weathering steel Unique properties

Weathering steel's unique appearance and naturally oxidized appearance make it ideal for many construction projects. Weathering steel is an alloy steel that was developed to eliminate the need for painting and to develop a stable rust-like appearance if exposed to more weather for extended periods of time. Weathering steel has higher resistance to atmospheric corrosion than other steels.

Weathering steel resists the corrosive effects of rain, snow, ice, fog and other meteorological conditions by forming a dark brown oxide coating on the metal, inhibiting deeper penetration and eliminating the need for paint and expensive rust maintenance.

Weathering steel, also known as low alloy steel, is steel with a carbon content of less than 0.2 by weight. The alloying elements added therein are mainly copper, chromium, nickel, phosphorus, silicon and manganese, not exceeding 3%-5% in total. The chemical composition of these steel alloys is specially formulated to allow early formation of rust/iron oxide layers , will provide a weather protective coating on the underlying steel.

The corrosion rate of weathering steel is so low that bridges built from weathering steel can easily achieve a design life of 120 years with minimal maintenance. In reality, weathering steel structures offer a range of additional benefits, including lower overall life cycle costs and greater safety, as protective paint systems are not required and inspection cycles are reduced. No need for paint also means no VOCs are released into the atmosphere, faster application.