Unistrut products are manufactured from hot-dipped galvanized steel and stainless steel. Both of these materials provide excellent resistance to rust and corrosion. But, despite the materials’ quality and durability, does unistrut rust?
Yes, Unistrut does rust over time and use. However, if your Unistrut has started to rust, there’s no need to worry. In most applications, rust on Unistrut will not be a problem as long as the structure is covered or indoors.
Unistrut is a steel strut channel and an engineered structural support system. Unistrut contains added elements such as molybdenum and vanadium that impart resistance to corrosion to protect against atmospheric, oxidizing, and wet corrosion.
Therefore, if it rusts, it will take a longer period. However, you can read here on ways to maintain the device to protect and prevent rust.
Contents
What is Unistrut?
Unistrut is an original metal framing system that features a unique weldless connection. Made from different materials (carbon steel, fiberglass, stainless steel, and extruded aluminum), it is easily adjustable, reusable, and features various accessories used in the implementation of projects. With unistrut, you don’t have to go through the process of drilling or welding metals. Besides, it is beneficial to several areas including medical equipment support, road sign support, laboratory support, varying wall systems (HVAC, clean room, etc), mechanical rooftops, support, and more.
Does Unistrut Rust?
The answer to this question depends on the materials you choose to use for your installation projects. For instance, a non-metallic unistrut like fiberglass is corrosion resistant, strong, and flame retardant. In other words, it is not susceptible to rust. Meanwhile, metallic unistrut such as carbon steel is highly susceptible to rust. In fact, its susceptibility rate to rust is quite higher when compared to stainless steel. Desire this fact, the coat you choose to apply also determines the rate at which the metallic unistrut will rust. In short, the material of the unistrut will determine whether it will rust or not.
Does Plain Unistrut Rust?
Plain unistrut is the most susceptible unistrut to rusting as it has the least amount of corrosion resistance. It is most commonly used unistrut especially for indoor application. It consists of raw which usually retains an oily surface and does require welding. Due to its high susceptibility to corrosion, you can use a paint primer or powder coating to reduce the rusting activities.
Does Pre-Galvanized Zinc Finish Rust?
Pre-galvanized zinc is a popular finish for the channel and the Unistrut p9000 Telestrut. In this process, the steel strip is uncoiled and linked to a continuous molten zinc coating which is then recoiled to produce a clean Zinc Steel. Research unveils the effectiveness of this finish. First, it has moderate corrosion resistance when compared to plain steel which can corrode quickly. Besides, it is a time-tested and effective coating that is useful for many indoor and outdoor applications. However, you can only go for this finish if you want something moderately corrosive. If you intend to use a unistrut that is super-resistant, you may need to go for the hot-dipped galvanized finish.
Does Hot-Dipped Galvanized Zinc Finish Rust?
Hot-dipped galvanized zinc finish works effectively for Unistrut channels and fittings. It is often chosen for unistrut with severe corrosion. In this process, the finished part is fully dipped into a medium of molten zinc, thereby enabling the unistrut to be fully covered in zinc and a thicker coating. Here, this method makes the metal more durable and less susceptible to rust. For instance, highway signs and street guardrails are examples of hot-galvanized zinc finish.
Does Unistrut Defenders Rust?
Unistrut defenders are the most corrosion-resistant finish one can ever come across. After all, about two researches revealed how it is three times more resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh environments. Unistrut defenders are a combination of two proprietary material coatings that conform to the ASTM standards – A1046 and A1059. Thanks to these properties, the finish is more corrosion resistant than hot-dipped galvanized zinc and is often less significant than stainless steel.
Does Stainless Steel Unistrut Rust?
Many stainless sheets of steel unistrut are high-quality materials that are ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Due to its various properties, research has discovered that stainless steel is a highly corrosion-resistant material. In fact, they offer 5 times corrosion protection when compared to the hot-dipped galvanized unistrut. As a result, one can easily find this type of unistrut materials in highly corrosive environments such as water treatment facilities, pharmaceuticals, food processing, sewage treatment facilities, and more. They can endure various harsh environments and still last for a long time before corroding. Examples of industries that utilize stainless steel include food processing factories, power plants, refineries, wastewater treatment plants, breweries, chemical plants, offshore drilling platforms, and others.
Does Fiberglass Unistrut Rust?
The Fiberglass Unistrut framing system is a high-quality and non-metallic strut support system in the globe today. It comprises the most complete and highest quality line of non-metallic fiberglass accessories, channels, hangers, fasteners, pipe clamps, and more. Made from corrosion-resistant resins, this type of unistrut is more applicable to environments where the steel struts are not applicable. Thanks to its corrosion-resistant resins, fiberglass doesn’t rust and can last for a very long period. Besides, they are flame-retardant, strong, and one of the most versatile struts in various industries. Also, you can easily install this boss as quickly as possible due to its lightweight feature. Examples of its application industries include chemical plants, refineries, bank vaults, wastewater treatment, and so on.
Conclusion
Unistrut is one of the versatile tools in the world. Depending on its materials, the unistrut may or may not rust. The best thing is to understand what you intend to use the strut to do and select a long-lasting material that can fit your purpose.
