what is the difference between galvanized and stainless steal bolts?
the hurricane shutter contractor installed shutters in our ocean front bldg, using galvanized instead of stainless steel.
What can we expect for a life expectancy’s for the galvanized vs, the stainless steel. and isn’t it wrong for the contractor to have done this as htey knew that the installation was to be on the oceanl
Tagged with: hurricane shutter • life expectancy • ocean front • shutters • stainless steel
Filed under: Hurricane Questions
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I sure would rather have stainless steel around salt water. Galvanized bolts will not last and will start to corrode.
Maybe you can work something out with your contractor to replace the bolts if you split the cost with him. I no this isn’t what you want but it might be a reasonable solution and a way to get what you need
Good Luck
Neither will rust outside. Galvanized looks rough, and less expensive (ugly looking), stainless are shiny, and more expensive (look better)
Galvanization is a process whereby the bolt is hot-dipped with a zinc-based coating. Of course stainless steel is made by adding alloys to the manufacturing process. Stainless steel is required by code in applications such as your ocean front building. Any little nick in the galvanized bolt will deteriorate quickly in the salty air.
Good Luck!
Most of the answers you’ve gotten are correct. However, having been a construction specifications writer and a construction inspector, it all depends on what was written in the installation contract. If stainless steel fasteners were specified, it’s simple - call the contractor and demand that stainless fasteners be used. However, if there were no specifications given for the fastening system, you may have to either accept the galvanized fasteners or negotiate a price with the contractor to return and replace the galvanized with stainless. "Caveat Emptor" (Let the buyer beware).