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 or 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 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 an 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.

Once you understand how hot-dip galvanizing protects rebar and extends the life of a structure, the next natural question is a practical one: what size, grade, or type of galvanized rebar does your project actually call for? The following post breaks down the sizes, weights, and forms available so project managers can match the right specification to the job.

An In-Depth Look at Galvanized Rebar Sizes, Grades, and Types

Galvanized rebar is a great option for building projects that need to stay on time and on budget. Rebar repurposes steel rods and wire, fusing them together to make a new material. Because of this, it is both sustainable, durable, and economical.

Why Galvanized Rebar is a Favorite Choice for Project Managers

Galvanized rebar is a favorite choice for transportation infrastructure because it bonds well with concrete. This makes the structure practically indestructible.

Are you concerned about dreaded, expensive delays that can derail your project? With galvanized rebar, you don’t have to worry, because it is easier to transport and more scratch-resistant.

But we understand that is only part of the equation: Project managers must be able to order the custom galvanized rebar sizes and thicknesses they need to ensure that their project meets all specifications for HDG set forth by ASTM.

While galvanized rebar has a few standard sizes that we keep stocked at South Atlantic, it is easy to custom-cut for specific needs.

There’s another added benefit. Galvanized rebar is less expensive to custom order or trim down than other materials. This saves you time, money, and materials.

The Galvanized Rebar Sizes You Need

While we offer galvanized rebar in two standard lengths– 20 ft. and 40 ft.– we can easily customize it to meet any of your specifications. We’re able to achieve this because we can fabricate the bars either before or after they are galvanized.

There are also different weights of rebar. These different weights ensure you don’t have to pay for thicker coatings when they aren’t necessary for your project. At the same time, you can be sure that the rebar you purchase from South Atlantic meets all of the HDG specifications for ASTM A1094 and A767 Type 2, providing corrosion protection to withstand the elements for tougher projects.

The grade of the rebar also factors into the strength of the end product. It indicates the yield strength of the product, which is the minimum amount of weight the rebar can handle before it begins to bend or warp. All of our grades follow the standards set by ASTM International.

Learn more about our American-made galvanized rebar sizes.

Different Rebar Sizes in Action

Once you know the galvanized rebar sizes and specifications your project needs, you have to decide what form you want your galvanized rebar to take.

Thinner weights may be produced in long wires that are coiled for easy transportation, delivery, and use. Thicker coatings are often formed into heavy bars or rebar rods. It can also be formed into bracket or U-shaped reinforcements. We can shape it to fit any project need.

For example, a highway foundation calls for a thickly coated rebar. It needs to form a strong bond with the concrete around it and withstand the heaviest vehicles passing over it. The best option will be a galvanized rebar of a higher grade with a thicker coating, formed into strong, supporting rebar rods. 

But thinner rebar could be used to simply strengthen concrete without being part of the essential foundation. This rebar can be formed into a coil that is easy for your team to roll out into concrete as it is being laid without needing heavy equipment to do so.

South Atlantic Is Your One-Stop Shop for Galvanized Materials!

At South Atlantic, we are galvanized rebar experts. Not only can we create galvanized rebar in any size and shape you need, but we can also take your fabricated steel rods and galvanize them for you. This is why we are considered the best resource for galvanized building materials by our customers.

With quality materials from South Atlantic, you’ll secure your reputation for excellence, foster client loyalty, and have more opportunities to work on additional projects.

Learn more about our history or contact our team today for help starting an order for your next project. With our on-time delivery guarantee, you can confidently partner with us for your building projects. Fill out a form to get started.

Choosing the right size and grade only pays off if the material actually shows up on site complete, correctly tagged, and on schedule. That’s where the supplier relationship becomes just as important as the specification itself. Here’s what to look for—and why South Atlantic has built its reputation on solving exactly this problem.

Why South Atlantic Is Your Leading Galvanized Rebar Supplier

When pre-formed galvanized rebar arrives at your work site missing pieces or is tagged incorrectly, you face great liability. Your entire project could be shut down or derailed while you scramble to meet deadlines.

At South Atlantic, we understand your timetable and your desire for quality. For more than 50 years, we’ve been the leading galvanized rebar supplier in the industry, which is why we have so many leading national companies as loyal customers that trust us with their biggest projects.

