Is it Safe to Cut Galvanized Steel? 5 Things to Know First
Galvanized steel is one of the best-performing construction materials on the market due to its superpower zinc coating. But can you cut galvanized steel? Is there a way to process galvanized steel without hurting its longevity?
Is it Possible to Cut Galvanized Steel?
The short answer is yes. But there are a few things to know before you cut or drill holes in galvanized steel. Understanding these things ahead of time will help you ensure you have galvanized materials that are ready for your project and have the same, original integrity.
If you already know what galvanized steel materials you need, you can contact our team directly to find out what we have in stock and have your order shipped to your job site. Contact our expert team to get started.
1. What Makes Galvanized Steel Special Is Its Coating
Its zinc coating sets galvanized steel apart from other types of steel. This coating is the end result of a process that begins with pickling raw steel in large kettles. After the steel is pickled, it is dipped into a kettle full of molten zinc. As this cools and dries, a hard, often shiny gray-silver coating appears. View a visual illustration of our galvanizing process to understand each step more.
It is important to understand this process before you cut your galvanized steel materials. The zinc coating formed by galvanizing is very special. Due to its chemical makeup, it can seal up any small scratches or nicks that happen through a self-healing reaction. However, a large hole or fracture in the coating, as would be made during drilling or cutting, can compromise this original seal and the integrity of the piece itself.
2. Galvanized Steel is One of the Easiest Durable Materials to Use
When you want to process galvanized steel, it’s comforting to know that steel that has been galvanized is one of the most durable construction materials. The zinc coating we just talked about makes the steel even stronger than it was originally and makes it more resilient. Not only is it corrosion-resistant, but it can also handle little scratches and dings without compromising its coating. It can handle extreme environments and has been used with great success in both tropical and freezing climates.
It is much easier to use than other, treated steel like epoxy-coated steel, whose plastic coating can easily crack or aggravate the materials around it. It has greater longevity than other zinc-coated products, like metalized steel. Once treated steel is galvanized, it is more like it has absorbed a coating rather than had one applied on top of it. This makes it easier to cut or process, but you have to know what to do before and after you cut.
3. You Can Cut Galvanized Steel, But It’s Important to Touch Up Afterwards
When you want to cut galvanized steel or drill holes into galvanized steel materials, you want to plan carefully. Make sure you know exactly what cuts or holes you need to make so you don’t create more damage than necessary. When possible, plan to use galvanized materials in the holes or cuts even after they are touched up. For example, a galvanized screw or nail placed in a drilled hole will keep the area sealed and coated with zinc.
After cutting or drilling, you want to make sure you re-coat any exposed steel. If it is impossible to re-dip or treat the impacted areas, there are other options. ASTM A780 allows for three options to repair damaged hot dip galvanized (HDG) materials in the field. These are zinc-rich paint, zinc-based solder, and spray zinc or metalizing. Which method is best will depend on the area of exposed steel you need to repair after drilling or cutting your galvanized steel. These methods protect the original materials but are inferior to the initial zinc coating.
4. Pre-drilling and Pre-cutting Can Save You Time and Money While Keeping Your Galvanized Steel Materials Safe
If you know you will need holes or special cuts in the steel materials you will be using on the job site, it is best to be proactive. Drilling or cutting before the galvanizing process begins is the ideal way to have all the holes and pieces you need without worrying about compromising the coating’s integrity. The same goes for other ways you may want to process galvanized steel, including welding pieces together.
The more you can think ahead, the fewer holes and cuts you have to make afterward. If you realize during your project you need to cut galvanized steel or drill holes into it, it is best if you can either order new pieces that are pre-drilled or ask for help from the experts before you cut.
5. South Atlantic Has All Your Galvanized Steel Needs Covered
When you need expert advice, make South Atlantic your first call. Describe the needs of your project to our team, and we can help walk you through the best materials to order. Because we galvanize in-house, we can guarantee your galvanized products will maintain their superior corrosion resistance.
You can read more about our wide variety of galvanized products, or you can contact our team to request a custom quote today.
