Choose corrosion protection for the actual exposure and fabricated detail, not from a universal lifespan or price table. Earlier fixed service-life and cost comparisons here were unsupported and have been removed.
Define the environment
Describe whether steel is enclosed or exposed, its likely moisture conditions, access for maintenance and the intended appearance. Give the fabricator the complete detail so that connections, drainage and difficult-to-access surfaces can be considered. SteelConstruction.info’s corrosion guidance discusses specification factors.
Compare complete systems
For paint, ask for surface preparation, the coating system and application and inspection requirements. For galvanizing, ask the designer and galvanizer to confirm the fabricated item’s suitability and required detailing. Do not treat the finish as a last-minute switch after fabrication.
Where fire protection is also needed, confirm compatibility with the proposed corrosion system and the manufacturer’s requirements. A corrosion coating is not automatically an assessed fire-protection system.
Price and maintain the specified work
Request a quotation for the full system, including preparation, transport, repairs and any site touch-up. Keep the product records and maintenance requirements. Supplier-specific guarantees and exposure assumptions should be checked in writing rather than inferred from a generic number of years.
Structural work requires a chartered structural engineer and the applicable Building Control approval. This educational article has not received an independent engineering review.