Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to galvanize steel?

Lead times can vary depending on the time of year and how much demand there is within the industry, however most orders are completed within three days. The actual process of Hot Dip Galvanizing takes approximately half a day from start to finish so small urgent items are often processed within 24 hours.

In order to plan effectively we operate a Booking System. This allows customers the opportunity to pre-book their steel and agree delivery schedules. This eliminates any uncertainty and means that even the most demanding lead times can be met.

We would ask that you take care to contact us at an early stage in the planning process so that we can advise you on suitable methods of design and fabrication. Many delays are caused by inappropriate design and a lack of understanding of the galvanizing process. Please see attached document detailing items that should be considered when fabricating items for galvanizing.

Painting and Galvanized Steel?

In general most paints will not adhere to freshly galvanized steelwork. The traditional method was to etch the surface with etch primers, T-wash or by a light sweep blast. All of these are expensive and in the case of some primers can be unpleasant to work with and cause environmental issues.
Ongoing research and development in the area of painting has led to the development of quality paints that will adhere directly to freshly galvanized steel. Two-pack polyurethane paint is readily available in all RAL and BS colours and is simple to apply by spray or brush. Click here to see more details on the painting service offered by Shannonside Galvanizing.

Why do I have to include venting & drainage holes into all fabrications?

The main reason for these holes is to allow trapped air and gases to escape and to allow cleaning chemicals and molten zinc metal to flow throughout the fabrication, and then back into the tank. Because of the temperatures involved in the galvanizing process there is a significant risk of explosion when any trapped liquid is rapidly heated in the galvanizing bath.

How long will galvanized steel last?

Hot-dip galvanized steel will last very well in most environments. It is not uncommon for galvanized steel to last more than 70 years under certain conditions. To get a good idea of how long your project will last, see the service-life chart.

Does the galvanized steel coating of zinc resist abrasion?

The three inter-metallic layers that form during the galvanizing process are all harder than the substrate steel and have excellent abrasion resistance.

What is "white rust" and how can it be prevented?

"White Rust" or Wet Storage Stain is formed because, zinc on newly galvanized steel is very reactive and quickly forms zinc oxide and zinc hydroxide corrosion products that go on to become the stable zinc carbonate. When galvanized steel is stacked damp or stored in wet boxes or shrink wrapped with no free flowing air, the zinc forms excessive layers of zinc hydroxide, otherwise known as wet storage stain. Most wet storage stain can be easily removed with a nylon brush. To prevent wet storage stain, store galvanized steel indoors and in such a way to allow free flowing air between each galvanized item.
 

Why does the appearance of the coating sometimes differ and will any difference affect how long it lasts?

The chemistry of the steel is the main influence on coating thickness and appearance. Steel produced by the steel companies has a wide variety of chemistries, thus the different coating appearances. The galvanizer may also add several different additives to their galvanizing bath to enhance the coating appearance by making it shiny, spangled or minimizing the reactivity of certain steel chemistries. The appearance of the coating does not change the corrosion protection of the zinc coating.
 

What is the difference between hot-dip galvanized and zinc-plated fasteners?

Hot-dip fasteners generally have about 10 times as much zinc on the surface and are suitable for use in all exterior and interior applications. Zinc-plated fasteners will provide a disappointing performance if used outside, especially when used to connect hot-dip galvanized structural steel.
Preparation of steel is the responsibility of customers and includes the following:

•  Provision of correct drainage and venting holes.
•  All surfaces free of grease and oil.
•  All surfaces free of paint.
•  All surfaces free of adhesive labels.
•  No previously galvanized parts attached to the steel.

Shannonside Galvanizing cannot take responsibility for the following which may occur during the hot dip galvanizing process:

• Tide marks and shading can occur particular with larger items.
• Warping can occur with plate, mesh, lattice and larger items.
• Rust spots caused by acid penetration of welds and silicon deposits.
•  Bare spots caused by grease, oil, paint or adhesive labels.
•  Dull and excessive bulky finishes caused by excess silicon in the steel that was galvanized.
•  White rust that appears as white powder that develops on newly galvanized steel due damp and humid conditions.

Post Galvanizing Safety
Zinc spikes and runs are an inherent part of the hot dip galvanizing process. Therefore customers are advised to wear protective gloves when handling items that have been galvanized. Best practice recommends that all spikes on the surfaces that people or animal may come in contact should be filed down before use.

Should you have any queries please feel free to contact our company at info@shannonsidegalv.com where will be endeavour to answer any further questions you may have.