Understanding the Role of Zinc Anodes in Corrosion Prevention

ByAllen Jone

One of the most treacherous chemical processes is corrosion. Corrosion is the breaking down of chemical components and their return to their natural chemical state. The main reason why corrosion happens is because of exposure to electrolytes. Electrolytes that are found in the air or water can have detrimental effects on metals. Even though it is natural for corrosion to occur, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t cause a ton of damage to metal structures. The best way to ensure that your metal structures last a long time is by taking measures to prevent corrosion is by using zinc anodes.

Corrosion Prevention

As many industrial structures are made using steel and concrete, they are almost always prone to corrosion unless the proper preventative measures are taken to ensure that it does not occur. When it comes to structures that will be heavily exposed to the elements, zinc anodes must be used to ensure corrosion does not occur. This defense is especially important when dealing with fully or partially underwater structures as they will be sitting in water and potentially salt, which can be extremely damaging to the structure. By using marine zinc anodes, builders can prevent this from happening.

Understanding The Protection Process

Zinc anodes have a negative charge, and they take the place of the corroding metal. Often these are referred to as sacrificial because they sacrifice themselves so that the steel can stay undamaged and healthy. These protective systems can be installed on several types of structures, adding a better defense against natural elements.

Application

These sacrificial protectants are added into the structure by drilling tiny holes, and then they are placed beside the steel structure. The most common applications for these types of protective systems is on outdoor balconies, bridges, and piers. As this technology proves exceptionally beneficial to these structures, most builders should be jumping on board to ensure high-quality structures for longer.

While you may think that your buildings don’t require this type of technology, you may end up spending a ton of money on repairs when you could have taken the extra precautions and had one installed. Check out our website to get a zinc anode rod in Canada. If you have questions or concerns about any structures or buildings you are working on, our business can ensure you are getting the correct products to ensure long-term durability.