Rust prevention should be the main priority when installing a Steel Fence, as well as the methods and materials used, as these will determine the longevity of your Fence.

What Galvanisation is

Galvanisation is the process of applying a protective Zinc coating to Steel (or Iron), to prevent rusting. Hot-dip galvanizing is the most common way, this is when the parts are submerged into a bath of molten Zinc.

Overtime Steel will rust due to atmospheric conditions, this depends on the environment that the product is in. Steel is mainly made from Iron; therefore, this creates Iron Oxide (rust). This is created by the reduction and oxidation reaction between the elements: Iron and Oxygen, in the presence of moisture.

Other ways include plastic coating or painting to prevent exposure. However, these both come with faults. For example, if these methods fall away from the fence (due to time or weathering) it creates the need for constant maintenance, making them unreliable.

The process of Galvanisation

• Degreasing – Both Acid and Alkaline-based product can be used in ambient temperatures.
• Pickling – Dissolving rust done with dilute Hydrochloric Acid to create a chemically clean surface.
• Fluxing – (Steel must be dry at this stage) Then a mix of Ammonium Solution and Zinc Chloride will be used.
• Zinc Immersion – Finally, this process involves the metal being immersed in a bath of Molten Zinc at 450°C, to form Zinc/Iron alloy layers. These layers are the basis of the coating.

Benefits

This way of combating Steel Corrosion has many key benefits, such as:

• Less maintenance due to the long-term durability
• Low environmental Burden in the process
• Low cost long-term as it doesn’t require frequent maintenance
• Greater longevity to more initially lower cost substitutes

For more information, please visit here: https://fencingsuperstore.co.uk/