Why Hot-Dip Galvanising?
At Urbanfab, galvanising is a core part of how we protect our steelwork. Every mild-steel product we manufacture is hot-dip galvanised after fabrication by Highland Galvanizers to ISO 1461:2022.
The process involves fully immersing the fabricated steel in a bath of molten zinc, allowing the zinc to reach both visible and less accessible areas of the steelwork and form a protective coating. Further details on the standard, inspection and quality requirements are set out on our Galvanising Specification.
Steel is Strong. Rust Isn’t.
Cycle shelters and smoking shelters are constructed using hollow-section mild steel, including box sections, and incorporate numerous bolted connections. Larger box sections generally contain more concealed internal steel surface area. If moisture reaches unprotected steel within these hollow sections, corrosion can develop internally in areas hidden from normal view.
Protection From the Inside Out
Urbanfab mild-steel components are hot-dip galvanised after fabrication, with hollow sections vented and drained so molten zinc can coat internal and external surfaces.
The Galvanizers Association highlights the importance of internal protection, noting that hot-dip galvanising inside hollow sections protects against hidden corrosion.
Applying the coating after fabrication means the galvanising process is carried out on the fabricated steelwork itself. The metallurgically bonded, sacrificial zinc coating provides long-term corrosion protection for outdoor use.
Beyond the Surface
Some coatings and treatments protect only the steel surfaces they are able to reach, meaning internal surfaces within hollow sections may remain uncoated. Unless explicitly stated, a corrosion guarantee does not necessarily confirm how internal surfaces have been protected or whether they are covered for the same period.
Protect Now. Maintain Less.
Corrosion can develop progressively and silently, remaining concealed from normal visual inspection. Once a shelter is installed, corrosion within hollow steel sections can be difficult to assess or address, potentially requiring additional labour, partial dismantling or replacement of affected components.
Hot-dip galvanising protects the fabricated steel from the outset, helping reduce the need for future corrosion treatment, disruptive maintenance and premature repair or replacement.
A Recognised Standard for Galvanising
We specify hot-dip galvanising to ISO 1461:2022, the recognised international standard for hot-dip galvanised coatings on fabricated iron and steel.
The standard sets requirements covering areas including coating thickness, appearance, inspection and acceptance criteria, providing a defined specification against which the galvanised coating can be assessed.
For Urbanfab, this means our steelwork is never simply described as ‘galvanised’. All our mild-steel components are hot-dip galvanised to a defined specification, applied through a controlled process and assessed against recognised requirements. Further details are available in our Hot-Dip Galvanising Specification.
From the steel we select to the protection we specify, we believe in doing things properly — with protection that goes beyond a conventional surface-applied finish.
Because lasting protection shouldn’t stop at the surface.