We’ll introduce you to the many advantages of working with South Atlantic as your galvanized rebar supplier, what you can expect when you work with us, and a quick overview of our history as a leader in the industry.

Reasons You Should Trust South Atlantic As Your Leading Galvanized Rebar Supplier

South Atlantic Leads in Quality–Providing the Best Materials for Your Job

We meet the most stringent standards in the industry, meeting both ASTM A767 type 2 and ASTM A1094 specs.

We also use our proprietary air-wipe technique that provides a thicker coating. This means that it can be bent easily without flaking. The air-wipe technique provides a thicker coating that is superior to continuously coated rebar.

Don’t Worry About Your Deadlines: South Atlantic Delivers

There are few things as stressful as waiting on your parts to arrive when you’re on a tight schedule with your project. South Atlantic’s track record demonstrates the material will be delivered on time in order for you to meet your deadline. In addition, on established accounts, most orders ship in 48 hours or less.

We always maintain minimum inventories of the most commonly used lengths and sizes of rebar. This means we’re always prepared to ship them to your location. In addition, we ship all over the United States, and you can count on us for absolutely reliable delivery dates.

We know that your project is only successful when you have the right materials to do the job.

We Have Decades of Expertise as a Galvanized Rebar Supplier

With 50 years in the industry, we’ve been producing quality air-wiped, pre-galvanized rebar longer than anyone else in the industry. This is just one facet of what makes us the leading galvanized rebar supplier.

After all, we’re galvanizers first. This means we have expertise in galvanized rebar that you won’t find in the larger mills.

We also understand the complexity of production and the multiple points of failure that can occur if you’re working with multiple vendors. Let us do it all for you: We have the experience and track record to prove it.

Why is Galvanized Rebar the Best Choice when Corrosion Resistance is Required?

Galvanized rebar offers a tough, damage-resistant coating that withstands jobsite abuse and can be stored outside, as it is impervious to UV damage. Core samples taken from bridge decks poured 50+ years ago show many decades of remaining corrosion protection.

Our air-wiping process provides an affordable true hot-dip galvanized rebar that you can ship directly to the job site from your shop, knowing everything is on the truck and tagged correctly—plus, you will never get a call to come to touch up bars at the job site.

When compared to epoxy coated rebar, galvanized rebar is the clear winner. Want a side-by-side comparison? Take a look at this detailed study by the American Galvanizers Association.

When You’re Worried About Quality and Deadlines, Let South Atlantic Take Care of the Details

We know there are a lot of galvanized rebar suppliers out there. But are they galvanizers first, offering the expertise that comes with “boots on the ground” experience? Do your parts get mixed up at the galvanizer?

These are several points of failure that can not only hurt your project but also damage your reputation. This makes it harder for you to get future jobs—and it’s very difficult to build back that reputation once it has been lost.

South Atlantic has the solutions you need. From decades of experience to innovative processes, see why we’re the leading galvanized rebar supplier in the United States. Request a quote to get started.

A dependable supplier keeps a project moving, but the material itself is what determines how much time and money that project ultimately costs. Below is a closer look at the specific ways galvanized rebar pays for itself, from the loading dock through decades of service.

Five Reasons Galvanized Rebar Saves Time & Money, Now & Later

In Part One of our three part series on galvanized rebar, we shared why galvanized rebar has become the first choice for infrastructure projects. In Part Two, we put together five reasons that galvanized materials save you time and money, both now and in the future.

At South Atlantic, we take great pride in only offering the best for your building projects. Here’s why galvanized rebar is the smartest investment:

1. Galvanized Rebar is Easy to Transport Without Special Handling

Unlike epoxy coated rebar, galvanized rebar is strong and tough. It is not easily damaged and maintains its integrity even when scratched. You can bundle, load, transport, and deliver galvanized materials, like rods or wire sheets of rebar, without any special handling.

This saves time and money in many ways:

• Faster load and unload times reduce labor costs.
• No-fuss transportation makes quick delivery easier. No special trucks or packaging required.
• Products arrive intact, rather than compromised by damage. This means work can begin immediately after the materials arrive on site.
• Galvanized rebar doesn’t need micromanaging. Less reliance on communication means less room for error. If your crew does not understand how fragile the epoxy coated rebar is when it arrives, they may unload it without proper care. The same scenario would not hurt the galvanized materials.

