The saying is true&#;good fences make good neighbors. FenceWorks NW is in the business of helping our customers be the best neighbors possible. If you&#;ve decided to install a new fence in Clark County or replace an old one, it&#;s important to choose long-lasting materials built to withstand the damp climate known to cause dry rot and wreak havoc on timber.
In the Northwest, the two most common fence posts are pressure-treated posts and galvanized posts. To help you choose the right option for you, keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of each type of post.
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First things first, let&#;s define pressure-treated posts. To create wood that is protected from wood rot and insects, lumber is placed in a depressurized holding tank that replaces excess air with a solution of water and chemical preservatives with proven protective qualities. In EPA regulations removed arsenic from the recipe, replacing it with copper azole. This treatment does add years of protection for the posts, but they do not last quite as long as they used to.
While this treatment does not eliminate the potential for wear and tear or corrosion from the elements over time, a pressure-treated post will last far longer than traditional wooden posts. If installed directly into the soil, you can expect a pressure-treated post to last approximately seven years. Installed into a concrete base, a pressure-treated post can last 20+ years. Unlike most companies, FenceWorks NW meticulously hand-trowels every footing, bringing the concrete above grade. This extra step protects your investment and minimizes exposure to dirt that will prematurely rot your fence.
Pressure-treated lumber, while more expensive than natural wood, is less expensive than aluminum, steel, or other building materials. Pressure-treated lumber is also much easier to customize&#;whatever your fence height or style, we can easily cut the post to suit your needs. Some styles of fencing work much better with pressure treated posts vs steel. This is a discussion we are happy to cover at the time of your free estimate.
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It seems like an easy decision when you compare pressure-treated wood and steel fence posts. However, the winner when comparing pressure-treated wood and galvanized steel isn&#;t as clearly defined.
The process of galvanizing steel involves applying a zinc coating to steel, effectively protecting the metal from rust, acid, or erosion. Most galvanized steel posts are created using the hot-dip method, where posts are dipped into molten zinc. Steel that has undergone this process is easily identified by the crystalline pattern of the posts, often referred to as spangle.
There are 4 common options for steel posts; square, round, c-post & post masters (flange style) We help you decide which is best for your style of fence.
When comparing fence post lifespans, the life of a galvanized steel post far outlasts its treated wooden counterpart. In some cases, galvanized steel fence posts can last 50 -70 years with little to no maintenance. The galvanized coating protects the steel underneath, as the elements must first destroy the zinc coating before compromising the strength of the metal. If strength is a concern, steel is virtually indestructible. The metal is fireproof and stable when faced with high winds.
The quality of galvanized steel comes with a heftier price tag than a pressure-treated wood post. Keep in mind, though, that galvanized steel will last two to three times longer than a pressure-treated wood post. When you complete a yearly cost breakdown, galvanized steel comes out ahead. Also remember, a strong fence post strengthens the entire fence. When you choose galvanized steel posts, you minimize the likelihood of incurring fence damage after big storms.
As you make the decision whether to select galvanized steel posts or pressure-treated wooden posts, the choice is largely based on budget. If you need a fence now, but you&#;re not ready to invest in a solution for the next 50 -70 years, a fence with pressure-treated wooden posts is your best option. If you prefer a low-maintenance solution that will last a lifetime, galvanized steel posts are the ultimate choice for your Clark County fence.
We offer free consultations and estimates, so you can weigh your options and choose the fence post solution that&#;s right for your yard and your budget. No matter what you choose, you can be sure that FenceWorks NW&#;s high-quality materials and expert workmanship will result in a long-lasting fence you&#;ll love.
Part of an ongoing series on Galvanized Steel
What is Galvanizing?
Galvanizing, or galvanization, is a manufacturing process where a coating of zinc is applied to steel or iron to offer protection and prevent rusting. There are several galvanizing processes available, but the most commonly offered and used method is called hot-dip galvanizing.
Galvanized steel is among the most popular steel types because of its extended durability, having the strength and formability of steel plus the corrosion protection of the zinc-iron coating. The zinc protects the base metal by acting as a barrier to corrosive elements, and the sacrificial nature of the coating results in a long-lasting and high-quality steel product.
This versatility makes it applicable to a variety of projects and industries, including agriculture, solar, automotive, construction, and so on. Below, we aim to provide a comprehensive description of how galvanized steel is processed, different galvanization methods, its benefits, and how it is used in these various industries.
The steps in the galvanizing process are as follows:
What are the advantages of galvanized steel?
Many different industries utilize galvanized steel primarily because it has such a wide array of benefits for industries to take advantage of, including having:
Low initial cost compared to most treated steels. In addition, galvanized steel is immediately ready to use when delivered. It does not require additional preparation of the surface, inspections, painting/coatings, etc. sparing companies more costs on their end.
