What is the weathered steel?
Weathered steel is a special type of steel alloy designed to naturally resist rust and corrosion. It is commonly referred to as Cor-Ten® or Corten, a brand version of this product produced by the US Steel. The weathering steel contains a mixture of standard steel and alloys that offer natural corrosion resistance, including metals such as copper, nickel and chrome. After these metals have been exposed to air outside, they form a patina -colored patina on the steel surface. This patina automatically regenerates with weather changes, helping to protect steel from corrosion -related damage over time. It is usually used to build bridges and is one of the most popular materials for the construction of metal railing along the road. Many outdoor sculptures and other works of art are made of weather steel, including the famous love statue in Chicago. The weather steel is particularly common in wilderness areas such as national parks, because of its ability to mix into the environment.
builders use weather steel as an alternative to traditional galvanized steel, which is coated with zinc to create a protective outer layer. While galvanized steel has a bright, glossy surface that lasts for many years, the steel is known is known for its rusty colored patina. The difference in the appearance between the two materials is one of the main characteristics of distinguishing, because both provide resistance to long -term wear and corrosion. Usually this type of steel is used in areas where metal should mix with the local environment, while galvanized steel is used where a brighter surface is preferred.
One attraction of weathered steel is its extremely low maintenance requirements. This material is self -esteem and requires no rust or repair removal. Natural patina means no completion, which can help reduce installation and labor costs. Many people appreciate the rustic natural beauty tohOto material that is difficult to duplicate with other types of steel. Finally, this type of steel is relatively affordable compared to galvanized steel or other coated metals.
Despite many advantages, this type of steel is also associated with some potential restrictions or disadvantages. This material cannot be painted or coated because any surface treatment tends to reduce natural resistance to corrosion in patina. The weathering steel may not be the best choice for projects exposed to a high level of moisture or salty sea air, as these types of conditions can lead to excessive corrosion. The tendency of this material to create a rusty colored patina can also lead to bleeding or coloring the surrounding materials.