How Well Does Galvanized Steel Perform in Extreme Temperatures?

You may already understand the incredible corrosion-resistant benefits of galvanized steel, but have you wondered how it performs in hostile weather? Galvanized steel in extreme temperatures doesn’t lose its protective qualities, something that makes it ideal for projects ranging from buildings to bridges.

This is particularly important in the context of the overall effect of extreme environments on various metals. Temperature changes can cause cracking, warping and issues with the steel’s coating. 

We’ll take a closer look at how well galvanized steel performs in extreme temperatures and provide a more in-depth examination of the impact of extensive heat on the protective zinc coating for which galvanized steel is known. 

At South Atlantic, we are a leading hot dip galvanizer and America’s only manufacturer of stocked, pre-galvanized steel. With more than 2,000 tons ready to ship, our one-stop process streamlines your ordering process. We’ll help ensure you get what you need, when you need it because we understand the importance of staying within budget and meeting the needs of your customers. We invite you to get a quote and discover why so many national brands trust us. 

How Does Extreme Heat Affect Galvanized Steel?

We recommend that the service temperature for hot-dip galvanized steel be lower than 390 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. If exposed to temperatures above this limit for extended periods, the zinc material may begin to peel. The steel’s properties may also change at the molecular level, which can reduce the effectiveness of its corrosion protection.

But this does not mean that the metal has lost all of its corrosion protection. 

Peeling typically only affects the outer layer of zinc. The deeper zinc-iron alloy layers still remain—and are able to continue to provide corrosion protection to the underlying steel. How long will this protection last? It depends upon how thick the remaining coating is. 

When temperatures go above 480 degrees Fahrenheit (250 degrees Celsius), the peeling will accelerate. As a result, these alloy layers can actually separate from the steel. However, this greatly depends upon the original thickness of the zinc coating. 

How Does Extreme Cold Affect Galvanized Steel?

Galvanized steel performs exceptionally well in extreme cold. In fact, hot-dipped galvanized steel has been used in some polar installations…and it has effectively retained its corrosion protection for more than 20 years. There is very little change in the galvanized coating even below freezing and around -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Will Galvanized Steel Wear Down Quicker in Extreme Environments?

If consistently exposed to harsh environments, the galvanized steel will eventually wear down. However, galvanized steel will still outperform untreated steel. Many DOT projects in marine environments or polar installations utilize the longevity of galvanized steel—and these structures have lasted decades longer than other materials. 

One of the reasons is that galvanized steel has extensive self-healing properties. This means if, for some reason, the zinc coating is damaged, it forms zinc oxide. This zinc oxide is able to create another barrier against rust.

Practical Tips for Using Galvanized Steel in Extreme Environments

When it comes to protecting your structure or project, hot-dipped galvanized steel is the best choice. In order to maximize the life of the steel in hostile temperatures, follow these practical tips:

• Use galvanized steel within its recommended temperature limits. Aren’t sure what those are? Simply talk to us and we’ll be glad to help. 
• Properly inspect the galvanized steel.
• Partner with experienced galvanizers like South Atlantic with a reputation for quality galvanized steel. 
• While galvanized materials need less maintenance than other materials, you should still regularly conduct maintenance as a safeguard and to help ensure your project will last. 
• Evaluate the thickness of the zinc coating—if your project is going to be in an extreme environment, you’ll want a thicker zinc coating. 

South Atlantic Galvanized Steel: See Why We’ve Been Trusted By National Companies for Decades

We are a firm believer in the powerful quality of galvanized steel, and there’s no better material that will help ensure the longevity of your product. This is why we align with ASTM standards. Our 25-point QA process means that you can trust our quality. Consistent and upfront pricing means you can quote with confidence.

Do you have a project that is going to be subject to harsh temperatures? Contact us for a quote to discover how we’ve got you covered.