Differences between galvanised & non-galvanised steel
4 minutes read
1 Nov 2022
Steel is used for a wide range of applications in various industries, making it one of the most popular used materials. However, with the different uses for the steel, there are instances which require the material to be more durable and resistant to the potential elements it may be exposed to.
This is where galvanising the steel comes into the equation – a process that can help in those instances where durability is key. But how does galvanised steel differ from non-galvanised steel, and what benefits can using it bring to different applications?
At The Metal Store, we have a wealth of experience in both galvanised steel and non-galvanised steel, so we’re on hand to help you find the right material for your job.
Read our guide on what galvanised and non-galvanised steel is, what the key differences are, and which is best for your required application.
Article in brief
Steel is a popular material choice across a range of industries. With this demand comes the need to have differing types of steel to suit various applications. Two of these are galvanised and non-galvanised steel.
Galvanised steel is steel which has been hot dipped in a molten zinc bath. This provides a protective layer which makes it highly resistant to both corrosion and rust, and means it is ideal for outdoor and external uses.
Non-galvanised steel, on the other hand, is steel which has not been given a protective coating and isn’t resistant to the impacts of corrosion or rust.
What is galvanised steel?
Galvanised steel is regular steel which has been hot-dipped in a zinc coating, which provides protection to the mild steel.
This process involves the steel being dipped in a 450-degree molten zinc bath, making it more corrosion resistant to rusting than ordinary steel.
When galvanised steel is exposed to moisture, such as rain or humidity, the zinc coating acts as an anode (a protective element) which helps to ensure the steel underneath does not become damaged.
When is galvanised steel most commonly used?
Galvanised steel is predominantly used for outdoor and external uses. It can be commonly seen in the creation of sheds, panels, vehicles, outdoor structures and in a range of industries including agriculture, solar and construction.
The process of galvanising the steel creates the protection required for the metal not to feel the impact of corrosion when faced with the elements of being outdoors, such as rain.
What is non-galvanised steel?
Non-galvanised steel is regular steel which hasn’t had any form of protective treatment to help create a barrier against potential corrosion or rust.
Regular steel is made from iron, which will inevitably rust over time when exposed to any form of moisture. This means that the metal would most likely be used for applications which are not exposed to wetness.
What are the benefits of galvanised steel over non-galvanised steel?
There are an array of benefits of using galvanised steel:
Corrosion protection
Thanks to the zinc coating, galvanised steel has a much greater level of protection from corrosion when compared to non-galvanised steel.
Longer lifespan outdoors
The use of galvanised steel, in particular for external applications, guarantees that the material will last longer than standard steels. This is in the mainly due to being better protected against corrosion.
Lower maintenance costs
Once the steel has been galvanised, it doesn’t require any further painting or protection maintenance, which can help reduce the overall and ongoing upkeep costs.
Galvanised vs non-galvanised steel – the verdict
If you’re looking for a material that is durable in outdoor and external conditions, is protected from corrosion and has lower maintenance costs, opting for galvanised steel is the best route to take. Non-galvanised may be your preferred choice for alternative uses, such as indoors.
Are you in need of galvanised steel? The Metal Store is leading supplier of a range of galvanised mild steel. We offer a range of products such as galvanised sheet, angle, box section, tube, flat bar, U section, grating, weld mesh and perforated sheet.
We also offer free unlimited cutting on our galvanised steel products, using a band saw, bundle saw or CNC machine for optimum precision.
Get in touch today and our expert team will be on hand to offer all the help and gudiance you may need for your galvanised steel requirements. Call us 01274 875 479 or e-mail on [email protected]
