Why we galvanize our external stair kits.

At QStairs all our exterior spiral staircase kits are galvanized, primarily to help keep our external staircase kits as robust and low maintenance as possible.

Hot dip galvanizing is the process used to protect steel and give galvanized products longevity. Clean steel is immersed into molten zinc, a series of zinc-iron alloy layers are formed by a metallurgical reaction between the iron and zinc, providing a robust coating which is an integral part of the steel.

This process means that the steel of our exterior spiral staircase kits is protected from corrosion making them highly durable and long lasting. How long will depend on what area of the UK the stair is installed in. Take a look at the Galvanizing Associations map to see how long galvanizing will last in your area and find the average lifespan in years.

The Galvanizers Association lists several other benefits to hot dip galvanizing as well.

The process is proven

The galvanizing process stretches back over 150 years so there are many examples across the UK of applications that have outlasted their initial requirements. One such example is a temporary bridge, still in use today, that was constructed in 1944 to assist the flow of supplies during the D-Day landings at Lydlinch, Dorset.

Honest

Due to the unique alloy growth that occurs when clean steel is immersed into molten zinc – the coating effectively becomes part of the steel – if the coating looks good when it’s done then it should remain so.

Sustainable

Repeated maintenance painting of steel structures can have an economic and environmental cost. Galvanizing’s durability can reduce the environmental burden in terms of energy consumption.

Tough

The tough, abrasion resistant coating that is created through the galvanising process leads to less site damage and therefore faster formation of structures.

Fast
Normally the hot dip galvanizing process can be turned around in 3 days.

Our galvanised spiral staircase kit is hot dip galvanized in accordance with BS EN ISO 1461 and under the control of ISO 9001.  

In the majority of its uses, hot dip galvanizing provides a long, maintenance-free life without any requirement for maintenance painting. So you can see why we have chosen it for all our exterior staircase kits.