The correct way of storing/processing galvanized sheet

In order to protect your investment, it is necessary to know the correct way of storing/processing galvanized sheet.

Although the general opinion of galvanized sheet users is that this material does not rust, in reality. The situation is different. Improperly stored and processed, galvanized sheet becomes, from an extraordinary investment, a resounding failure.

Out of respect for our customers and their money, H Metal offers you some useful tips for storing/processing galvanized sheet metal in optimal conditions. We know from experience that there are many situations in which customers do not know that galvanized sheet metal can rust.

It is used for the construction of roofs, external walls/partitions, casings for equipment, air conditioning piping, for the construction of various parts. Because it has an increased resistance over time to the actions of water, dust and sunlight, compared to other materials.

Storage/processing of galvanized sheet – the situations in which the protective layer of zinc is destroyed

When the sheet is stored in the open air, in packages, and comes into contact with water from the side, from rain or other sources. The phenomenon of reverse electrolysis can be triggered. Only a few splashes are enough to get between the tin sheets. From that moment, the material is compromised. The protective layer of zinc in the area affected by moisture begins to detach from the sheets. And it turns into a gray dust.

If you use the affected board, it will rust within a year. Basically, you will have to replace it, which requires new expenses, so you will lose money.

Careful! Always the outer part of the sheet above the tin pack looks perfect. Not being affected by another plate with which to trigger the phenomenon of reverse electrolysis. If a package has been outside for more than 5 days, in the humidity, the sheets inside will definitely be affected.

Storage in environments with a large temperature difference between day and night is not a solution either. Reverse electrolysis can be downgraded in spaces where the temperature difference, between day and night, is greater than 10 degrees Celsius. This fact leads to the appearance of condensation inside the sheet package and subsequently to the appearance of the phenomenon of reverse electrolysis.

How should we store the sheets of tin

It is recommended that the sheet be stored on wooden pallets in warehouses with good ventilation where there are no temperature differences greater than 10 degrees Celsius between day and night. If, however, you have to store the board outside, cover it hermetically, especially on the side. The first time with absorbent materials that do not produce condensation, such as waxed paper or textile material – tarpaulin. The plastic film produces condensation, so don’t use it!

If a temperature of over 600 degrees Celsius is reached through mechanical intervention on the galvanized sheet. The zinc layer is damaged. Thus, if the sheet is cut with flex or autogen, on the cutting area, on one side and on the other of the cutting area. the zinc layer melts and/or overheats, destroying it. In these areas, rust will appear which, over time, will expand.

The sheet can be retouched with zinc-based paint (cold galvanizing) or covered with a protective layer of zinc. But, over time, these retouched areas will rust. Because only uniform galvanizing, done in the factory, can ensure long-lasting resistance.

To protect the galvanized sheet, it is recommended that it be processed with tools that do not heat the sheet, respectively cold processing.

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