Archetech Issue 36 2018 | Page 46

EXTENDING THE LIFE OF STEEL WITH DUPLEX COATINGS The importance of steel in most architectural projects cannot be underestimated. From bridges to stadiums, high-rises to houses, steel acts as a durable, flexible, environmentally friendly, cost effective material. To preserve its longevity and aesthetic appearance however, it needs to be protected from the elements to prevent rust and corrosion. One of the most effective and long-lasting ways to protect steel and enhance its aesthetic appeal, is by treating it with a duplex coating. What is a duplex coating? A duplex coating is a synergy of hot dip galvanising and powder coating suitable for all types of steel architectural projects, including structural sections, gates, railings, staircases, lighting and flooring. Used independently, a galvanised coating and a powder coat provides a good level of protection for steel. However, as steel begins to age, the galvanised zinc coating erodes, making the steel more susceptible to weather damage. If the steel has also been painted or powder coated however, it acts as an extra barrier, which slows down the zinc erosion rate. This is the main advantage of a duplex coating: when used together the synergistic effect of the combined coatings provide a far superior level of protection to extend the life of steel. Duplex coatings benefits: 1. Durability 2. Ease of repainting 3. Economical 4. Aesthetics 5. Sustainable 6. Environmentally friendly. Duplex coatings at Joseph Ash Medway Joseph Ash Galvanizing is a leader of steel finishing services, serving all types of customers from large construction companies and fabricators, to fencing specifiers and architects. Its services include galvanising, spin galvanising, shot blasting, powder coating and duplex coatings. When it comes to corrosion protection, the company provides the highest standards of quality available. Duplex coatings are provided by the company’s Joseph Ash Medway plant, which offers a 25-year guarantee (up to 40 years on a specific type of powder / subject to T&Cs), and a wide variety of durable powder coating finishes from metallic to textured, in a huge range of bright colours with varying matt, satin and gloss levels. Joseph Ash Medway is also an approved applicator for Syntha Pulvin architectural coating solutions (the premier architectural powder coatings brand in Europe), offering a wide range of Architectural Powder Coatings formulated to decorate and protect architectural aluminium and galvanised steel exposed to ultraviolet conditions and extreme weather. For more information about duplex coatings and Joseph Ash Galvanizing please visit their website at www.josephash. co.uk or contact them on 0121 504 2573.