2. Galvanized Materials Can Handle Any Weather

When you have a big construction or infrastructure project to complete, time is money. You don’t want to budget for lost time. But you can spend days waiting for the right temperature and weather conditions to install epoxy coated rebar.

Epoxy coating can crack in temperatures under 50 degrees. This cold intolerance limits when repair or construction projects can happen in northern regions. It also makes project delays more likely, as unexpected changes in weather could threaten any epoxy coated rebar still exposed to the elements.

By contrast, galvanized materials can handle any temperature and any weather. Need to repair a northern interstate during slow traffic hours, when temperatures are cooler? Not a problem. The zinc coating can handle even extreme temperatures. This means you can work with the materials year-round, and never worry about weather inconsistencies.

3. Less Overlap Reduces Material Costs

Because epoxy coated rebar has a hard time bonding to concrete, a higher percentage of the material needs to be touching concrete to ensure it is secure. When working on a project of extensive length, multiple rebar units in a row are used to span and support it. When placing these units, a certain amount of each one must overlap the previous one to provide proper support. This is the “overlap length.”

Epoxy’s weak bond to concrete means that at least 20% more overlap length is required per unit to create stability. When building a long structure such as a bridge deck, this adds up quickly. The only way to ensure a structure supported by epoxy coated rebar will maintain its integrity is to overlap large sections of each unit. This means you have to pay even more money to compensate for inferior material.

Galvanized rebar has a naturally strong bond to concrete, one that stands the test of time. This means it does not need extra overlap length to stay in place. Less overlap length means less materials needed to complete the same job, but with even greater dependency.

4. No Wasted Time on Extra Maintenance or Repairs

Liberty Bridge is a one-of-a-kind curved walkway that overlooks the Reedy River Falls in Greenville, South Carolina. When planning the impressive structure, the architect asked that the reinforced steel and bridge cables be hot-dip galvanized before construction. He stated,

“I want this bridge to stand for as long as possible without any maintenance to the concrete deck or corrosion of the steel reinforcement.”

The bridge is so impressive in its design, strength, and durability, it has become an emblem of the city and transformed public interest in it as a tourist destination.

If Liberty Bridge was always in disrepair or under construction, Greenville may still be a sleepy town in South Carolina. Even if you are not looking to build a new national attraction, the practical value of investing in material that lasts without needing constant maintenance or micromanaging is easy to understand.

Whether it’s for pleasure, like Liberty Bridge, or for essential daily use, like bridge decks, the less maintenance necessary, the less time and money required to keep it serving its purpose. You can build it, and then trust it to handle its load while directing your time and money elsewhere.

5. With Galvanized Rebar in Place, Future Projects are Faster

Galvanized rebar is not only a smart investment for the current time, but also for the future. Galvanized rebar itself can withstand 100 years of regular use, but the materials surrounding it may not. When those materials wear down, the repair process is easier if the original “bones” are made of galvanized materials.

An example of this in action occurred when the Pennsylvania DOT had to expose part of a bridge deck while replacing a barrier wall on Route 66. When they cut into the bridge deck, they found the corrosion levels of the galvanized rebar to be well above the stable threshold. This allowed them to repour the new barrier wall and repair the exposed section of road over the original rebar.

Being able to make repairs around the original rebar simplifies the long-term maintenance of load-bearing transportation infrastructure. This same concept can apply to other high-traffic structures exposed to the elements, like university buildings, stadiums, or monuments.

Make a Concrete Investment in the Future with Galvanized Rebar

If you want to do a project right the first time, then invest in the right materials. By choosing galvanized rebar, you cut costs on the project itself and protect your investment in building it.

We at South Atlantic are proud to have 50 years of experience offering galvanizing services and wholesale products. As this has been our specialty for decades, we have the strongest understanding of the many practical applications of galvanized materials.

Contact us today to explain the scope of the work and the materials needed, and we can recommend the best options for you. No matter the job, we’ve got you covered.

