When it comes to outdoor furniture and shelters that will be exposed to the harsh sun, rain and cold, what they are made of matters. Long-lasting and durable products need to be made of long-lasting and durable materials. One such material that has gained significant recognition for its robustness and longevity is hot-dipped galvanised steel. Should you buy a galvanised shelter as opposed to a non-galvanised one? And you may be wondering whether the investment in galvanised shelters is worth it.
In this article, we will look into what hot-dipped galvanised steel is and why it plays such an important role in the construction of smoking shelters, bus shelters or any of our other products. And why it is definitely worth it.
Understanding Hot-Dipped Galvanised Steel
The Galvanisation Process
Hot-dipped galvanisation involves immersing steel in a bath of molten zinc, creating a protective layer that prevents corrosion and rusting. There are other ways to galvanise steel, but this is one of the most popular ones as it is cost-effective and results in a thick and even layer of zinc forming. This process ensures that the steel remains intact even in harsh weather conditions.
Another advantage of hot dip galvanising is that it covers very well areas, which are usually weak spots for corrosion. This means your corners, recesses, and seams have excellent protection.
The Benefits of Hot-Dipped Galvanised Steel
We recommend clients choose, as a minimum, the galvanised option, whenever offered, as it gives the metal added strength and makes it more durable in all sorts of ways.
One of the key benefits of hot-dipped galvanised steel is its excellent corrosion resistance. Galvanised steel has great rust-resistance qualities because of the zinc coating. The layer of zinc on top acts as a protective barrier between the elements and the steel underneath. This makes it an ideal material for shelters exposed to the weather year-round.
Hot-dipped galvanised steel shelters have a significantly longer lifespan compared to shelters made from untreated steel or other materials. The hot dip process results in a metallurgically bonded coating, giving the steel superior resistance to damage. And as we mentioned earlier, this also applies to corners and little crevasses. This means less maintenance and replacement, resulting in cost savings in the long run.
The Environment
Last but not least, hot-dipped galvanised steel is the environmentally responsible choice. On one hand, steel is an excellent metal that can be fully recycled and re-made into new steel products. On the other, the zinc coating makes the metal extra durable, which means you won’t be buying a new shelter any time soon and wasting new resources. Plus, zinc is also recyclable, reducing the overall environmental impact.
The Importance of Use of Hot-dipped Galvanised Steel in Smoking Shelters
Heavy Foot Traffic
Smoking shelters can be bustling places. They are often installed in areas with significant foot traffic, like outside office buildings, airports, and public venues. This means they need to be able to withstand a constant flow of people coming and going. Hot-dipped galvanised steel is an excellent choice in this regard. It ensures the shelter can withstand heavy use without showing wear and tear.
Protection from the Elements
By default, smoking shelters are outside installations due to smoking regulations. They provide smokers a place to take refuge from rain, snow, or harsh sun. This means that whatever materials a shelter is built from must withstand all weather conditions. Galvanised steel provides a sturdy and weather-resistant structure, ensuring the shelter remains intact and comfortable.
Resilience to Impact
Galvanised steel is robust. This means it's less susceptible to dents or damage from accidental impacts, further ensuring the shelter remains in good condition over time.
The Importance of Use of Hot-dipped Galvanised Steel in Bus Shelters
High Traffic Areas
Bus shelters are subject to heavy use, with commuters constantly coming and going. This heavy foot traffic can lead to wear and tear on the shelter's structure. Hot-dipped galvanised steel is exceptionally well-suited for this purpose. Its robustness ensures the shelter remains intact, even in bustling urban environments.
Minimal Maintenance
Bus shelters often require regular maintenance due to constant use. Choosing hot-dipped galvanised steel means fewer repairs and less maintenance over time. This is a significant advantage for municipalities and transportation authorities, as it reduces repair costs and time.
Aesthetic Appeal
Despite its industrial strength, hot-dipped galvanised steel can be fashioned into sleek and modern designs, contributing to an attractive urban landscape. Additionally, it can be powder-coated in any RAL colour of your choice. This means you have more options to make your bus shelter match your environment or get a specific look you're after.
Cost-effectiveness
Bus stops are one of those things that councils across the country simply need to buy. They also need to purchase many of them and regularly replace or repair them. Costs add up, and for larger cities with complex public transport systems, these can run in the millions.
Galvanised steel has a comparatively low initial cost when weighed against other treated steels. This makes it a great material because it is strong, requires little maintenance and repair work with time, and isn't prohibitively expensive to buy.
Plus, products are less expensive to produce, can be used right after delivery, and no additional costs need to be incurred.
In the world of construction, materials matter. Hot-dipped galvanised steel is an excellent choice for smoking and bus shelters. Its corrosion resistance, longevity, and minimal maintenance requirements make it an invaluable investment.