One question we at VUETRADE are often asked is:
There are several key benefits to using stainless steel building components instead of galvanised ones in coastal and high saline environments common in Australia. We’ve tried to summarise the main advantages here:
Corrosion Resistance – Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance properties, making it highly resistant to rust, tarnish, and other forms of corrosion. This is particularly crucial in coastal areas where the air contains salt and moisture, which can accelerate corrosion. Stainless steel components can withstand the harsh coastal environment, ensuring long-lasting durability and minimal maintenance.
Extended Lifespan – Stainless steel has a longer lifespan compared to galvanised components when installed in coastal environments. Its corrosion-resistant properties help prevent degradation over time, resulting in reduced replacement and repair costs. Choosing stainless steel ensures that your building components will maintain their structural integrity and aesthetics for many years.
Aesthetic Appeal – Stainless steel offers a sleek and modern appearance that enhances the overall aesthetics of your project. The sleek finish helps to add a modern sophistication and elegance to architectural designs. Its clean and reflective surface creates a visually appealing look that can withstand the coastal elements without compromising its appearance.
Strength and Durability – Stainless steel is known for its exceptional strength and durability. It has a high tensile strength, making it resistant to bending, cracking, and impact. In coastal areas where buildings are exposed to strong winds, storms, and harsh weather conditions, stainless steel components provide reliable structural support and resilience.
Low Maintenance – Stainless steel requires minimal maintenance in coastal environments. Unlike galvanised components that may require regular inspections and touch-ups to prevent rust and corrosion, stainless steel is relatively maintenance-free. This saves time, effort, and costs associated with maintenance, allowing for a hassle-free building operation.
Environmental Friendliness – Stainless steel is a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. It is 100% recyclable, which reduces the demand for new raw materials and helps conserve natural resources. By using stainless steel components, you contribute to a more sustainable construction industry and reduce the environmental impact of your building.
Opting for stainless steel building components over galvanised ones in coastal or high saline environments provides corrosion resistance, extended lifespan, aesthetic appeal, strength and durability, low maintenance requirements, and environmental benefits. It ensures the longevity and visual appeal of your building while withstanding the challenging coastal conditions.
So, in summary, the truth is that the unique properties of stainless steel provide many important benefits over galvanised building components in installations in coastal environments in Australia. Stainless steel products look great, require little to no maintenance, and ultimately last longer in these in tough, coastal conditions, better value for money in the long-term.
At VUETRADE we have developed our CoastalSS range of 304 and 316 stainless steel products designed specifically for use in coastal and high saline environments.
Featuring the most comprehensive range of timber connectors many of which are made in Australia, the CoastalSS range provides everything you need for coastal installation helping to reduce time wasting during procurement and give you peace of mind.
For more information on which products to use, you can refer to our Compliance Guide or our CoastalSS blog post.
Always use the most appropriate products based on the installation, the environment, and the Australian standards.