Longer life. With galvanization, a piece of industrial steel is expected to last more than 50 years in average environments, and can last over 20 years with severe water exposure. There is no maintenance required. The increased durability of the steel&#;s finished product also increases the product&#;s reliability.
The sacrificial anode ensures that any damaged steel is protected by the surrounding zinc coating. It doesn&#;t matter if the steel section is completely exposed; the zinc will still corrode first. The coating will corrode preferentially to the steel, creating a sacrificial protection to the areas that are damaged.
Rust resistance from the zinc coating. The iron elements in steel are incredibly prone to rusting, but the addition of zinc acts as a protective buffer between the steel and any moisture or oxygen. Galvanized steel is very protective, including sharp corners and recesses that couldn&#;t be protected with other coatings, making it resistant to damage.
Different methods of galvanizing
As stated above, there are several different processes for galvanizing steel.
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Hot-Dip Galvanizing
The first and foremost method for galvanization is hot-dip galvanizing. The process is very similar to what the name suggests! In this method, steel or iron is dipped in a molten pool of zinc that maintains a temperature of around 860°F (460 °C). This molten bath begins a metallurgical bond between the zinc and the receiving metal. After the metal is pulled from the bath, it reacts to being exposed to the atmosphere, and the pure zinc mixes with oxygen to form zinc oxide. The zinc-oxide further reacts to carbon dioxide and forms zinc carbonate, which makes up the final protective coating on the material. The tell-tale sign of a hot-dipped galvanized material is the presence of a crystalline-like pattern on the surface, sometimes referred to as &#;spangle.&#;
The hot-dipped galvanizing method is an economical choice that can be quickly executed on both simple and complex shapes.
The new coated material can be worked and machined in a similar fashion to uncoated materials. Galvanized steel can be used in high-temperature applications up to 392 °F, but use in temperatures exceeding that level will cause the zinc-carbonate layer to peel off.
Galvannealing
Galvannealing is the outcome of combining the annealing and hot-dip galvanizing processes in order to produce a specialized coating on steel. The process of galvanization is performed via hot-dipping and instantaneous annealing, which produces a matte gray finish.
Galvannealed steel is a zinc-iron alloy product, where the base metal is coated by the hot-dip process, then heated to induce alloying between the molten zinc coating and the steel. The resulting finish is a dull matte surface. Galvannealed steel is conducive to welding and the surface is excellent for paint adhesion.
Pre-galvanizing
Also similar to the hot-dip galvanizing method, but performed at the very first stage of production. Pre-galvanizing is a process that involves rolling the sheet metal through a cleaning agent to quickly prime material for galvanizing. Then, the metal is passed through a pool of molten liquid zinc and is immediately recoiled. The primary advantage of this method is that coils of steel sheet can be rapidly galvanized on a large scale with a more unified coating than the traditional hot-dipped method.
Electrogalvanizing
The most unique of these outlined methods, electrogalvanizing does not involve dipping the material in a molten vat of zinc. Instead, an electric current is introduced to an electrolyte solution that is applied to the steel, which reduces positively charged zinc ions to zinc metal &#; which is then deposited on the positively charged steel. Like pre-galvanizing, this method is typically done at the first stage of production.
Galvanizing advanced high-strength steel
For more information about the galvanization process for advanced high-strength steel, as well as our partner National Galvanizing, please click here.
What industries utilize galvanized steel?
Galvanized metals are used everywhere!
The bodies of cars and many bicycles are made from galvanized metals. Some drinking water pipes are still made from galvanized steel. Cool rolled sheet metal is also frequently galvanized. Nuts, bolts, tools, and wires of all kinds are now galvanized because it is a cheap process, and helps boost the metal&#;s lifespan!
Galvanized steel, in particular, is often what is used in modern &#;steel frame&#; buildings. Galvanized steel is also used to create structures like balconies, verandahs, staircases, ladders, walkways, and more. Galvanized metal is the ideal choice if your project will live outside after it&#;s done. Fences, roofs, outdoor walkways, these are all great choices for galvanized metal!
Well, there you have it! With our partner Heidtman Steel, National Galvanizing runs a 245,000-square-foot facility, featuring pickling, galvanizing, galvannealing, and slitting, all in one location, convenient to major markets. This combination of capabilities provides our customers with unparalleled responsiveness to meet the ever-changing demands of today&#;s market.
About National Material L.P. &#; With more than 3,000 employees from a multinational portfolio of companies, NMLP provides engineered metal products which include aluminum extrusion and stainless steel rolled product companies to automotive, aerospace, construction, defense, electrical, and industrial markets. Request a Quote Online or give us a call (U.S.) 847-806-