There are many different methods for protecting steel structures from corrosion. The right choice depends on environmental conditions, budget, and the expected service life of the project.
A Quick Comparison of Methods
- Galvanizing: General-purpose, long-lasting and economical protection — typically 40-70+ years of maintenance-free service under TS EN ISO 1461 in moderate environments.
- Epoxy: Chemically resistant protection with a wide range of aesthetic finishes — typically 15-25+ years in industrial/marine (C4-C5) environments per ISO 12944-5.
- Polyethylene: Superior mechanical and chemical protection for pipelines — service life of up to 50 years per standards such as DIN 30670.
- Phosphate: Used as a paint primer or for friction reduction rather than as a standalone corrosion barrier.
Recommendations for Making the Right Choice
Assessing your project’s requirements and selecting the most suitable method — or combination of methods, such as a duplex system — is critical for long-term performance.
