Corrosion

Galvanic corrosion can be a significant problem for metal structures.    Everyone knows steel rusts.  Aluminum also corrodes and deteriorates.    All things considered, a good coating is very beneficial to delay corrosion but it is not a guarantee to completely prevent corrosion.  

Corrosion varies widely with the application environment.  We have uncoated steel structures that have been in the weather and exposed to freshwater for years without significant corrosion problems.  The steel forms a patchy rust mostly around cut edges, welds and fasteners.  It eventually develops an even patina and remains stable for many years.   We have had other structures that rusted excessively due to adverse environmental factors.  

Corrosion is an electro-chemical reaction that is magnified with salt, acidity and chemicals in the soil and/or water.   Corrosion can become extreme when dissimilar metals are present.   In some cases, coatings can magnify the problem near areas where electrical currents are concentrated near small defects in the coating. Coatings can also hide corrosion, delaying maintenance until significant damage is done (this is especially true in aluminum structures).

We prefer plastic pipe because it does not corrode or promote galvanic corrosion of the drain structure.  We have dug out lots of heavy galvanized steel pipe that has been completely eaten away by corrosion.  

Our aluminum structures will resist corrosion in normal soil conditions and provide a long service life.  

Do not install our aluminum structures where they are in direct electrical contact with steel — the aluminum will become a “sacrificial anode” and it will corrode.