Corrosion and repair of corrosion damage are multi-billion dollar problems - the latest estimates show metallic corrosion costs the United States approximately $423 billion annually ($52 billion in Canada), or about 3% of each nations GDP. However, the cost of corrosion is much greater than just financial, it can also lead to waste of natural resources, hazardous failures, and many other indirect costs. Corrosion is a natural phenomenon which can never be completely eliminated; however, it is a misconception nothing can be done. Employing adequate corrosion protection systems at the start of a project, such as hot-dip galvanizing, can significantly reduce these annual costs.

For more than 100 years, hot-dip galvanizing after fabrication has been specified to combat steel corrosion in the harshest environments throughout various markets. However, the specification and use of hot-dip galvanized steel evolves constantly as new markets emerge. Once considered only as a means of corrosion protection, hot-dip galvanizing is now specified for an array of reasons including lower initial cost, durability, longevity, availability, versatility, sustainability, and even aesthetics. Understanding the characteristics and performance of hot-dip galvanized steel will facilitate and increase the specification of the coating in applications where galvanizing will enhance the project.

Revised in 2012, this 24-page comprehensive publication discusses why specifiers choose hot-dip galvanized steel (case studies included) such as for corrosion protection, durability, longevity, lower initial and life-cycle cost, availability, versatility, sustainability, and aesthetics.

The AGA has translated this publication into Spanish. This publication is only available to download as a PDF.