Galvanized coating is a protective layer of zinc applied to a steel wire. These coatings do not affect the strength of the wire, but rather lengthen its lifespan by protecting against rust. Follow along to learn the differences between Commercial, Class 1, Class 3 and Zinc-Aluminum galvanized coatings.
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While commercial coating sounds like it would be the best option, it is actually considered bottom-of-the-line compared to other galvanized coatings. Commercial meets no standards and does not guarantee any type of warranty. Showing rust within just a couple of years, commercial galvanized coating is the least expensive and shortest-lasting option on the market.
Class 1 coating alone does not meet ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) standards, which identifies how much zinc is required to ensure quality and safe use. However, sharing with cross-fencing does meet the standards. Depending on your location, Class 1 galvanized coating will last 8-12 years before starting to show rust. Areas closer to the coast will see rust quicker because of the salt content, while dryer areas will last longer.
Found on Gaucho and Solidlock products, Class 3 galvanized coating will give you around 25 years of life, depending on where the wire is located. Again, areas closer to the coast may experience a shorter lifespan, whereas areas farther away will allow a full 25 years.
Made up of 95% Zinc and 5% Aluminum, Zinc-Aluminum galvanized coating is divided into two separate classes: Class 20 and Class 40. Zinc-Aluminum Class 20 is going to last about 25-30 years, while Class 40 is going to more than double the life of a Class 3 product, lasting 50 years. Our products are the only ones in the industry with a 50-year warranty, so keep that in mind when shopping for your new fence or wire!
You cannot paint products made of 100% Zinc, because the paint would inevitably flake off; but with a mixture of Aluminum and Zinc, the paint will adhere to the product. Typically found in black or green, wire is painted purely for aesthetic reasons. The paint may provide a small layer of protection, because salt and other elements will have to get through the paint first before affecting the Zinc-Aluminum.
We hope this guide helps you to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of galvanized coatings that are available on the market today. Learn more about our galvanized coating technology here.
Wood fences can rot. Stone fences can crack. And wire fences? They can rust. At Red Brand, we regard fencing as an investment. You work hard to assure your animals&#; safety. To protect what&#;s important to you, we manufacture our fences to stand strong against all types of weather conditions. However, even a light rainfall can harm steel at the atomic level. Due to oxygen molecules that produce iron oxide, rust will appear on exposed steel. That&#;s why all Red Brand fence features galvanization for lasting performance.
Galvanization is the process of coating metals like steel and iron with zinc. The mineral acts as a barrier from factors like humidity, salt air, pollution, chemicals, dust and other abrasive air qualities.
All Red Brand fence is galvanized using a process known as the &#;hot dip&#; method. The steel wire is immersed in a bath of molten zinc where a reaction occurs creating a uniform coating around the wire. As a result, a layer of bright, shiny zinc remains on the surface of the steel. Since the wire will inevitably scratch in the field, this zinc coating will be the first line of defense. The galvanized surface sacrifices itself to prevent moisture and corrosive elements from reaching the steel.
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Fence life is determined by several factors. Weather conditions, air quality, proper installation techniques, and of course, the amount of zinc coating all contribute to longevity. No two farms are alike, and no two fence needs are alike. Therefore, we offer three different classes of galvanization depending on what will best suit your needs. Each class is associated with a minimum coating weight per square foot of wire.
Red Brand products conform to ASTM standards for coating weights to assure quality. The Commercial Class of galvanization contains the smallest amount of zinc. It provides the most affordable fence coating possible. However, there is no minimum ASTM requirement for Commercial (Regular) galvanization.
Red Brand &#;Tradition&#; fence products utilize a Class 1 coating of zinc. The minimum coating thickness of Class 1 is .28 ounces per square foot. Class 1 is suitable for most farm applications.
For properties that are especially prone to rust, &#;Extended Life&#; fence is coated with our heaviest layer of zinc. As a result, Class 3 service life is 2.5 times longer than Class 1 coating.
The majority of Red Brand&#;s woven fence styles are available in either Class 1 or Class 3 coatings of zinc. Stockade panels, poultry netting, and other welded wire fences are primarily available in Commercial grade. Here&#;s a video that further explains our product line-up.
Remember that all wire fences will eventually succumb to rust. Fortunately, galvanization slows the process down considerably. Rust doesn&#;t necessarily mean fence failure. Fences with some rust are more than adequate in most circumstances. How long a fence lasts depends on the conditions of its use and the amount of galvanization. When properly installed, Red Brand fence should last 20-30 years. In some instances, Red Brand fence has lasted up to 50-60 years. A good investment, indeed!
Be sure to talk with your local Red Brand dealer to determine which class of galvanization is best for your application.
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