Understanding Options for Corrosion Resistance

Building fastener corrosion can weaken or ruin fastening strength over time causing structural damage. This makes the selection of fasteners crucial. Many factors affect fastener durability, among them: fastener composition, platings and the environment.

Below is a guide to help with your selection of corrosion resistant fasteners.

Fastener Material

The primary way to achieve corrosion protection is selecting the correct fastener material. Fasteners are made from a variety of materials – including steel, aluminum, plastic and more. Yet not all fasteners are created equal and for that reason have different corrosion ratings.

Stainless Steel

For the best corrosion resistance stainless steel is the favored solution. Stainless steel comes in several grades whose properties and corrosion resistance vary with the levels of chromium and nickel in the particular stainless alloy considered.

With its exceptional corrosion resistance, stainless steel is known as a marine grade material – making it commonly seen on jobsites near the water – especially saltwater.

Steel

Fasteners made out of steel are typically plated to help resist corrosion. Platings used include zinc and galvanized – usually hot dip galvanized in exterior or waterside environments.

Although not as resistant as stainless steel, a plated steel fastener can provide some corrosion resistance especially hot dip galvanized.

Location Issues

Material is not the only factor that can affect corrosion. The environment – in what conditions – your fastener will be located can determine if you require corrosion resistant materials.

Corrosion is more likely in outdoor or marine environments, whereas dry indoor environments typically have less corrosive environmental factors.

Additional Coatings

In industries outside of general construction, specific coatings can be applied to surfaces and fasteners to help prevent corrosion. One of the main coatings is galvanizing.

Galvanizing is a coating involving the application of a layer of zinc to a surface. When people hot dip galvanize a fastener or piece of metal, they apply a thicker layer to the surface resulting in excellent corrosion resistance.

Zinc Plating

Zinc is a common material used in plating but is only fairly corrosion resistant. If exposed to marine environments or damaged it will rust. If corrosion is something you worry about in your fastening, zinc plating is not recommended.

Want to Know More About Corrosion Resistance?

If you want to gather more information regarding the best practices for preventing corrosion on your fastenings, contact the fastener experts at Allfasteners.

Our decades of hands-on experience in a vast array of industries help to make us America’s destination for quality advice. So, call or email one of representatives now, and get the answers you need.