Steel and products made from steel in Hawaii are subject to conditions that mainland states do not have to worry about. Between the volcanic mist (or vog) and salt air, steel in Hawaii can corrode quickly. Whether you are talking about roofing, siding, trim, structural beams, or appliances, the problem is the same: unless properly treated, metals in Hawaii corrode. Even structural steel used in large buildings can be subject to corrosion, as the salt and sulfur air finds its way to beams and other metal parts.
One of the best ways to incorporate the benefits of steel without worrying about corrosion is to galvanize items by coating them with a layer of molten zinc. When the zinc reacts with oxygen, zinc oxide forms, which then reacts with carbon dioxide to form zinc carbonate. The result is a product with the properties of stainless steel, without the extra cost.
A full array of metal products benefit from the hot-dip galvanizing process as well. This means that buildings near the beach constructed with steel will remain sound, while galvanized rebar added to concrete on area streets and parking lots will not be subject to increased deterioration due to the climate.
While adding any processing to steel products will add to the cost, the longer lifespan will save money in the long run and the life cycle savings will far exceed the initial cost. Using hot-dip galvanized metals in Hawaii is already considered the best way to ensure strength and durability as well as protection against wind abrasion and corrosion.
While even galvanized coatings can be attacked by the elements, the exposed zinc continues to protect the steel undersurface. This is one more reason why architects and contractors cannot lose by specifying and installing hot-dip galvanized steel products in Hawaii.
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