An 31.2 Care and Maintenance of Hot Dip Galvanizing

ADVISORY
NOTE #31
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF HOT
DIP GALVANIZING
Issue 2: March 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Care and Maintenance of Hot Dip Galvanizing ____________________________________________1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________________ 1
pH Levels ______________________________________________________________________________ 1
Bimetallic Corrosion _____________________________________________________________________ 1
Protection of the Patina __________________________________________________________________ 1
Recommended Cleaning __________________________________________________________________ 2
Regular Washing ________________________________________________________________________ 2
Correct Staorage ________________________________________________________________________ 2
Repair of Damaged Areas _________________________________________________________________ 2
This Advisory Note is intended to keep readers abreast of current issues and developments in the field of galvanizing. The Galvanizers
Association of Australia has made every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate, however its accuracy, reliability or
completeness is not guaranteed. Any advice given, information provided or procedures recommended by GAA represent its best
solutions based on its information and research, however may be based on assumptions which while reasonable, may not be applicable
to all environments and potential fields of application. Due and proper consideration has been given to all information provided but no
warranty is made regarding the accuracy or reliability of either the information contained in this publication or any specific
recommendation made to the recipient. Comments made are of a general nature only and are not intended to be relied upon or to be
used as a substitute for professional advice. GAA and its employees disclaim all liability and responsibility for any direct or indirect loss
or damage which may be suffered by the recipient through relying on anything contained or omitted in this publication.
ADVISORY NOTE #31
Care and Maintenance of Hot Dip Galvanizing

INTRODUCTION
The following information offers some guidance on the general care and maintenance of hot dip galvanized
steel products.
pH LEVELS
Avoid long periods of exposure of your galvanized steel product to environments where the pH is below 6
and above 12. Outside the range of pH 6-12 the galvanized coating can suffer greater corrosion than normal.
BIMETALLIC CORROSION
Avoid direct contact of your galvanized steel product with dissimilar metals, such as brass and copper,
particularly in corrosive environments. Where dissimilar metals are to be used together ensure that there is
an insulator between the dissimilar metal and the galvanized product. For recommendations on appropriate
isolators contact the GAA.
Figure 1: Good isolation of a stainless steel bolt seperated from the galvanized structure by a nylon washer to mitigate
the effects of bimetallic corrosion
PROTECTION OF THE PATINA

Do not constantly abrade clean your galvanized product and, where possible, avoid abrasive washing of your
galvanized product altogether. One of the ways in which galvanizing protects steel from corrosion is by the
development of a thin barrier film of insoluble zinc corrosion products (known as a patina) on the outer
surface of the galvanized steel through exposure to the atmosphere. Abrasive cleaning will wash away this
protective patina and the galvanized article will have to build up this barrier protection again, consuming
more of the zinc. Constant abrasive cleaning will consume the zinc more quickly and therefore may reduce
the life of your galvanized steel product.
Care and maintenance of hot dip galvanizing Page 1

ADVISORY NOTE #31
RECOMMENDED CLEANING
Galvanizing may be cleaned using a water-based emulsifier, alkaline-based cleaners with a pH of 12 or lower
or organic solvents. The area should then be rinsed with fresh water and swiped clean with a soft cloth.
Please consult the your galvanizer or the GAA if you have any concerns in regards to cleaning your product.
REGULAR WASHING
For galvanizing products situated in a highly corrosive environment eg. coastal, heavy industrial, etc it is
recommended the product be rinsed with potable water on a regular basis, particularly under sheltered
conditions (i.e. not exposed to rain and sun). This will remove any corrosive products that will build up on the
surface of the galvanizing over time.
Figure 2: Build up of white rust in a sheltered, unwashed area
CORRECT STORAGE
Avoid long term storage of any galvanized product in damp and poorly ventilated conditions. Ensure the
storage location is dry and there is effective ventilation. This will prevent the build up of white rust.
REPAIR OF DAMAGED AREAS

If there is physical damage to the galvanized coating of the product (e.g. coating is chipped or damaged after
galvanizing has taken place), it is recommended that the damaged area be repaired by one of the
recommended methods specified in Section 8 of AS/NZS480.
Galvanizers Association of Australia T: +61 3 9654 1266

Level 5, 124 Exhibition Street E: [email protected]
Melbourne, VIC, 3000 W: www.gaa.com.au
Australia Life Cycle Cost: http://lccc.gaa.com.au
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ADVISORY

Care and Maintenance of Hot Dip Galvanizing

PROTECTION OF THE PATINA

Care and maintenance of hot dip galvanizing Page 1

Figure 2: Build up of white rust in a sheltered, unwashed area

REPAIR OF DAMAGED AREAS

Galvanizers Association of Australia T: +61 3 9654 1266

Care and maintenance of hot dip galvanizing Page 2

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