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Q&As since 1989
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Zincalum, galvalum or G90 for my fence
Q. I am building a fence that runs north south in front of my house. A street dead ends into my front yard and in late afternoon receives lots of sun. I plan on using corrugated metal but highly reflective material is out of the question. I would like the material to have a gray look if possible. Which material [g90, zincalum or galvalum] is least reflective? which weathers fastest naturally? If I spray the surface with muriatic acid [affil links], will the surface rust or only turn gray? I realize I can use cold rolled material, but the cost is considerably higher.
Bill D [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]artist/ manufacturer/job shop - Yreka, California
July 28, 2009
"Fences for Pasture & Graden"
on
AbeBooks
or
Amazon
(affil links)
A. Hi, Bill. All three are excellent corrosion-resisting finishes and not actually very different, although the manufacturers of the aluminum-bearing Zincalum and Galvalum claim better performance. It really doesn't matter which is theoretically best though, because unfortunately a consumer can't calculate performance based on first principles like the manufacturer can who has control of all the variables. The integrity of the supplier and their commitment to quality and corrosion resistance is far more important than the theoretical reflectivity or corrosion resistance of a material.
But I don't understand the reference to cold rolled material and its higher cost, because plain cold rolled steel (without one of these zinc or aluminum-based coatings) should be lower reflectivity, but will rust quickly and should be less expensive, not more. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 1, 2010
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