SA Roofing April 2018 // Issue 99 | Page 30

REGULARS: QUALITY MATTERS Corrosion is one of the major issues that steel faces. Dealing with corrosion According to a global study conducted by the worldwide corrosion authority, NACE International, the global cost of corrosion is about USD2.5-trillion, equivalent to roughly 3.4% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). By Richard Polling, group director at MRC-Group | Photos by Richard Polling T his two-year global study found that implementing corrosion prevention best practices could result in global savings of between 15 and 35% of the cost of damage, or between USD375-billion and USD875-billion. Steel throughout the world is one of the most used materials in construction, 28 APRIL 2018 RESIDENTIAL // COMMERCIAL // INDUSTRIAL whether it is the main structure, reinforcement in concrete or roof and cladding systems. This is owing to its versatility, durability, strength to weight ratio and affordability. Steel is used in a vast range of construction methods and systems from main structural steelwork, cladding and service support systems, reinforcement within concrete through to outside façades and roof systems. Understanding corrosion Corrosion is the deterioration of steel and is often called rust and is one of steel’s major issues especially in its natural, uncoated form. Corrosion will occur at differing rates