Galvanising and powder coating protects your fire escape
1. Corrosion Resistance
Galvanizing:
- Process: Galvanizing involves coating the steel with a layer of zinc, usually through hot-dip galvanizing where the steel is submerged in molten zinc.
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, meaning it will corrode before the steel does, providing a protective barrier that prevents rusting of the underlying steel.
- Longevity: This method provides long-term protection against rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the steel structure.
Powder Coating:
- Process: Powder coating involves applying a dry powder (which can be either thermoplastic or thermoset polymer) to the steel surface and then curing it under heat to form a tough, continuous layer.
- Protection Mechanism: The powder-coated layer provides a barrier against moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors that can cause corrosion.
- Aesthetics and Durability: Powder coating also enhances the appearance of the steelwork while adding an additional layer of physical protection.
2. Mechanical Protection
- Galvanizing: The zinc coating provides not just chemical protection but also a physical shield against mechanical damage. Even if the coating is slightly scratched, the zinc will continue to protect the exposed steel by corroding preferentially.
- Powder Coating: The cured powder coating is highly resistant to impacts, abrasions, and other physical wear and tear, maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of the steelwork.
3. Environmental and Chemical Resistance
- Galvanizing: Zinc coatings provide excellent resistance to a wide range of environmental conditions, including industrial atmospheres, marine environments, and rural areas.
- Powder Coating: This coating offers superior resistance to chemicals, moisture, and UV radiation, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
4. Aesthetics and Customization
- Powder Coating: It offers a wide range of colours and finishes, allowing for greater aesthetic flexibility. It can be used to achieve a specific look or to match existing colour schemes, which is beneficial for architectural and design purposes.
5. Maintenance and Cost Efficiency
- Low Maintenance: Both galvanizing and powder coating significantly reduce the need for maintenance. Galvanized steel can go decades without requiring major repairs or replacements, while powder-coated surfaces are easy to clean and maintain.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial cost of galvanizing and powder coating might be higher than simple painting or untreated steel, the long-term savings on maintenance, repairs, and replacements make it a cost-effective solution.
6. Environmental Impact
- Galvanizing: Zinc is a natural, abundant resource, and the galvanizing process can be environmentally friendly when managed properly. Galvanized steel can also be recycled.
- Powder Coating: Powder coating is an environmentally friendly process because it produces less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to traditional liquid paints. Additionally, overspray powder can often be reclaimed and reused, reducing waste.
In summary, protecting steelwork with galvanizing and powder coating is essential for ensuring long-term durability, reducing maintenance costs, and providing robust protection against corrosion and mechanical damage. It also enhances the aesthetic appeal and can be more environmentally friendly than other protective methods.
Powder Coated Fire Escapes – Elite Portal Frames (elite-portal-frames.co.uk)