleaning preparation phase is crucial to the process because it could affect the way zinc adheres to the steel.
Though it might seem laborious, the hot-dip method can be done quickly and economically. The process may even allow for dipping of complex shapes of steel fences.
2. Pre-galvanising
This process follows hot-dip galvanising methods closely. However, it is more useful for steel that may need to be recoiled to a specific shape. The most significant advantage of this method is that it makes coating larger and longer coils of steel more uniform. The disadvantage is that once the coils are cut and turned into galvanised steel security fencing, there could be some uncoated and exposed areas.
3. Electro-galvanising or E-coating
There is no need to dip the steel in a bath of molten zinc for this process. Instead, the metal is galvanised using electrical current in a solution that binds the zinc to the metal. This method might also entail smoothing the grain so that the steel appears more refined. The coating, however, may be thinner compared to hot-dip galvanising method so it could reduce a steel fencing’s protection against rust and corrosion.
Contact a trusted Newcastle fencing company to ensure quality
The truth of the matter is that it won’t be easy to detect if a steel fencing has been properly galvanised since all newly installed fences look clean, nice and shiny. But steel fences that have undergone the right galvanising process will remain in excellent condition for decades. Untreated and improperly handled steel fences, on the other hand, will show signs of rusting and corrosion in a matter of months.
To get your money’s worth, be sure to look into the details of the fence you plan to install around your property. Additionally, you have to put your trust in a professional fencing contractor like Fencing Specialists. Given their experience and knowledge, these pros understand the correct process and preparation involved before setting up galvanised steel security fencing. Get in touch with them today.