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ASTM Steel Standards
Weathering Steel
Weathering steel is designed to perform where durability meets exposure. Unlike traditional carbon steels that require regular painting or galvanizing for protection against rust, weathering steel develops a stable oxide layer that not only enhances its longevity but also contributes to an environmentally friendly lifecycle due to reduced need for chemical coatings. The layer protecting the surface develops and regenerates continuously. The steel is allowed to rust in order to form the protective coating. Environmental factors heavily influence the rate of the oxide layer development, so working with our engineering team is important to ensure you will achieve your goals when using these materials.
Key Features and Benefits
- Durability
- Protective patina
- Minimizes maintenance over time
- Environmentally friendly lifecycle due to reduced need for regular coatings
- Unique visual appeal
Considerations
- Ensuring that weld-points weather at the same rate as the other materials may require special welding methods. Weathering steel is not rustproof in itself., so provision for drainage must be made. In humid subtropical climates, the protective patina may continue to corrode.
- The rate at which some weathering steels form the desired patina varies strongly with the presence of atmospheric pollutants which catalyze corrosion. While the process is generally successful in large urban centers, the weathering rate is much slower in more rural environments.
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