The time and cost advantages of galvanized rebar aren’t just a construction-phase benefit. They carry through to the design table as well. For engineers and architects deciding what to put on the drawing set in the first place, galvanized rebar solves problems before the first shovel ever hits the ground.

Why Specify Galvanized Rebar? Superior Material at a Competitive Price

Galvanized rebar is a superior construction and building material. It provides strength and durability at a competitive price. Thanks to the galvanization process, galvanized rebar is resistant to corrosion and rusting. This makes it an ideal choice for all types of construction projects. It is available in a wide range of sizes and lengths, so you can find the perfect fit for your project needs.

The strength and versatility of galvanized rebar makes it the obvious choice to include in your project plans. Here’s more about why this material is safe to specify when designing your next build or solution:

Galvanized Rebar: The Problem-Solving Construction Material

An important part of every engineer’s job is to create a design that solves problems. Whether designing a new project or brainstorming a solution for an existing structure, everything comes down to the materials. Choosing the wrong materials for a build can lead to failures during construction and delays in the project. That is why a material like galvanized rebar is an engineer’s best friend!

Galvanized rebar solves many problems. The galvanizing process strengthens the steel, resulting in a tough end-product. The rebar becomes even stronger when used in concrete. This is because the protective zinc coating forms a chemical bond with the concrete that surrounds it. This strengthens both the rebar and the concrete. It can maintain its integrity, even when scratched, and it can handle any weather, making it easy to transport and to use.

The zinc coating has a nice, gray finish, which is aesthetically pleasing as well. This makes it a good choice for projects where the metal will remain exposed. It also makes it a good option for projects like monuments or outdoor staircases, where the visual component of the structure makes a big impact.

The various uses and advantages of galvanized rebar make it an easy choice when designing a project. It will not only perform better than other construction and building materials, but also reduce the need for specifying more of them. By keeping the list of materials simple, your design remains easy to follow and easy to keep within budget.

Plenty of Sizes and Options for Ultimate Versatility

Specifying galvanized rebar in your designs is easy, since the material comes in many sizes and can be customized to suit your needs. It is typically produced in rods of a couple different lengths. But we at South Atlantic can build them according to your specifications by galvanizing them either before or after fabrication.

To make it even easier to stay within budget, galvanized rebar can be produced in several different weights. This means you don’t pay for a thicker coating or heavier material than your project requires. If parts of your design require different sizes and weights of material, galvanized rebar can meet them all. This makes the design and order process that much simpler!

These various options plus the durability mean you can specify the same material for multiple uses in your project. And you don’t have to worry about planning around shipping delays, because our team oversees the entire process for you. This ensures the right materials arrive on time, every time, with no unexpected expenses.

Saving Money and Reducing Waste by Reusing Materials

Another benefit to specifying galvanized rebar in your design projects is that it saves you money in multiple ways. This means you can make your budget go farther! Galvanized rebar’s durability and the self-healing properties of the zinc coating mean the rebar arrives on site ready to use.

Rather than purchasing extra materials or replacements for damaged steel, you can count on the rebar arriving intact. Within construction projects, galvanized rebar’s symbiotic relationship with concrete means the rebar rods do not need to overlap to create a strong structure. This means you can order much less material to accomplish the same goal.

Galvanized rebar is a resilient material that holds up over time. As some construction companies and engineering firms start to receive funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, there is an increased interest in prioritizing sustainable materials over others. Galvanized rebar reduces waste and energy costs because it rarely needs repairs or maintenance. It is also a great choice for alternative energy projects because of its ability to withstand extreme conditions without rusting.

Finally, this galvanized material can help you cut costs on your projects because any leftover rebar is easier to repurpose than other materials.

Galvanized Rebar Made to Order that Supports American Manufacturers

Specifying galvanized rebar for your design projects is a great choice for many reasons! By making this your go-to material for infrastructure projects, you know you are creating structures that will last for decades without breaking the budget.

To learn more about our galvanized rebar and other materials, you can check out our galvanized steel page here. You can also talk to South Atlantic’s experienced team about how we work with engineers, architects, and designers to help ensure we have what they need for their design projects. Start a conversation and request a quote.

When you work with South Atlantic, you not only help improve America’s infrastructures, you also support American workers by purchasing materials made here by local manufacturers.

No matter what your project needs, we’ve got you covered!