Steel is a popular material in the fabrication of building structures because of its diverse advantages. The metal is very strong and can handle heavy loads, so it is not prone to distortion or breakage from impact or pressure. Steel is also durable, and it does not require any maintenance. On the other hand, you should note that steel can be easily damaged when exposed to moisture and chemicals. The metal is a reactive alloy of iron, so it will rust or become corroded. Therefore, it is critical to choose a protection method before fabrication for the potential steel features for your building. Here are the main corrosion protection techniques to consider choosing for your project.

Epoxy Coating

The epoxy coating system is a suitable protective technique for steel building structures that require strong paint-like coatings. This type of corrosion treatment involves application of special epoxy product which consists of the epoxy resin and a hardener. When these two are mixed, they will produce a fluid that can be applied like paint on the pertinent steel surface. Once the coating cures, it will become hard and relatively durable. It is invulnerable to damage by moisture, scratches, corrosive fluids and even extreme temperatures. On the other hand, you should note that epoxy coating will deteriorate after prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

Galvanisation

If you want a protective coating that will withstand harsh conditions like ultraviolet exposure and saline water, you should consider choosing galvanisation. This protective technique involves coating the surface of the steel commodity with molten zinc. Zinc does not contain iron, so it is will not rust when exposed to adverse environments. In addition, the layer formed will protect the steel against water, mechanical impact, heat, turbulence and most chemicals. The most effective method for galvanisation is dipping the custom steel product into a molten tub of zinc. However, if you are concerned about the integrity of the commodity, you request the fabricator to spray on the zinc.

Powder Coating

You can choose powder coating for your custom steel commodity for good visual appeal and performance. This protective technique involves applying a free-flowing dry powder on the steel surface. The material consists of special resins and fillers as well as pigments, so your new coating can be in almost any colour. The powder is cured on the surface using heat, which means that the layer formed is strong and durable. Unfortunately, powder coatings can be expensive for large-scale steel building features.