When choosing an architectural metal supplier, it’s vital to choose one that offers a variety of corrosion resistant materials that can withstand the test of time and abrasive weather with water, snow, and salt. Direct Metals® offers corrosion resistant materials for their specialty metal products including aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and fiberglass grating that help customers save money and reduce maintenance efforts.
Aluminum
Aluminum is often chosen as the material of choice for outdoor projects, especially near saltwater environments, due to its corrosion resistance properties and high strength to weight ratio. Aluminum grating can be used for metal sunshades, walkways, or building facades. Aluminum wire mesh is popular for applications such as outdoor handrail infill panels since it can weather harsh outdoor conditions. We supplied aluminum expanded metal for the railings at the Fontainebleau Terrace in Panama City Beach that could stand up to high winds, salt air environments, and sand. For added protection and aesthetics, the material was powder coated turquoise blue.
Stainless Steel
When it was first created by Harry Brearly in 1913 it was spoken of as the world’s first “rustless steel”. [1] In addition to the corrosive resistance of stainless steel, it is an easily workable material that can be made into stainless steel mesh panels, stainless wire mesh rolls, and stainless steel screens. This material can be used for demanding engineering specifications like jet engine lubricant filters or for architectural uses like thee wire mesh outdoor deck panels below that we provided for this residential building in Cape San Blas, Florida.
Galvanized Steel
For galvanized steel, a protective galvanized coating is adhered to protect the steel against rust and corrosion. Galvanized steel is among the most popular steel types because of its extended durability, having the strength and formability of steel plus the corrosion protection of the zinc-iron coating. The zinc protects the base metal by acting as a barrier to corrosive elements, and the sacrificial nature of the coating results in a long lasting and high quality steel product. [2] We provided hot dipped galvanized wire mesh fencing for a project in Des Plaines River, Illinois. This fencing could stand up to the environmental conditions as its purpose was to keep the carp in the river from reaching the Great Lakes during flood events. The Asian carp are an invasive species that could eradicate the native fish of the lakes.
Fiberglass grating applications range from architectural sun screening and fiberglass flooring to standard walkways and stair treads. We have provided pultruded fiberglass grating for marine uses, such as boat ramps like the one below. This grating type is ideal since it is corrosion resistant, impact resistant, and skid resistant.
Not sure which corrosive resistant material type will work best for your project? Request a quote online or call to speak with one of our specialty metal experts who can assist you!
Resources
- “7 Benefits of Stainless Steel”
https://www.srsgroup.co.nz/blog/7-benefits-of-stainless-steel/
- “Galvanized Steel Types, Uses, Benefits”
https://www.nationalmaterial.com/galvanized-steel-types-uses-benefits/
