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Basic Use of Galvanized Steel in Construction

It is used in manufacturing globally for products that are exposed to moisture and adverse weather conditions. Examples of its use are building materials, automobiles, fencing, and household appliances.

Author: Jake Hyet
Date: Dec 16, 2014 - 12:50:01 AM

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Well, first off let's state what galvanized steel is. This is steel that has been treated with a rust-resistant zinc coating. It can take the form of sheets, rolls or tubes, and is obtainable in many thicknesses and strengths. It is used in manufacturing globally for products that are exposed to moisture and adverse weather conditions. Examples of its use are building materials, automobiles, fencing, and household appliances. Here are some ways in which galvanized steel is used in construction:

As you can probably guess the construction industry is one of the biggest users of galvanized steel. This material has been turned into support beams, handrails, piping, barriers, and also used for heating and air conditioning duct work. In some locations metal roofing is frequently used because of its durability, rust-resistance, and ability to tolerate extreme weather conditions. Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs can take a battering by heat and hail. Plus it is lightweight, recyclable, fire-resistant, and essentially maintenance free, and not difficult for steel fabricators to make.

In the past, it was normal for most homes to use galvanized steel pipes for their water lines. This practice has basically stopped now, because minerals in the water can build up and clog the pipes. However, there is still some piping you can get to replace parts in older plumbing, but at present these steel pipes area mostly used for handrails and support pipes for metal fences, awnings and canopies. Steel tubing is also used for chain link fencing.

Homes situated in climates which endure large amounts of snow or ice are more apt to have gutters made from steel than vinyl or other alternative materials. Steel gutters are longer lasting and stronger, making them less likely to bend or break from the weight of winter snow or ice. There are now also strainers and screens made from steel which can be used to keep leaves from filling the gutters, eliminating the need for regular cleaning.

As for steel buildings, they are fairly low-cost construction. They are strong, but weigh much less than traditional building materials, so they have a lower foundation load. Generally steel buildings are built to accommodate any exterior finish material, so the building can be made to blend in with the neighborhood architecture.

Other big consumers of this material are the automobile and aircraft manufacturing industries. Steel fabricators make sheets of hot dipped steel which are used for the roof, seats, oil pans, parking brakes and spring housings. Deep drawing steel is perfect for hoods and fenders. A big plus from using this lightweight material is that it can be cut and shape by the end user during the manufacturing process.

Galvanized steel is used for outdoor grates, which are often used for industrial walkways and road grate covers. And you might not know this, but galvanized sheets are also used in electronic appliances, precision instruments, and computers.

Biography:

Jake Hyet is considered an expert on galvanized metro steel and most other types, having worked as a metro steel fabricator for more than a decade. He writes articles about the steel industry.

View all articles by Jake Hyet

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