22 Jan How to Prevent Structural Steel from Rusting

Structural steel is an inherently robust, resilient and durable material. It can be used for years without its physical properties compromising; structural steel beams, columns and steel frame buildings can withstand almost anything. 

However, regardless of which form your structural steel products take, they are all susceptible to rust. Rust is mostly unavoidable, but you can do things to prevent it from damaging the quality of your steel and help your steel last longer. We’ve created this short guide to give you some guidance on avoiding and treating rust on structural steel.

What is Rust?

Rust is a form of iron oxide. Iron combines with oxygen in the air and subsequently corrodes, in the form of an orange-brown discolouration which appears on the surface of metals, including steel.

What Causes Rust?

Another primary catalyst for rust is water. Whenever you have iron (and its alloys), oxygen and water present, you will get rust. 

While steel buildings and beams are structurally sound and stable, water molecules can penetrate those microscopic, near-invisible gaps within the steel. Once they creep within the metal, it starts to corrode slowly. Where salt is present – in seawater, for example – the corrosion process will be quicker.

Problems Caused by Rust on Structural Steel

Rust can cause any structural or mild steel product to expand slightly, which can place additional stress on the product. What’s more, the surface on the steel will start to become flaky.

Rust is not something that you should ignore, as it can have a detrimental effect on structural steel products. Too much rust will make the structural channel more fragile and affect its durability and strength in the long run.

Preventing rust in the first place, where possible, is tremendously important if you want your steel products to last as long as possible. As far as making your steel look aesthetically pleasing, mainly if it’s used outdoors in rainy or humid weather, there are several things you can do. We have outlined the best ways to prevent structural steel from succumbing to rust.

How to Prevent Rust on Structural Steel

• Galvanising

Galvanised steel is an excellent solution for preventing rust. The steel product is coated in a zinc layer, which acts as a protective barrier for the metal underneath, against oxygen and water. Zinc is more reactive than iron, so the zinc oxidises, rather than the metal itself. 

• Primer coats

Primers are not to be confused with standard paints. Primers are, typically, a type of coating that you would apply to a surface before the main paint is applied. Some primers contain chemicals and agents which dissolve rust and prevent corrosion.

• Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an alloy which contains approximately 11% chromium. Stainless steel beams, bars and plates, therefore, because of the protective chromium coating, act as a shield against rust and corrosion.

• Bluing

Bluing involves immersing the steel into a solution of water, sodium hydroxide and potassium nitrate. This process helps – typically smaller – steel items from rusting. The blue-black appearance of the finished product is what gives this process its name.

• Powder coats

Powder coating involves adding dry powders to clean surfaces, heating the object and subsequently turning the powder into a thin film. This film adds another layer of protection for structural steel surfaces against corrosion.

• Oil-based coatings

Organic coatings also add a corrosion-protective layer of support, and these are relatively cost-effective as well. Oil-based coatings prevent oxygen and water penetrating through, as oil does not mix with these two elements.

As a general rule of thumb, having your steel frame building, I beam or universal column properly pre-designed will help. Steel experts that take the time to design and plan properly, where the risk of rust and water penetration is minimised, will ensure you’re getting the best possible value.

CE-approved steel fabrication experts such as Baker Steel Trading will ensure that metal joints should be welded where possible, rather than bolted. We always ensure that any products we supply are welded and fabricated to the highest standards, where each one is as protected as can be.

Structural Steel Fabricators and Suppliers

Are you in need of a trusted, reliable steel fabrication company to supply you with the corrosion-protected, high-quality steel product? Look no further than Baker Steel Trading.

To support our clients in the construction industry, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic, we try to help make the entire steel buying process as quick and straightforward as possible. We offer additional services ranging from mobile welding to 3D steel fabrication drawings, as well as surveying, delivering and installing your products on-site. 

Get in touch for a free estimate today.