Three reasons why you should invest in hot-dip galvanized steel scaffolding

Three reasons why you should invest in hot-dip galvanized steel scaffolding

High quality scaffolding can take a lot - partly because of the way it is protected from corrosion and other damage during manufacture. Hot-dip galvanizing of steel scaffolding components has proven to be particularly effective here. Read on to find out why this is the case and what benefits hot-dip galvanized scaffolding offers you.

How is scaffolding protected against corrosion?

Rust and corrosion are steel's natural enemies. If a steel scaffold is not adequately protected against them, the stability of the material can be weakened, creating a real safety risk.

To protect scaffolding against rust and other damage, scaffolding parts are either painted or galvanized. But what does "galvanizing" actually mean? Hot-dip galvanizing is the process of coating steel with a protective layer of zinc. This zinc layer then provides not only a material barrier to the steel, but also active corrosion protection. It acts as a so-called galvanic or sacrificial node, which 'deflects' corrosion away from the steel. This way it is not the steel that is directly impaired by corrosion, but the zinc. Read more about hot dip galvanizing and how it works by clicking on the link.

Why is it worth investing in hot-dip galvanized scaffolding?

Painted scaffolding is usually the cheaper alternative, but there are significant benefits to investing in a galvanized scaffolding system.

1. Durable and longer service life

Galvanized steel scaffolding is more durable and has a longer overall service life than, for example, painted scaffolding. The zinc coating provides a robust shield that resists rust and corrosion, even in harsh environmental conditions. This ultimately means you can use your galvanized scaffolding system for longer and have a lower investment in the long run.

2. Reduced maintenance costs

The galvanized coating not only protects the scaffold from corrosion and makes it particularly durable but also minimizes maintenance requirements. Unlike painted scaffolding, where the paint can wear off over time, the corrosion protection of galvanized steel is more resistant. So, hot-dip galvanized scaffolds typically require less upkeep compared to painted alternatives.

The advantages of galvanized steel can be seen most clearly in the example of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. When it was built over 130 years ago, the steel was painted to protect it from corrosion. However, this protective coating has to be renewed every 7 years ever since. This process is not only time-consuming - it takes about 2 years to repaint each time - but also quite expensive, at around 4 million euros for just one new coat of paint. If the Eiffel Tower had been made of hot-dip galvanized steel back in the day, this maintenance expenses would have been much lower.

3. Suitable for a wide range of applications

Due to their high durability, galvanized scaffolding systems are suitable for a wide range of projects. This makes them popular for offshore, shipbuilding, mining, and other industrial applications where they are likely to be exposed to extreme conditions. Painted scaffolds are often not suitable here, as the high salt content of the water in offshore projects or chemicals used in industrial plants can cause the paint to flake off easily. Galvanized steel, on the other hand, can withstand not only salt and chemicals, but also the heat generated during welding, for example.

All our steel products are galvanized to the highest quality standards in our own production facilities to ensure that our customers can use them for a long, low-maintenance period. For an overview of our products and services, download our free company brochure here.