Galvanizing is the   process by which a zinc coating is applied to a metal product (steel in the case of scaffolding) to protect it from galvanic corrosion.

Zinc is less noble than steel and becomes the sacrificial anode in electrolytic corrosion and is consumed avoiding rust on the treated surface.

Obviously after a long time and if left out in the elements, the galvanized product will gradually tend to consume the zinc layer and take on rust.

 

GALVANIZING SYSTEMS
  • electrolytic zinc plating; used for scaffolding
  • hot dip galvanizing; used for scaffolding and other products  but not for scaffolding . The immersion of steel products in a bath of molten zinc results in the coating of the steel with a resistant layer of zinc with a thickness much higher than electrolytic galvanizing
  • hot-dip galvanizing;
  • cold galvanizing;
  • spray galvanizing.

 

ELECTROLYTIC GALVANIZING FOR SCAFFOLDING

The material to be treated (abutments and sills of the scaffolding) is adequately prepared (pre-degreased, pickled and degreased).

Immediately afterwards (and from here the process differs greatly from the others) the material is immersed in an electrolytic solution containing zinc salts.

Finally, a passage of current is created between the piece (hanging from a hook which passes the current) and the electrolytic solution.

This current attracts and deposits the metallic zinc on the  outer surface  of the scaffolding component.

We specify  EXTERNAL  as the electrolytic zinc plating  DOES NOT PENETRATE INSIDE THE PIPE.
Being an electrolytic system the molecules will take the shortest route, it goes without saying that it is practically impossible that they will slip inside the tubes

 

DO SOME RUST STAINS INDICATE A GALVANIZING DEFECT?

No. Although they are galvanized, the scaffolding must not be left outside.

They can definitely be used outdoors and then stored in a dry place.

If they are used eternally in the rain or abandoned in the elements, it may happen that the internal part of the tube loses a little rust which, dripping from the tube or from the holes in the pegs, could stain the external surface of the tube itself.

This  IS NOT A GALVANIZING DEFECT  but is the normal behavior of the iron (which is not galvanized inside the pipe) in contact with water.

Even the external galvanized part could degrade if attacked directly by water, giving rise to rust especially at the ends or in the junction points with the rungs where the galvanization is thinner. However, this can be avoided by drying the product after use in the presence of rain or humidity and avoiding leaving it to the elements as indicated in the instruction manual.

 

ARE RUSTED COMPONENTS COVERED BY WARRANTY?

The warranty only covers new components, just delivered, which already show obvious rust spots (subject to photographic documentation).

Since it is not a manufacturing defect, the warranty does not cover any components that become damaged after use in the rain or after being stored in a damp environment.

 
WHAT TO DO IF THE PIPE LEAKS SOME RUST.

Until the rust structurally damages the product, what we detect is only an  aesthetic problem .

A product with small rust spots does not necessarily have a structural problem and can still be used in complete safety.

In case of doubt, it is advisable to contact us for a consultation.

In addition to drying the product if used in the rain, we recommend periodic maintenance with brushing of the rust spots and spray coating with a zinc or paint can to restore the product to its original state, protecting it and preventing the rust from progressing over time in its corrosive action.

With these little attentions, our scaffolding can be used to work for many years.