Part 2: Always select a fixing suitable for the corrosion conditions

Corrosion refers to the change and breakdown of metal due to the effects of the environment, and it has a significant impact on the durability of installations. The visible appearance of corrosion is rust, but corrosion often cannot be visually detected. Corrosion is particularly caused by climate conditions and changes in them as well as exposure to corrosion-accelerating substances, such as salt water, pollution or chemicals.

In addition to surface corrosion caused by conditions, combining different types of metals can lead to the quick corrosion of the more less noble metal (galvanic corrosion). Materials that endure corrosion well, such as stainless steel, are susceptible to stress corrosion caused by the joint effects of the internal and external stresses of the metal and surrounding corrosion conditions.

Fixings are protected from corrosion through zinc plating, various corrosion-retarding coatings and the use of stainless steel (A2, A4 and special acid-proof, or HCR). Sormat’s product range provides fixings for even the most demanding corrosion conditions.