Maximizing Success on Your Project with Hot-Dip Galvanized Rebar’s Unique Properties.

All steel will eventually corrode and when corrosion strikes, disasters occur. Rust eats away at structures, compromising their integrity. When steel rebars in concrete begin to corrode the products of that corrosion have a much greater volume than the steel. This generates tremendous pressure on the surrounding concrete eventually leading to severe cracking and spalling of the concrete and potentially causing massive failures that can be dangerous and deadly. It is crucial that steps be taken to minimize potential damage and Galvanized rebar is a proven, cost effective way of ensuring your projects will safely stand the test of time.

Hot-dip galvanizing coats rebar with a protective layer of zinc, enabling it to withstand rust for 75 years or even more–which is the most beneficial hot-dip galvanized rebar effect. The rebar adds tensile strength to concrete, reinforcing it and preventing cracks that would make the project disintegrate over time.

But the benefits don’t end there. While galvanization might require a bit more up-front cost, it saves money on maintenance costs and increases the lifespan of the project—particularly in harsh marine or industrial environments.

At South Atlantic Reinforcing, our galvanized materials meet the ASTM Standards, meaning you won’t have to worry about flaking or cracking. With an extensive inventory, we can easily ship to all 50 states. We invite you to see why we’ve been trusted by large, national companies for more than 50 years. Contact us for a quote.

Hot-Dip Galvanized Rebar Effects: Comparing to Epoxy

It’s easier to see the power of galvanization when comparing it to another type of protection like epoxy-coated rebar.

What Steps do I Need to Take to Protect Galvanized Rebar’s Long-Term Effectiveness?

Galvanized rebar has a surface that is robust with protective alloy layers that are harder than the underlying steel. and it can easily survive rough job site handling without compromising corrosion resistance. It can be handled the same as black rebar with no need for special slings of other special equipment

Practice Proper Storage Techniques

• Galvanized reinforcing bars should be stored off the ground on protective cribbing, and timbers should be placed between bundles when stacking of the bundles as necessary. Space the cribbing sufficiently close to prevent sagging in the bundles.
• Galvanized reinforcing bars are not affected by UV rays and do not need to be protected from direct exposure. They may be stored outside for extended periods of time without worry

Installing Galvanized Rebar

• Galvanized rebar can be installed using the same best practices and methods in place for installing black rebar. No complicated placing schemes are necessary. Tie wire should be galvanized, and the use of chairs and other placement aids should be restricted to galvanized, plastic or other inert material
• Galvanized rebar should not be installed in direct contact with ungalvanized rebar.  In cases where this is unavoidable, a simple wrap of Dielectric (electricians) tape between bars provides sufficient isolation.
• Steel concrete forms should not be used in conjunction with galvanized rebar.

Does Galvanized Rebar Rust?

All steel rebar will eventually rust, but galvanized rebar will outlast many other materials, protecting projects for 75 to 100 years…and possibly more. These hot-dip galvanized rebar effects are the primary reason it’s chosen over other materials.

Understanding Hot-Dip Galvanized Rebar

During hot-dip galvanizing, rebar is submerged into a molten zinc bath. The zinc metallurgically reacts with clean steel to form an iron/zinc alloy that coats every inch of the piece, forming a bonded protective zinc coating that is harder than the underlying steel.

The Process:

Before the material can be galvanized, it must pass through several steps:

Caustic cleaning: The surface is de-greased and materials such as dirt, and oil are removed. If epoxies or other paints have been used, they must be removed in a separate step which will add to the cost.

Pickling: This is most commonly done with a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid  which removes any scale and rust from the steel’s surface.

Fluxing: This removes oxides, and also prevents other oxides from developing on the surface before immersion in the zinc bath.

Galvanizing: The material is immersed in a 850 degree molten zinc bath where it remains until the steel normalizes to the bath temperature, an indication that the alloy layer is fully formed.  When the object cools, it’s inspected as part of our rigorous quality assurance process.

Quenching: A water filled tank is often incorporated immediately after the zinc bath to rapidly cool the material to facilitate handling of the hot material. Since all US galvanized rebar standards require post galvanizing chromate treatment of the bar this is usually done by adding chromate to an existing quench tank.

Hot-Dip Galvanizing Rebar: Beyond Corrosion Protection

We’ve discussed how galvanized rebar is corrosion-resistant to be sure your projects last for decades. But did you also know…

• Galvanizing is environmentally responsible.
• It significantly lowers maintenance costs. Corroding rebar can equal constant and costly repairs. Galvanized rebar does not need the continual maintenance.
• It’s cost-effective, creating a true economic value.
• It’s an excellent choice for artistic endeavors.

South Atlantic: We Have You Covered With Reliable Service and Quality Galvanized Rebar

Hot-dipped galvanized rebar is an essential element to the success of your project. When you want something that will last and has a proven track record of reliability, galvanized rebar is the best choice.

We can coat rebar to meet all ASTM and International standards for galvanized rebar  and can easily ship to all 50 states as well as export via the port of your choice In addition, you can benefit from our innovative A767 type 2 air-wiped reinforcing bar.

We have been producing this true hot dip bendable galvanized bar for fabrication since 1986, and keep inventory on all popular sizes in inventory for immediate shipment. Our proactive service means you can count on our delivery dates—and there won’t be any surprise bills.

See why leading, national companies have trusted us for over 50 years. At South Atlantic Reinforcing, we’ve got you covered. Contact us for a quote.