Questions You Should Know about Custom Hot Dip Galvanized Guardrail

28 Apr.,2025

 

Hot Dipped Galvanized Railings - Keuka Studios

Hot Dipped Galvanized Railings

What are Hot Dipped Galvanized Railings?

The galvanizing process has been used to protect metal (primarily steel) from corrosion for hundreds of years.  The process basically involves cleaning the metal then dipping it into a vat of molten zinc.  The multiple layers of zinc that form from this process protect the underlying steel from corrosion. This has proven to be effective even in salt-laden oceanfront environments. The zinc does more than just coat the metal, it metallurgically bonds to it, actually becoming part of it. These layers of zinc dissolve at a very slow rate, essentially acting as sacrificial layers. The layers of zinc inhibit rust, providing decades of protection to the underlying ironwork.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from DACHU.

How Long Does Galvanizing Last?

The level of corrosion protection is determined by the coating’s thickness. The thicker the coating, the longer the life. Also, the geographical location where the ironwork will reside plays a crucial role in the longevity of the protection. Railings located in enclosed pool areas, at oceanfront properties, or in close proximity to salted roadways all require a thicker coating of zinc. It’s important to understand the surrounding environment when specifying a galvanized coating thickness.

Advantages of Hot Dipped Galvanized Railings:

  • Using glavanized steel has a relatively low cost compared to using nonferrous (non-rusting) metals like stainless steel or aluminum.
  • Hot-dip galvanized steel railings are low maintenance. Coatings can last 25-50+ years.
  • They are durable and scratch-resistant.
  • Scratches or abrasions that compromise the coating are still protected by the surrounding zinc (galvanic cell).
  • Since during the hot-dip process, the ironwork is completely immersed in the molten zinc, the insides of tubing and interior crevasses of scroll ironwork get fully protected.
  • Galvanized steel posts can be painted or powder-coated over the galvanized coating to enhance the beauty and add even more corrosion protection.
  • If left unpainted the overall aesthetic is an industrial style which is considered on-trend for many of today’s design styles.

Disadvantages of Hot Dipped Galvanized Railings:

  • It is difficult to control drips and sags and other surface imperfections when hot-dip galvanizing railings or other architectural metalwork. The resulting surface is not as fine, even after powder coating, as it would be if powder coated alone.
  • Galvanize dip tanks are limited in size which sometimes requires breaking up large sections of the railing into smaller sections in order to fit them into the tank. This takes careful planning at the design stage, though it is possible.

 Galvanized Steel Appearance:

Galvanized coatings are typically bright and shiny when freshly galvanized. Left unpainted,  the finish will weather to a uniform dull gray appearance within a year. They look fantastic on exterior railings and have an industrial aesthetic.

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares

Highway Guardrail - Ideal Shield

“We purchased some sign bollard covers from you all a few months ago and they work great! So far we’ve had 0 signs fall over in our parking lot. This time last year we had 2-3 fall over so already we’ve saved roughly $500 dollars in damages.”

William Myers - Amazon

“I have been truly impressed with the covers we bought from you so many years ago. They have been exposed to direct sunlight for years and have not faded one bit after all this time! Kudos!”

Mark C. - UBT

“First and foremost, we have loved the sign bases. They have gone through the various states of weather that Minnesota has to offer and they are withstanding the weather and doing a great job for us. At this time, we have all of our needs, however, after the Super Bowl and when we head into our spring events we could be looking to purchasing additional signs. ” 

Representative from US Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings & Super Bowl 52

“This is just what we were looking for. Well made. We will be installing it next week. Everyone here is excited to have a railing to hang onto with winter coming. We at St. Cyprian thank you and your facility for help us.”

Carl Baltosiewich w/St. Cyprian

Want more information on Custom Hot Dip Galvanized Guardrail? Feel free to contact us.

“Ideal Shield had some of the best prices on the market for bollards and covers. They were very easy to deal with and provided prompt shipment. The quality of the material was exceptional and a breeze to install.” 

James Harvill

“Steris Pharmaceutical chose Ideal Shield handrail because it’s sturdy, and the mounting brackets worked really well. Very happy with the product.”

Kevin Korb - Rite Hite

“When compared to other railing systems, Ideal Shield’s anchor system is cost-efficient and super strong – plus fully removable for relocation. Ideal Shield offers quality products that are very durable and never require painting.”

Donnie Frederick - Odessa College

“Ideal Shield has helped me out of many issues over the last couple of years. The restaurant business is always under a sense of urgency. It’s refreshing when someone drops everything & goes the extra mile to help. That is VERY rare this day & age.” 

Kari Carper - BDH Contracting

“I am speechless, I have never had a company go above and beyond what Y’all are doing for Us.  There are only two words to describe Ideal Shield Character and Integrity.  I will be sure to tell everyone I do business with about your company. ” 

Joe W. - AT&T

“Amazing customer service! I had many questions and multiple emails back and forth with them to match the correct product to my needs. They responded very quickly and precisely. Sales associate was exceptional to deal with! Amazing customer service! I had many questions and multiple emails back and forth with them to match the correct product to my needs. They responded very quickly and precisely. Sales associate was exceptional to deal with!”

Dave Albright

The company is the world’s best guardrail posts supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.