October 18th, 2024
The popularity of steel buildings continues to rise as they prove to be durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective over time. There are different types of prefabricated steel buildings, making it important that you understand the differences before you make a decision.
Two popular types of steel construction include red iron buildings and galvanized steel buildings. Red iron is a type of steel that is coated with iron oxide to prevent rusting. On the other hand, galvanized steel is coated in zinc to prevent long-term rusting.
In other words, both red iron and galvanized steel have protection from rusting. However, they use different methods to get results. Additionally, galvanized steel tends to offer longer-term protection from rusting, as the iron oxide used in red iron construction can fade away over time.
What is Red Iron?
Red iron construction is a type of steel structure that is coated in iron oxide. The iron oxide creates a red appearance, which is why it is called red iron. The iron oxide is intended to protect the building from rusting.
The iron oxide on red iron buildings also makes them fire and pest-resistant. Because of this, choosing red iron can be a good financial decision, as you have fewer maintenance risks to worry about.
That said, iron oxide can wear away over time. This means that in the long term, you will need to take measures to prevent rusting.
Pros and Cons
Like any type of building material, there are pros and cons to choosing red iron.
The pros of red iron construction include:
- Red iron is an affordable material, making it cost-effective
- These buildings are easy to construct, saving you money on labor costs and time
- Red iron is fire and termite-resistant
- When properly maintained, red iron buildings can last 50 to 100 years
The cons of red iron buildings include:
- The iron oxide on red iron buildings fades, leaving you at risk of rusting over time
- It is difficult to modify red iron buildings on site because they are pre-assembled
- Red iron is bulkier and heavier than steel tubes, which means you will need special equipment to install it
What is Galvanized Steel?
Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to prevent the structure from rusting over time.
Galvanized steel buildings require the following process:
- Cleaning the steel in a degreasing solution
- Lowering the steel into a vat of diluted sulfuric acid
- Fluxing the steel in an aqueous solution like zinc-ammonium chloride
- Inspecting the steel for consistency and a complete coating
These buildings have the strength and durability of traditional metal structures while offering protection from rust damage that is common among steel buildings.
Pros and Cons
Like red iron buildings, galvanized steel comes with its own set of pros and cons.
The advantages of galvanized steel include:
- Less risk of rusting, as these buildings can withstand over 20 years of high exposure to water
- Zinc creates a barrier that erodes before the steel will, which means it lasts longer
- Extremely durable and easy to create custom designs
- Lower initial cost when compared to other types of treated steel
The disadvantages of galvanized steel include:
- The zinc from galvanized steel can negatively impact the environment if special protections are not put in place
- Zinc coating can cause a rough surface that might not be aesthetically pleasing
- If galvanized steel is not treated properly, the protection from rust will not be as effective
What are the Differences Between Red Iron and Galvanized Steel?
As displayed, red iron and galvanized steel have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Either one could be a good choice depending on your own sets of needs and goals for your property. Knowing the differences between the two can help you decide what type of construction is best for you.
The main differences between galvanized steel and red iron construction include:
- Cost – Galvanized steel tends to be less expensive than red iron because it is quicker to manufacture and install it.
- Maintenance – Zinc is better at preventing rust than iron oxide, which means galvanized steel requires less maintenance.
- Durability – Red iron buildings are heavier and bulkier, making them more durable than galvanized steel structures.
- Sustainability – Red iron buildings are better for the environment because there is no risk of zinc getting into local water sources.
- Aesthetics – Red iron buildings tend to be more aesthetically pleasing, as galvanized steel has a rough look due to the zinc coating.
Get Connected to a Leader in the Steel Building Industry
If you are considering creating a new prefabricated steel building, you’ve come to the right place. Titan Steel Structures is considered a leader in the metal building industry due to decades of experience and using the most high-quality materials possible.
Our expert engineers can help you weigh the pros and cons of both red iron and galvanized steel. Contact us today for more information on how to begin planning your new steel building.
