To the uninitiated, there may not be much to choose between galvanised and stainless steel; however, if we take a look just beneath the surface of these durable and often-used metals, we can see some differences that can help you to decide what is the best material for your construction project to ensure you get the best value over time.
US construction guru Bob Vila states that both materials have great weatherproofing properties, with both holding up well against rust; however, if exposed to saltwater, galvanised steel will perform worse than its stainless cousin. On the other hand, chlorinated water will play havoc with stainless steel, so taking into account the areas in which the metals will be employed is vital.
According to Vila, galvanised steel has the edge over stainless if two pieces of the material may come into contact with each other during their use. The friction when pieces rub against each other can cause the stainless coating to rub off and even cause parts to end up welded to one another. The selection of one type of steel over the other is vital to its longevity, with the correct choice varying from project to project.
An introduction to ductwork
A vital part of a heating system, ductwork helps to regulate airflow around the system. This ensures that the pressure is equalised throughout and that a heating system works both efficiently and safely. Ductwork parts such as ells, tees, reducers and vent caps help the system to operate. The choice between galvanised and stainless steel parts for these systems is all down to the environment in which they are installed. Maritime-based ducting would be best with stainless steel due to the salt-heavy environment, whereas galvanised steel would not react to the chlorine in the air around a swimming pool.
For advice on how best to spec up your ductwork, contact a specialist such as https://www.dustspares.co.uk/ductwork-parts/.
Different steels for different folks
Ensuring that you choose the correct materials for your construction project is vital to its effective operation and longevity. As we have seen above, there is seldom a one-size-fits-all solution to specifying parts, with project managers needing to consider carefully the local environment, the intended use of the parts, the buildings, and a whole range of other considerations.