Stainless steel vs. galvanised steel
Stainless steel and galvanised steel are both commonly used materials in construction. While they are similar in appearance they differ in terms of composition, weight, strength and application, although there is a certain amount of crossover between them.
Stainless steel is manufactured by a process that involves a mixture of at least 10% chromium and regular carbon steel in a molten state. Once it is cooled and hardened, the steel is acid-treated to remove any impurities from the surface. It is the addition of chromium that protects stainless steel from corrosion.
Galvanised steel is manufactured by a process that involves dipping steel into molten zinc which hardens to form a protective, anti-corrosive coating through the formation of zinc oxide.
The zinc coating on galvanised steel eventually wears off, and if is scratched or damaged in any way, it can become susceptible to rust. However, The zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, meaning that the remaining zinc will still protect the exposed steel.
For more information, see Galvanzing.
It's use is typically restricted to applications where there is minimal risk of damage. Galvanised steel is significantly less expensive than stainless steel, and is commonly used, for example, to make; nuts, bolts, fasteners and other fixings (although some components may be too large or too small to be hot-dipped), as well as being used in many common appliances.
For more information see: Galvanised steel.
In contrast, stainless steel retains its anti-corrosive qualities for longer, as the chromium forms an inextricable part of the steel material itself. As a result, stainless steel is more durable than galvanised steel, and is preferred for some uses in the construction of buildings, such as the construction of high-rise buildings. It does not rust even when scratched, so is commonly used for the working parts of hand tools such as saw blades. It is also more resistant to salt than zinc oxide, and so is more commonly used for applications in marine and coastal environments.
For more information see: Stainless steel.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Industry survey highlights persistent skills gap
Building engineering business survey by ECA in partnership with BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF.
IHBC Conservation Professional Practice Principles
Spotlighted in HEF Historic Environment Overview.
CIAT collaborates with CIOB, CIfA, Icon to launch The Arc
Helping clients find specialist historic environment professionals.
Government building safety remediation data releases
Show some progress, but a 50% gap not yet started.
Testing For A Safer Future; an initial industry response
A response to the Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime.
Requirements for UK buildings in certain circumstances.
CLC guidance for dutyholders and accountable persons.
Types of contractor in the construction industry
A long list, but are any missing ?
The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill 2023
Unanimously approved to legislation on May 14, 2024.
Asset information requirements AIR
In detail, with links to further resources.
Where it's AT Building Safety podcasts from CIAT
Unravelling the Golden Thread and CIAT’s Principal Designer Register for non-HRBs and HRBs.
What happened to Hadrian's Wall?
Its former stones can be found in buildings near its route.
Strategic ventilation in modern building design
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.