---
title: How Can I Weatherproof My Steel Fabrications?
description: This article looks at ways to help protect your steel fabrications from weather conditions over time - contact GLW Engineering for expert advice.
image: https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/How%20Can%20I%20Weatherproof%20My%20Steel%20Fabrications.webp
---
Call us: 01945 464 637
[](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/)
# The GLW Engineering Blog
[Structural Steel Fabrication](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/structural-steel-fabrication)
## [How Can I Weatherproof My Steel Fabrications?](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-can-i-weatherproofmysteelfabrications)
A [steel structure ](https://www.glwengineering.co.uk/stainless-steel/)placed outdoors for any length of time will inevitably have to contend with damage from nature and the elements. While steel is, thankfully, all but immune to pests and melting and warping (in normal conditions), rain, wind, and snow can reduce the appearance, surface hardness, and the structural integrity of exposed steel over time.
## [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/c55ad615-a14e-4146-a3f3-eb0657c71f57)
In buildings such as stadiums and offices that use vast amounts of steel cladding, decorations, and supports, natural damage can create unsightly metal scars and discolouration. In extreme cases, the safety of the structure (particularly thin, tubular constructions such as rollercoasters and walkways) can be threatened by advanced corrosion.
It's therefore important to make sure your [steel constructions](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/what-types-of-staircase-make-the-best-use-of-steel-fabrication) are fully protected against day-to-day wear and tear.
## What Is The Main Cause Of Weather Damage To Steel?
Steel is vulnerable to a natural process caused oxidisation. Oxidisation produces rusting, flaking, and scaring in many metals. Given enough time, oxidisation can severely weaken unprotected metals left exposed to the elements. This damage is known as metal corrosion. There are many different types of steel corrosion, including surface, pitting, and crevice.
## Oxidisation
Oxidisation occurs when oxygen and steel exchange electrons and ions on a molecular level. The oxygen 'steals' positive electrons from the iron in the steel, replacing them with negative ions. This chemical reaction forms iron oxide, or rust, which sits on the exposed area and builds with time. Certain geographical areas, such as the seaside, coastline, and rainy land, are more vulnerable to metal corrosion than others due to the chemical makeup of the air.
Oxidisation can occur in water and the earth's atmosphere. However, oxidisation cannot occur without a source of water to aid in the process. Saltwater is particularly conductive to [oxidising iron and steel.](https://www.glwengineering.co.uk/portfolio/) Iron oxides have a red-brown, powdery appearance and flake off as rust advances. If you see your steel structure starting to brown, chip, or blacken over time, it may be suffering from acute oxide corrosion.
## How Can I Prevent Steel Corrosion?
There are several different ways that you can counter corrosion on exposed steelwork. While no method will preserve steel from rusting forever, certain techniques can greatly expand the lifespan of your steel structures.
## Good Design
Prevention is often better than cure. The initial design of your steel framework matters when it comes to preventing rust. Avoiding dust and water traps, providing good drainage breaks, and creating fast airflow around crucial areas of steel exposure can reduce rusting, as well as general staining and tainting from dirt and debris. Regular cleaning and re-coating with protective substances can also stop small-scale outbreaks of steel oxidisation from spreading further.
## Powder Coating And Paint Coating
One of the most common ways to weatherproof steel is to simply give it a new, thick coat of waterproof paint every five to ten years. Powder and paint make it harder for water and air to reach the metal structure, protecting the steel inside. This technique has been used on metal bridges for centuries to shield iron and steel.
## Galvanisation With Hot Zinc
A process called hot-dip galvanisation can be applied to steel that is intended for use outdoors to prevent rusting. It's often used on high-exposure pieces, such as roofing plates, barriers, and external support beams. The finished steel is placed in a bath of molten zinc and then cooled. This galvanises the steel, adding a protective coat to the top of the metal. The zinc acts as a 'decoy' metal, oxidising gradually first to protect the structure of the steel hidden underneath. This can extend the expected lifespan of the piece by up to a century. The galvanised layer itself can be expected to last for up to 50 years.
