Corrosion is a common problem in construction, and it can happen to anyone. Not only does corrosion ruin the aesthetics of a build, but it can also significantly reduce the lifespan of structures and cause serious safety hazards.
But how do you overcome corrosion? Is it something that you just have to accept? Or are there specific materials that are more corrosion-resistant than others?
In this article, we will explore the best corrosion-resistant materials you should be using in your construction projects. From traditional options that everyone knows, like stainless steel, to more advanced techniques, we’ll take you through every material as well as where they’re best used so that you can ensure corrosion is a thing of the past!
Firstly, What Is Corrosion & What Makes Materials Corrosion-Resistant?
Chances are good you’ve heard of corrosion, but do you know what it really is? Essentially, corrosion is a natural process that occurs when a material reacts with environmental factors like air or water. Corrosion causes the material’s structural integrity to deteriorate. Corrosion-resistant materials are designed to not have this issue, whether it’s with a protective layer on the surface or through a chemical composition that doesn’t react with outside factors.
There is a range of corrosion-resistant materials already readily available on the market, including stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, copper, corten steel, and more.
Corrosion-resistant materials are most commonly used in outdoor applications or projects where durability and longevity are two of the most important factors within a job.
Is Corrosion Just Rust?
No, corrosion isn’t rust – whilst they are related, they are formed through an entirely different process. Corrosion is a general term that refers to the degradation of your materials after a reaction with environmental factors.
Rust, however, is a specific type of corrosion that occurs only when iron or steel reacts with water and oxygen to form iron oxide, which is also known as rust.
Whilst rust is a type of corrosion, we’re talking about the broader term that encompasses metals outside of just iron and steel.
So, What Are The Best Corrosion-Resistant Materials?
There are a range of great corrosion-resistant materials already on the market, and if you work in construction, chances are good you work with some of these materials every day already.
These are some of the most popular (and the best) corrosion-resistant materials on the market you may want to consider working with:
- Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is used extensively in the construction industry and the transportation sector. It’s widely used because of its high chromium content, which helps create a protective layer against corrosion. It’s great if you’re looking for an easily accessible, corrosion-resistant material that ensures your structures are durable and long-lasting.
- Aluminum
This is another material you’ve probably already worked with if you’re in construction. Aluminium is a popular choice because it forms its own protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion, making it not only durable but also cost-effective.
- Titanium
Titanium is most commonly used in spaces where there are incredibly harsh chemical environments. It’s well-suited for warehouse and factory applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance.
- Copper
Copper, and its alloys (brass and bronze) are another great corrosion-resistant material. This is because it develops a protective patina when exposed to the elements. Copper is used frequently in marine applications due to its ability to withstand harsh conditions.
- Corten Steel
This is one you may not have heard of: corten steel, sometimes called weathering steel, develops a stable, rust-like appearance that makes it resistant to corrosion. This acts as a protective barrier and is a perfect material if you’re looking for something that also requires little to no maintenance.
- GRP Products
Products like GRP key clamps are also highly corrosion-resistant as they are made from glass-reinforced plastic. This material is highly resistant to corrosion and is commonly used in environments where the outside conditions can be quite harsh, like warehouses where there is chemical exposure or marine applications where the materials are exposed to saltwater.
- Barrier Coatings
This isn’t a material per se, but it is a great way to stop corrosion on materials that may not be naturally corrosion-resistant. Applying a protective coating to your materials, like paint or epoxy, can enhance corrosion resistance on products that may not be able to avoid corrosion naturally.
How To Choose Which Material Is Best
When it comes to choosing which corrosion-resistant material is best for your applications, it really depends on the type of project you’re undertaking. If you’re looking for construction materials, stainless steel and aluminium might be your best bets. If you’re undertaking a project that will be exposed to seawater on a regular basis, GRP or copper is probably going to be best. It’s important to remember that whilst some materials may be better for applications than others, there’s no one material that is the best for every project. In order to ensure the best results, you want to choose materials on a case-by-case basis and work with experts in the field to choose the best materials for your project that will provide long-lasting protection against degradation.
