Carbon or Stainless?
Choosing the incorrect fastener material for the application can increase the corrosion risk. A carbon steel fastener with a powder coated finish may look the part when initially installed but because of the process mentioned above, signs of corrosion may not be far away.
A carbon steel fastener used on aluminium sections/cladding will also show signs of early corrosion from the bimetallic reaction of the metals. What may seem like a cost effective solution in the choice of carbon steel over stainless steel may lead to serious defects and is very unlikely to provide a cost effective solution for the life cycle of the project.
With life cycle costing being a vital part of construction especially with regards to PFI projects which are sustaining the construction industry during the economic downturn, our Technical Manager Brian Mack explains why stainless steel fasteners need to take primary consideration in meeting these demands and those of our ever changing environment