Stop Rust

Our campaign aims to highlight the extensive amount of corroding steelwork across the UK and Ireland.

Protecting steelwork correctly on day one can help to save money spent on replacement or maintenance, which can be much more expensive than the initial cost of protection.

An even more important aspect of correct corrosion protection is the contribution it can make to a more sustainable built environment.

Could have should have galvanized


It is estimated that nearly 4% of global GDP is lost to corrosion annually across the world.
The locations below show corroded steel work across the UK and Ireland. Click a pin on the map to view examples.

 

The thing about rust

Steel Corrosion

Steel Corrosion Time Lapse

Have you ever wondered what is going on with rusty steelwork?

Why does it happen and exactly what is it?

The reason rust presents so often in our built environment, infrastructure and industrial projects, is largely due to the strengths not the weaknesses of steel, perhaps our most popular construction material.

As the backbone of most modern industrial economies, steel is versatile, flexible and strong, a vital national asset that benefits from being protected from day one, because as soon as you expose steel to the elements, it begins to corrode.

What can I do to STOP rust?

With a bit of initial forethought, protecting your steelwork by hot dip galvanizing not only offers long term corrosion protection, but also helps to protect what is a vital asset. Galvanized steel can also be reused or recycled within existing steel recycling processes.

1. Stop rust by hot dip galvanizing

Below you can find why you must galvanise your steel to protect from corrosion.

    1. It saves money
      Over a 25-year project life, the cost of a ‘cheaper’ paint system is almost 70% more than the cost of galvanizing. Likewise the cost of a more ‘expensive’ paint system is almost double that of galvanizing. In initial, or first, cost terms hot dip galvanizing is comparative with a good quality paint system. However, when looking at lifetime costs, hot dip galvanizing works out to be considerably cheaper than most other systems.
    2. It’s sustainable
      The long-term durability provided by galvanizing is achieved at relatively low environmental burden in terms of energy and other globally relevant impacts.
    3. It’s proven
      Galvanizing is all around us, with the galvanising industry recording increased production year-on-year. From the smallest components to the largest structural elements, galvanized steel proves itself time and time again as trustworthy and reliable.

2. Stop rust by learning more

Our RIBA approved Corrosion Protection of Steel by Hot Dip Galvanizing CPD presentation gives an overview of hot dip galvanizing and covers the following:

  • Introduction to hot dip galvanizing
  • The galvanizing process
  • Coating characteristics
  • Performance
  • Designing for the process
  • Case studies