If you own or use steel structures as part of your business operations, it is important to protect them from corrosion. How do you do this and why should you choose to do so?
Why does rust form on steel structures?
Rust is the common name for the chemical compound iron oxide. Iron oxide usually forms when iron or an alloy containing iron is exposed to oxygen and moisture for a long time. Rusting is an electrochemical process that occurs when an electrolyte (usually water) forms a bond between two different metals in the presence of oxygen. When the iron oxidizes, it produces an oxide, which is commonly known as “rust.”
Effect of rust on steel structures
Rust weakens the metal, causing it to flake off in layers. This process is called “oxidation” or “corrosion.” As the metal corrodes, its strength and durability diminish, until it can eventually disintegrate completely.
In addition to negatively affecting the strength and durability of steel structures, rust can also cause aesthetic damage that is difficult or impossible to repair. For example, stains of black or yellow rust can discolor paint and leave permanent stains on concrete or other nearby surfaces. In extreme cases, severe corrosion can cause holes in metal surfaces, leading to structural instability and potentially dangerous collapse.
Rust also causes environmental damage. When iron oxide reacts with water, it forms a new compound, ferrous hydroxide, which is toxic to plants and animals. Iron hydroxide can contaminate soil and water, damaging or even killing plants and animals that come into contact with it. In addition, rust particles that flake off steel structures can contaminate the air, causing respiratory problems in humans and other animals.
What are ways to avoid rust?
There are several ways to prevent rust on steel structures:
- Use a rust-resistant paint or coating. This will create a barrier between the steel and the environment, preventing water and oxygen from reaching the surface of the metal;
- Keep the area around the steel structure dry. This will minimize exposure to moisture, which can cause rusting;
- Regularly remove dirt and debris from the surface of the steel structure. This will prevent the accumulation of corrosive materials on the metal surface;
- Systematically inspect the steel structure for signs of corrosion. If you notice rust spots, sand them off and repaint immediately;
- Immediately repair any damage to the paint. Otherwise, water can seep into the surface of the metal, causing it to rust.
Why should you entrust the painting of steel structures to RS-MAL?
Protecting steel structures from the damaging effects of rust is an important task – it should definitely be entrusted to specialists. Among the companies operating in this area is the company RS-MAL. Why should RS-MAL be the one to handle this type of work? It seems that the answer to this question is obvious: the high professionalism of the services and the experience gained in cooperation with entities from various industries. This company uses in its daily activities equipment of well-known, reputable brands All this makes it worth entrusting the protection of steel structures to RS-MAL.
How to future-proof steel structures?
There are many ways to protect steel structures from corrosion, but it is widely believed that painting is the best way. Painting provides a barrier between the steel and the environment, preventing moisture and other corrosive elements from coming into contact with the metal. It also allows for regular inspection of the structure, so any potential problems can be detected and addressed early.
There are several different types of paint that can be used on steel structures. One of them is zinc-rich paint, which contains a high concentration of zinc oxide. This type of paint forms a thick layer that is highly resistant to corrosion. Another option is epoxy paint, which consists of two parts: a base coat and an activator. When mixed, these two parts form a hard, durable finish that is ideal for protecting steel structures.
Painting of steel structures – a way to protect against corrosion
Painting steel structures has many advantages.
These include, for example:
- Better appearance: a freshly painted steel structure will be more aesthetically pleasing than a rusty and corroded surface;
- Increased lifespan: by protecting steel from corrosion, you can extend its life and get better use out of it;
- Reduced maintenance costs: you won’t have to spend so much money on the maintenance of the painted steel structure;
- Greater safety: rust and corrosion can make a steel structure unstable and unsafe. To avoid this, companies choose to paint steel structures.
