Does Galvanized Wire Mesh Rust? - South Atlantic

08 Jul.,2024

 

Does Galvanized Wire Mesh Rust? - South Atlantic

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Whether you&#;re building a new building or repairing an existing highway, you want to guarantee your customers structures will stand the test of time. You want to provide a finished project that is not only durable, but also able to age well visually. When those are the goals you have in mind for any construction, hot-dipped galvanized materials are today&#;s most popular choice.

One galvanized material we are asked about often is hot-dipped galvanized wire mesh. So, we&#;re tackling all your most common questions in one place. From the basics about what projects wire mesh is used for to concerns about its longevity, we cover it all.

What is Galvanized Wire Mesh Used For?

Hot-dipped galvanized wire mesh or hot-dip galvanized welded wire mats are used for similar purposes as galvanized rebar rods. It acts as a strengthening and stabilizing skeleton within a concrete structure. It can also be used for external purposes such as wire fencing, especially in the agricultural space. 

In both construction projects and agricultural environments, it is a popular choice because of its resistance to rust and its durability. Galvanized wire mesh, like other galvanized materials, has self-healing properties because of the zinc coating. This means that minor scratches to the surface do not compromise the integrity of the material. 

Its ability to withstand small surface scratches and still heal is what makes galvanized wire mesh a great choice for all types of construction projects exposed to natural elements that could cause small scratches or corrosion to happen over time. This ability to handle minor wear and tear well also makes it a safer investment for construction projects, as there will be no time or money lost.

When is Galvanized Wire Mesh a Good Choice, and Why?

As is clear from the above, this wire mesh is a versatile building material. Unlike regular wire mats, it can withstand extreme elements while maintaining its strength and its silver appearance. Those are the main reasons it works for projects exposed to harsh environments, but let&#;s look closer at why it is such a popular option for use within other materials.

Within concrete, galvanized wire mesh does more than form and support the structure. It actually strengthens it! This is because the zinc coating forms a chemical bond with the concrete around it. Zinc molecules enter the concrete, strengthening not only the bond between the wire and the concrete, but also strengthening the concrete itself. 

Additionally, galvanized wire mats can be used with other galvanized materials such as galvanized rebar rods, making for a complete galvanized structure.

Does Galvanized Wire Mesh Rust?

The biggest reason to use galvanized wire mesh instead of regular mesh is because it does not rust. The self-healing properties we mentioned earlier mean that the mesh literally protects itself from corrosion.

When the zinc coating comes into contact with water, it reacts by building up extra protection for itself. This protection increases its rust and corrosion resistance. This positive chain reaction also means that a scratch in one area does not become the beginning of an entire section of mesh being compromised. Because the damage is stopped before it starts, the structure remains intact and not affected by the small amount of water that may touch the scratched area.

This positive chain reaction occurs whether the mesh is within concrete or standing on its own. It is the zinc itself that creates this reaction, not the bond to the concrete. So, even exposed galvanized rebar or mesh would benefit from the same reaction. That&#;s something that regular or epoxy-coated rebar and mesh can&#;t do.

How is Galvanized Wire Mesh Sold?

Galvanized wire mesh can be bought both in rolls and in sheets, or mats. There are various sizes, which describe how large the squares forming the mat are. Which style of mesh and which size is best for you will depend on the nature of your project.

South Atlantic Has the Galvanized Materials You Need, In Every Size for Every Budget

We at South Atlantic sell galvanized wire mesh in various sizes, along with galvanized rebar rods and other galvanized materials. Our sales teams have years of experience working with builders and project managers and can help you order the exact combination of materials you need for your build or project. You can learn more about our galvanized wire mesh and rebar here.

Are There Examples of Galvanized Wire Mesh in Action?

Yes, in fact, galvanized wire mesh is part of one of the most recognizable structures in the world: The Sydney Opera House. The International Zinc Association shares this about the construction of the Opera House on their website.

&#;The sails of the Opera House are made of pre-cast rib segments, some weighing up to 15 tons each. Galvanized mesh was exclusively used in the manufacture of these precast segments to provide long-term corrosion protection and to minimize the risk of cracking and rust staining of the gleaming white ceramic cladding tiles.

After nearly 40 years exposure to salt spray and high humidity, the sail panels have shown no signs of deterioration though other concrete elements in this massive structure which were black steel reinforced have needed significant rehabilitation.&#;

The Sydney Opera House is one powerful example of a project that chose galvanized wire mesh to protect both the integrity and the aesthetics of the end result. When the right materials are used from the beginning, the investment continues to prove its worth with every passing year.

Over 50 Years of Experience Serving Builders and Project Managers Across the Southeastern US

Whether you are building a structure meant to inspire future generations or simply looking for a durable building material for your next project, galvanized wire mesh is a great option. If you have more questions about this material or need help deciding which size and type are right for your project, you can reach out to our team through our contact form here: southatlanticllc.com/galvanized-steel/contact.

