Galvanized wire is an economical way to protect metal objects from rusting. It is created by depositing a thin layer of zinc metal onto another material, such as steel or iron. Like zinc, the hot-dipped galvanizing process creates a corrosion-resistant layer across all material surfaces. With all this, does galvanized wire rust?
Yes, a galvanized wire can rust. Although galvanization is used as a layer of protection against rust, this wire will begin to rust when put through extreme weather conditions. The galvanized wire can last for many years without showing wear, but it is not completely resistant to the rust elements.
Also, the wire is likely to corrode and rust away over time due to its makeup. The galvanized wire is coated with zinc to protect the wire from corrosion and rusting. While this protective coating can last long, galvanized wires are not protected from rust forever.
If this is a major concern to you, you can read further as we have the right information on how you can prolong the rust formation and prevent rust on your galvanized pipes below.
Contents
Galvanized Wires And Stainless Steel Wire
Galvanization is a process of improving the quality of metal, often steel and iron, by covering it with metal more resistant to rust and corrosion. The popular option here is molten zinc and it takes a couple of days to finish. The metal could be dipped into the molten zinc or the zinc could be applied through thermal diffusion over the steel especially in complex designs.
Stainless steel wires on the other hand are formed by combining steel with other materials or metals such as carbon, nickel, and chromium in calculated amounts. Once completed, these can also be drawn into wires.
Galvanized wires are popularly sought after because they are less expensive than stainless steel. However, although galvanization helps protect the steel against rust and corrosion with time, this covering could wear off and get rusted.
Properties Of Galvanized Wire
- Fire-resistant: Galvanized wire is formed when the steel is dipped into hot zinc. This high temperature makes the zinc more resistant to temperatures even as high as 650 degrees Celsius. Because it does not start to melt till very high temperatures, galvanized steel wires can withstand many fire hazards making them very suitable in industries.
- Rust-resistant: The main reason steel gets galvanized is to withstand rust. With this protective layer of zinc on the wires, they can be used even outside resisting rust for a longer time than other types of steel wires. With this feature, they are used as wire fences even under rains and in shipyards for a long time.
- Resistant to damage: Unprotected steel wire is prone to scratch, gets easily chipped away, and abraded. However, the presence of a protective zinc coating on steel wire gives it abrasion resistance thus strengthening the steel wire.
- Reliability: Even though galvanized wires are produced en-masse, if done properly, they are reliable. Galvanized steel once drawn into wire retains its original structure as it does not warp or twist nor does it shrink.
What Is The Lifespan Of Galvanized Wire?
Zinc extends the lifespan of wire. If properly done, galvanized wires could last for up to 50 years without rust or loss of their strength. Within those years, the cost of maintenance for galvanized wire is also very low. However, with exposure to the environment, galvanized wires would also get rusted at a much slower rate though.
Uses of galvanized wire
Galvanized steel wire has several uses because it can withstand corrosion and rust for a longer time. Coupled with that, it has often come with a color that can give an aesthetic touch depending on how it is used.
As perimeter fences:
Galvanized wires because of their strength are not easily cut or damaged by thieves or wild animals. Hence are employed as perimeter fences around properties. They could also be placed atop fences for added security.
Binding construction materials:
They are very durable hence have found several industrial uses. For instance, galvanized wires are commonly used in binding or baling construction materials. Because they do not rust easily, they keep the bonded materials together even if left out for a long time.
Hangings and windows:
The high tensile strength of galvanized wires makes them excellent for securing hangings on walls such as pictures and mirrors without risking a fall. They could also be used to secure windows to keep the home insulated as well as keeping overhead doors or garage doors from falling
Securing heavy machines:
Boats are often docked or secured using galvanized wires because of their strength and high corrosion resistance. Military vehicles, aircraft, and cargos are also secured with galvanized steel wires.
Guy-wires:
Galvanized wires are also used as guy wires. These are wires, lines, or ropes used in suspending structures such as communication lines, radio masts, ship masts, utility poles, service extension ladders, and suspension bridges.
They are used in making wire ropes, animal cages and to strengthen multi-core electric cables. Also because they can be easily molded into any shape, they are commonly used in arts.
Conclusion
Adding galvanization to a material informs the user that the steel has received a form of reinforcement against corrosion through the layering of protective material. Often, zinc is used to protect other materials such as steel. For steel wires that have been coated with zinc, their lifespan is extended. This special feature makes them very versatile and used across industries.
Notwithstanding, the user should know that with prolonged exposure to the elements and time, galvanized wires would rust. Galvanized steel wires come in varying thicknesses that can be used for several projects that can last for a longer time.
