Galvanized Steel and the Environment

How is galvanized steel manufactured? What areAlthough steel sheets are formed at a temperature
some of the benefits of galvanized steel sheets? Areof almost 1200 degreed Celsius, the galvanizing
galvanized steel sheets bad for the environment?process is done at a relatively lower temperature of
When creating Galvanized steel sheets, the steel200 degrees Celsius. This is a little over 392 degrees
sheets go through a process that is intended to keepFahrenheit.
the steel from corrosion. It is generally beneficial toGalvanized steel can be a very cost effective way
galvanize the steel in circumstances where it isto protect steel from elements that can be harmful
needed to resist rust.to the steel, as the process is extremely cost
A very thin layer of zinc in coated upon the steel.effective. It is easy to create and install, and can be
When the zinc comes in contact with the ironleft without the need of special care.
elements of the steel beneath it, a chemical reactionAs mentioned earlier, the process does not protect
transpires, in which the galvanized coating is created.the steel indefinitely. When rust and corrosion begins
The coating can last as long as forty years. It doesto spread, it will first begin corroding the zinc layer
not remain indefinitely. In very cold or moistbefore the steel beneath it. For this reason,
environments, galvanizing helps to protect the steelgalvanized steel is no longer used in creating pipes on
from the elements. Although the coating is not thick,residential, as well as commercial buildings, as
the galvanizing is so protective of the steel sheetscorrosion while transpire over time. This will require
beneath it, that it can withstand small nicks andthe pipes to be replaced. This can be very costly,
scratch to the zinc coating, while still protecting theand easily avoided by using material that does not
steel underneath.run the risk of corrosion.
There are many things that can be done toMany buildings are now being built with galvanized
galvanized steel, however, when welding, we muststeel. These include office buildings, warehouses as
be careful. The zinc fumes created by the weldingwell as newly built garages.
process can have a detrimental effect on onesGalvanized steel sheets are an important, and highly
health. Although there is no conclusive proof, there isused metal that help in many ways. It is specifically
reason to suspect it can be harmful to thehelpful in climates that have a high level of moisture in
environment as well.the environment.