Technical | Methods of Coating | Hot Dip Galvanizing
| Process | After chemical cleaning steel is immersed in a bath of molten zinc at about 450 deg C. An alloying reaction takes place between the steel and zinc forming several layers of protective coating. |
| Strengths | Factory controlled process, independent of weather conditions or site variability. All edges and insides are fully protected. When the coating is damaged, it “self heals”. The only coating with this property. Often described as the ‘honest coating’. If it appears galvanized, it is ! |
| Weaknesses | Only available in one colour. Can only be carried out in galvanizing factory, and hence restricted to bath capacity. |
| Durability | In the most severe environments about 40 years, but 60 to 130 years can be expected in normal environments |
| Cost | £7-10 per m2, dependent on weight, size and quantity of material |
| Health and Safety | Reduces onsite issues of scaffolding, etc Factory controlled process. |
| Environmental | Process controlled by PPC legislation. By-products of process are fully recyclable Zinc is recyclable. Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) rating from Professor Tom Woolley is excellent. |
