Galvanized Steel Protects Metals in Hawaii the Best

For decades, galvanized steel has been recognized as a superior building product among metals in Hawaii. The hot, humid, and salty Hawaiian climate can wreck havoc on unprotected steel and other metals, which is why substrate coatings are necessary for prolonged protection.

Despite advances in technology, galvanized steel remains the best, most cost-effective solution for protecting steel through decades of use.

Making Steel Stronger

 Steel is already strong but galvanized steel is even stronger. Galvanized steel uses zinc as an under-the-paint or exterior coating. The zinc metallurgically bonds with the steel to form a zinc/iron barrier that actually becomes part of the metal itself. Not only does this provide 30% greater corrosion resistance than steel alone, it makes the metal piece harder. This hardness helps protect the product from sustaining scratches and other forms of damage that could expose the steel to the elements. Once damaged steel is exposed to Hawaii’s wet and humid air, it’s all too easy for rust and corrosion to take hold. Eventually, rust and corrosion will weaken the steel from the inside out, causing metals in Hawaii to fail prematurely.

But Wait, There’s More

Not only does galvanizing protect metals in Hawaii by creating an impermeable barrier over the steel, it also provides a second layer of protection: a patina. Over time, a protective patina develops on the surface of the metal as the zinc interacts with oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This patina is comprised of even more zinc found in insoluble zinc oxides and zinc salts, as well as hydroxides, and carbonates. As the patina takes hold and stabilizes, it adds a second protective layer over the steel underneath. What’s even better is that the patina is capable of regenerating itself if it gets damaged. It does this by continuing to interact and react with the zinc coating.

A third way that galvanized steel helps protect the metal product comes in the form of protection from ultraviolet radiation. As you know, the Hawaiian sun can quickly cause damage to just about anything the rays reach. Galvanized steel is immune to UV rays, which means galvanized steel will not degrade under the hot, Hawaiian sun. Day after day, year after year, and decade after decade, galvanized steel shrugs off solar radiation.

Kloeckner Metals Hawaii Is Your Source For Complete Steel Protection

If you are interested in metal roofing, hot dip galvanizing, or a steel service center in Hawaii, call (678) 259-8800. Kloeckner Metals Hawaii is Hawaii’s most trusted metal roofing manufacturer. We have more than 50 years of experience in delivering high-quality products and top-notch customer support.