Galvanized square steel is specified for outdoor structures because its zinc coating provides long-term corrosion protection. That protection is only as good as the fabrication process that follows: every saw cut, drilled hole, and weld creates an exposed area that the original coating no longer covers.
Best practice is straightforward. Cut ends and holes should be cleaned and coated with a zinc-rich cold galvanizing compound. For welded joints, the coating should be removed from the weld zone first, because burning zinc produces fumes that are a genuine health hazard for welders; adequate ventilation and respiratory protection are essential. The finished weld should then be cleaned and recoated.
For project managers and shop leads, building these steps into the process prevents premature rust at connections, which is where outdoor fabrications typically fail first. Simple, documented touch-up steps are far cheaper than repairing a rusted gate or handrail connection in the field. The Metal Supermarkets guide to galvanized square steel covers material characteristics, typical applications, and selection considerations, and the full article is linked in the comments.
Metal Supermarkets Atlanta (Northwest) cuts square tubing to length in Marietta with no minimum, which reduces field cuts and exposed ends. How does your shop handle coating repair on galvanized fabrications before they leave the floor?
#Fabrication #WeldingSafety #MetalIndustry
Authentic photo of galvanized square tube being cut on the saw at the Marietta location, or a close-up of a cut end next to a can of cold galvanizing compound. A finished outdoor gate or fence frame from a customer also works. Real photos strongly preferred over stock. No Google Drive image folder is set up for this client yet, so request a real photo from the Marietta location.
Canva text suggestion: "Corrosion Protection Fails at the Connections First" or "Build Coating Repair Into the Process"