However, the zinc coating is not a permanent solution to rusting. Once the top layer of oxidisation eats through the zinc, the process will start to destroy any steel exposed underneath. The hot zinc cannot be reapplied easily once the steel is transported and fixed in place.
## Stainless Steel
[Stainless steel](https://www.glwengineering.co.uk/stainless-steel/) is an alloy variant of steel that contains at least c.10% of the elemental metal chromium. Chromium is highly resistant to wear, tainting, and corrosion. Combined with steel, the fused metal alloy is generally immune to oxidisation. While stainless steel is slightly more expensive and less pliable, adding chromium enormously expands the expected lifespan of the steel alloy pieces produced. However, stainless steel will eventually corrode if it is chronically exposed to excessive amounts of water.
## Weatherproofed Steel From GLW Engineering
If you need stainless, galvanised, or treated steel to withstand the wind and rain, [talk to GLW Engineering.](https://www.glwengineering.co.uk/contact/) Our steel fabrications incorporate the protection and planning you'll need to make your construction project a success.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/c55ad615-a14e-4146-a3f3-eb0657c71f57)
Image source: [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/stairs-architecture-gradually-1229149/)
July 08, 2020 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white)
##### Share this entry
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/fdece9bc-51e5-43b3-8faa-397370d93e3c)
### Subscribe to Email Updates
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/a5d320f6-811f-48df-ae6c-a627a63dea3d)
### Latest Posts
- [ **How To Protect Metal Railings From CorrosionApril 01, 2021 - 04:50 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-protect-metal-railings-from-corrosion)
Rust can not only affect the appearance of [metal railings](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-guide-to-railings-handrails), but also their structural integrity, posing a potential safety hazard to users. It isn’t just visible corrosion you need to watch out for. If appropriate preventive steps are not taken, rusting may even occur from the inside, seriously compromising the strength of the railings and causing[...]
- [ **How To Avoid Rust On Your Steel BalustradesMarch 25, 2021 - 04:29 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-avoid-rust-on-your-steel-balustrades)
[Steel is an excellent choice of metal for balustrades](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/suitable-type-of-metal-for-outdoor-railings-and-handrails), as it offers decent resistance to rust and tarnishing as well as an eye-catching appearance that is both sleek and contemporary. However, despite its weather resistant properties, steel is not totally free from corrosion, particularly if it is poorly maintained.
- [ **Aluminium Or Steel Balustrades: Which Is The Most Sustainable Option?March 18, 2021 - 04:06 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/aluminium-or-steel-balustrades-sustainable-option)
When you’re choosing balustrades, handrails, and railings for a project, there are many reasons why you may opt for one material over another. For example, you may prioritise appearance, durability, corrosion resistance, or cost, with the decision likely to be influenced by factors such as the location of the metalwork, the environmental[...]
- [ **3 Ways That Shot Blasting Can Improve Your MetalworkMarch 11, 2021 - 03:37 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/3-ways-that-shot-blasting-can-improve-your-metalwork)
Shot blasting is an abrasive ‘blast’ surface treatment that uses round metal shots that are propelled under high velocity,[ commonly to polish a metal substrate, to strengthen it, or to repair damaged metalwork](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/refreshing-equipment-with-shot-blasting) by closing cracks or tiny tears. The force required to propel the particles is achieved using a centrifuge or wheel, spun at high[...]
- [ **Paint Vs Powder Coating For Steel FabricationsMarch 04, 2021 - 03:14 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/paint-vs-powder-coating-for-steel-fabrications)
Surface finishing is vital for coating reactive metals such as steel. Without a suitable finish, oxidation can cause rust to form, which is not only unsightly but also threatens to weaken the structure, hastening its premature failure. Surface coatings are, therefore, more than just a way to improve the aesthetics of a [steel fabricated ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/steel-staircase-fabrication-guide)object, as[...]
