Galvanised steel is widely known to be one of the strongest and most durable construction materials available on the market. However, as with any material, galvanised steel can become damaged over time due to wear and tear or sudden stresses. When galvanised steel becomes damaged, it is important to address the damage as soon as possible in order to minimise further deterioration of the steel and consequently of the structure. In this post, we take a closer look at some useful repair techniques to deal with common forms of galvanised steel damage.
Repairing Common Types of Galvanised Steel Damage
To properly restore damaged galvanised steel, it is important to first identify the type of damage that you’re dealing with. Some of the more common types of galvanised steel damage and their associated repair techniques include:
Minor Scratches and Abrasions
While minor scratches and abrasions may not immediately catch your attention, they are especially important to deal with when it comes to galvanised steel. This is because if left untreated, they could result in the zinc coating being removed and the underlying steel being exposed to the elements, potentially causing rust. To repair such damage, simply clean the affected area and apply a coat of cold galvanising compound to ensure that there are no gaps in the zinc coating.
Rust Spots
Rust spots are a sign that the zinc layer in the affected area has already been degraded and is exposing the underlying steel. To rectify this issue, start by removing the rust using sandpaper or a wire brush. For more stubborn spots, you might need to use a chemical rust remover. After the rust has been removed, apply a layer of rust converter to neutralise the rust to prevent further corrosion before re-galvanising the steel with a cold galvanising compound.
Structural Damage
If you’re dealing with structural damage such as dents and bends, you may need to use tools such as rubber mallets, hydraulic presses and wooden blocks to restore the steel back to its original shape and form. More severe cases of bends may also require the application of heat to make the metal more malleable. At the same time, you may also want to add additional support to the areas that have been structurally weakened by the damage.
Replacing Your Galvanised Steel
If the damage to your galvanised steel posts or structure has gotten to a point beyond repair, it may be worthwhile for you to consider replacing it. With severe damage to galvanised steel structures such as retaining walls, replacement of the affected parts is often the only way to restore structural integrity and stability to the structure.
RW Steel is the number one supplier of steel and steel products in Melbourne and our extensive catalogue features galvanised steel posts, retaining wall steel and much more. For a free consultation on how we might be able to help with your steel needs, contact us today or get a free quote directly from our website!