As a premier galvanizing company that has served the Southeastern US for over fifty years, we know how stressful project deadlines are and how tight budgets can get. That is why we are proud to handle every step of the fulfillment process for you. All you have to do is call or contact us to place your order, then we take it from there. From our competitive pricing and large stock of galvanized materials to our internal management of the delivery, you can rest assured you&#;ll have what you need when promised, for the price you were originally expecting.

Are you interested in learning more about odm galvanized steel wire mesh? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

We&#;ve got you covered, every step of the way.

Galvanized Mesh Fencing - Here's Some Important ...

Galvanized Mesh Fencing

When you are planning to erect a galvanized mesh fence you need to make sure that you have the right product for the job. Fortunately, Protective Fencing manufacture and stock a wide range of galvanized steel mesh and welded wire mesh products including:

In order to choose the right product for your project you need to take into account not only the human or animal elements that you wish to control such as preventing stock, human intrusion or health and safety issues but also the climatic elements that will affect the longevity of your fence.

And the principle concern here is corrosion. This is the formidable, silent enemy of all things metallic because, as Neil Young tells us, &#;rust never sleeps&#;.

What standards govern the galvanized steel process?

Australia and New Zealand are well armed with standards that outline the appropriate use of steel and the ideal galvanizing process for those critical fencing areas. It is important that you build your fence in accordance with these guidelines and so you either need to spend some time understanding the requirements or seek expert advice.

If you fail to do this you may end up with fencing that is subject to premature failure leaving you liable to expensive replacement costs, security and animal control issues, and even prosecution under health and safety legislation.

An understanding of the AS & AS/NZS standards, in particular the AS/NZS .2 Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings &#; Part 2: Hot dip galvanizing, AS/NZS , and AS is pivotal here. These three standards cover the design, durability, and manufacturing processes involved in the manufacture of galvanized steel mesh products.

Fortunately, recent revisions have made the standards considerably easier to follow so let&#;s look at some of the key elements that will help you choose the right product for the maximum durability of your fence.

How does galvanizing prevent corrosion?

Galvanizing protects the underlying steel in three ways:

  1. By providing a physical barrier of zinc and zinc carbonate preventing corrosive substances from reacting with the underlying steel.
  2. The zinc, thanks to its greater reactivity, protects the underlying metal by corroding before iron.
  3. The zinc functions as a sacrificial anode so that even if the coating is scratched, the exposed steel will still be protected by the zinc cathodic reaction.

In normal conditions galvanising can provide corrosion protection for the steel core for up to 50 years, or more in arid areas. However, in rural, industrial, and marine environments pollutants including herbicides, sulphur compounds, and high salt content can rapidly increase the corrosion rate of zinc and reduce the life of the fence.

It&#;s important to remember that corrosion rates are also affected by a number of other factors such as rainfall, humidity, temperature, and the thickness of the zinc coating. For example, whereas heavy rainfall can increase corrosion rates in dry conditions, it can however significantly reduce corrosion rates in a highly corrosive marine or industrial environments.

Australian corrosion zones

Rust never sleeps but it is definitely more active under certain conditions and corrosion friendly conditions can significantly reduce the life of your fence.
The standard AS helpfully divides Australia into six corrosion zones: C1 very low (such as dry indoors) ranking as the least corrosive to CX (severe surf shoreline) being the most corrosive.

How long will my fence last?

Remember that a number of factors will influence the lifespan of your fence including humidity, temperature, and exposure to salts. Prevailing winds can push corrosive salt-laden air further inland as well.

However, there is a clear linear relationship between the thickness of the zinc coating and the duration before the wire mesh will require maintenance. Below are some examples (based on information from the Galvanizers Association of Australia) to express this in easy to understand terms:

  • Steel with a galvanized coating thickness of 85 µm in a C2 environment will last between 30 to 50 years before maintenance is required
  • Steel with a galvanized coating thickness of 85 µm in a C4 environment &#; 20 to 40 years before maintenance is required
  • Steel with a galvanized coating thickness of 85 µm in a C5 environment &#; 10 to 25 years before maintenance is required
  • Steel with a galvanized coating thickness of 85 µm in a C6 environment &#; 5 to 10 years before maintenance is required

Protective fencing can produce a wide range of galvanized steel mesh with varying wire types and surface coatings to suit every application.

Getting the best out of your fence

Galvanized steel mesh panels are some of the best fencing products available for Australia&#;s tough conditions; galvanizing has been protecting steel for 140 years with outstanding success. With the right product for the conditions, correctly installed and maintained, your galvanized steel fence will last for many decades.

Periodic maintenance inspections will quickly expose areas of damage that may need attention. This is particularly true where galvanized mesh panels are subject to harsh treatment or conditions.

Regular rainfall can help reduce the effects of high salt deposition or the presence of pollutants or aggressive chemicals but a regular cleaning programme may be appropriate in certain situations to prolong the life of galvanized steel sheets.

Successful fencing always starts with the right knowledge and expert advice. Come and talk to the friendly experts at Protective fencing &#;we are one of Australia&#;s leading providers of galvanized steel mesh and wire mesh products.

Updated 18/11/

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