Metal gates and anti-rust tech?

[ajchien]

Going to put in a few metal gates, learning about rust-prevention. Are there any opinions on galvanizing metal vs. Aluminum-Zinc metalization?

 

[Cyberbear]

Over the years I've used several methods to help prevent unwanted rust on my exterior steel structures. Old fashioned hot dip galvanize is hard to beat but can be costly. Also, powder coating works well, but is also expensive. The remaining do-it-yourself spray coatings have improved over time, but a good commercial coating system is hard to beat and usually doesn't require a lot of maintaining, which eats up any perceived savings by going DIY. I suppose it will come down to what the budget will bear.

 

[ajchien]

To clarify, I'm planning to put $3-$4k into new gates for my yard, so I'd like them last a bit. They'll be close to a lawn sprinkler system too which is why I'm looking into the rust prevention.

I think we're considering getting the gates galvanized, but there's this aluminum zinc metallization process that some people talk about, and I didn't know if the extra cost of metallization over galvanizing was worth it.

 

[rharman]

I don't know about the cost comparison but we had our gates and rails metallized and then powder coated the last time around - 3 years ago. They are 20 years old and I was really tired of painting. Not a spec of rust in the last 3 years.

I am now a fan of metallizing and powder coating for outdoor stuff. And, spend the extra $$ on stainless hardware for mounting.

These guys were great to work with: http://www.zincnation.com

 

[JakeKohl]

I had my two gates (7' x 5'each) and 4"posts hot-dip galvanized. I was quoted about $160. However, after I drove the 40 minutes there and dropped them off, I was informed that there was a $250 minimum fee. I wasn't too thrilled about that - but they did a really nice job and they're holding up very well.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Old fashioned hot dip galvanize is hard to beat but can be costly. Also, powder coating works well, but is also expensive.

By far the best 2 solutions.


Or just make the gates out of stainless steel !

 

[Cyberbear]

It seems to be an industry standard when having galvanizing done, they often spring the minimum charge on you after the fact. Always better to get a written quote and hold them to their word.

 

[CudaChick1968]

... Also, powder coating works well, but is also expensive. ... I suppose it will come down to what the budget will bear.

If it's done right though, you'll get what you pay for! Compare that outlay for a pro job with the number of hours you'll spend -- every year or two -- repainting it and it's a pretty easy decision. Just make sure they use the right powder for the job.

 

[38Chevy454]

To clarify, I'm planning to put $3-$4k into new gates for my yard, so I'd like them last a bit. They'll be close to a lawn sprinkler system too which is why I'm looking into the rust prevention.

I think we're considering getting the gates galvanized, but there's this aluminum zinc metallization process that some people talk about, and I didn't know if the extra cost of metallization over galvanizing was worth it.

Is the alum-zinc metallization an electroplated process? Or something else like thermal spray? Hot dip galvanized is zinc, but the hot dip provides a thick coating that will last outside for many years. Anything electroplated is very thin in comparison. Zinc, or alum-zinc would be sacrificial coatings, in that they deplete themselves over time to protect the iron (steel). Any powder coating or paint is a barrier coating and keeps the water away from the steel. Only good as long as no breaks in the coating.

Best protection would be a sacrificial zinc type coating with a topcoat of some sort. Think of being belt and suspenders approach.