- [ **The Latest Trends In Laser Welding And How It Can Save You MoneyNovember 13, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-latest-trends-in-laser-welding-and-how-it-can-save-you-money)
With the rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years, many aspects of manufacture and fabrication will likely be revolutionised in the not-too-distant future. The fully automated laser welding machine, for example, could be on the horizon sooner than you think: able to decide for itself where and how to weld, to identify[...]
- [ **Manufacturing Or Fabrication? What Are The Differences, And Do They Matter?November 06, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/manufacturing-or-fabrication-what-are-the-differences-and-do-they-matter)
To many non-specialists, manufacturing and fabrication are simply two workshop-based processes that use various techniques to assemble or produce metal products. Often, the two terms are used interchangeably, with little awareness of the differences. While many of the methods used in manufacturing and fabrication may be similar, the difference[...]
- [ **How To Guarantee Quality Results From Your Welding & Metal Fabrication ContractorOctober 30, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-guarantee-quality-results-from-your-welding-metal-fabrication-contractor)
The quality of the weld is extremely important in any fabrication project, as it guarantees the integrity, durability, and longevity of any structure. Quality control checks during and after welding are vital to ensure that high standards have been achieved. Any weakness in the weld, from tiny holes to splits or cracks, could be disastrous in the[...]
- [ **Fabrication Using Sheet Metal: Why Thickness Matters For Metal Fabrication ProjectsOctober 23, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/fabrication-using-sheet-metal-why-thickness-matters-for-metal-fabrication-projects)
The fabrication of sheet metal is a highly specialised task, requiring expert knowledge, skills, and equipment. If you’re planning to outsource the architectural steelwork for a civil engineering, commercial, or construction project, it’s vital to employ the services of a competent fabricator who can guarantee high-quality finishing that complies[...]
- [ **What Are The Most Effective Corrosion Prevention Coatings?October 16, 2020 - 04:48 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/what-are-the-most-effective-corrosion-prevention-coatings)
Traditional galvanisation and newer hot zinc spray technologies are standard anti-corrosion treatments for vulnerable metals. However, they may not always be desirable or even necessary. Several other corrosion-resistant treatments are found in the form of coatings. The suitability of these will depend on several factors, such as aesthetics,[...]
### Recent Posts
### Posts by Topic
- [Structural Steel Fabrication (44)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/structural-steel-fabrication)
- [Powder Coating (31)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/powder-coating)
- [Handrailing Fabrication (15)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/handrailing-fabrication)
- [Shot Blasting (13)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/shot-blasting)
- [Metal Fabrication in Norwich (12)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/metal-fabrication-in-norwich)
- [Grit Blasting (6)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/grit-blasting)
- [Soda Blasting (6)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/soda-blasting)
- [Insider (5)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/insider)
- [Sand Blasting (5)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/sand-blasting)
- [Abrasive Blast Cleaning Methods (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/abrasive-blast-cleaning-methods)
- [Balustrade Fabrication (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/balustrade-fabrication)
- [Hot Zinc Spraying (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/hot-zinc-spraying)
- [Plasma Cutting (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/plasma-cutting)
- [Security Gates (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/security-gates)
- [Steel Staircase (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/steel-staircase)
- [Blasting Methods (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/blasting-methods)
- [Security Gates & Barriers (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/security-gates-barriers)
- [Welding (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/welding)
- [Traditional Galvanising (2)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/traditional-galvanising)
- [Vacancies (2)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/vacancies)
- [Bicycle Park (1)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/bicycle-park)
- [Trolleys (1)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/trolleys)
[see all](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-can-i-weatherproofmysteelfabrications#)
Search this site on Google
Search Google
© Copyright - GLW Engineering & Construction Ltd - Developed by [Viscribe Ltd](http://www.viscribe.co.uk)
- [T & C’s](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/t-cs/)
- [Privacy](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/privacy/)
- [Smartwater](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/smartwater/)