Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of questions commonly asked by our clients. Please contact us if you have a question about our process that is not answered below.

Why Zinc?

Zinc is a natural and abundantly available element that has been used in construction for millennia. Zinc metal has a number of characteristics that make it a well-suited corrosion protective coating for iron and steel products.

Is Hot-Dip Galvanizing (HDG) environmentally safe?

Yes. Coating steel with zinc through the hot-dip galvanizing process protects it from corrosion, with minimal environmental, economic and social impacts. Not only does hot-dip galvanizing provide decades of maintenance-free longevity, but its primary components, zinc and steel, are natural, abundant, and 100% recyclable, making hot-dip galvanized steel an infinitely renewable building material.

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Isn't galvanizing more expensive than paint?

Depending on the product mix, square feet per ton, and condition of the steel surface, galvanizing is often less expensive on an initial cost basis. However, as with any purchase, the lifetime costs should be considered when making a project decision on the corrosion prevention system to utilize. And, with galvanizing, the life-cycle cost, i.e. the cost per year to maintain, is almost always less than a paint system. Paint systems require maintenance, partial repainting, and full repainting several times over a 30-year project life. The costs can be staggering, making the decision to paint a costly one in the long run.

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Does Corbec meet INDUSTRY STANDARDS?

Yes. Corbec uses standards and processes that meet the specifications for hot-dip galvanizing issued by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The test results and certificates of compliance for selected specifications are also available, provided the request is made on the original order, delivered before galvanizing.

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Are there any size limits to what Corbec can galvanize?

There are limits to the size of piece that can be accommodated in our kettles, however, it is best to contact us and we can discuss options and solutions. Double-dipping is a progressive immersion procedure for parts that are too large for in a single dip in the kettle. This procedure cannot be used to obtain additional coating.

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Why does the zinc layer appear brighter in some areas and not others?

The chemical composition of the steel used largely determines the final appearance of the galvanized product and the thickness of the coating. Steels produced by foundries have a wide range of compositions, and consequently, the galvanizing results differ.

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How is distortion minimized?

Best practice suggests steel to be galvanized should be symmetrical and of similar thickness. When this is not possible, it is best to consult with the galvanizer. The guidelines for safeguarding against warping and distortion during hot-dip galvanizing of steel assemblies are outlined in ASTM A384

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What is white rust and how can it be avoided?

This term is often used incorrectly instead of the more common term "wet storage stain", which is a slight corrosion and much less serious than white rust. Storage stains can be avoided by storing freshly galvanized steel according to guidelines, avoiding exposing unprotected surfaces to moisture or water, or by applying a surface passivation treatment. These spots will disappear once the galvanized steel is exposed.

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Why do I have to vent my material?

The ventilation holes are required to enable the full flow of liquid when cleaning and during galvanization. Since the material must be fully protected, zinc must circulate freely in all cavities of a part or structure.

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Is it possible to paint galvanized steel?

Yes. Painting done according to standards will extend the service life of galvanized materials.

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Is it possible to request a certain thickness of zinc?

No. The chemical composition of the steel and the condition of the surface will determine the thickness of the zinc coating. An increase in the thickness of the coating will only weaken the top layer of zinc and may result in flaking.

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Why Galvanize?