Rust Allowance and Coating Thickness in Steel Weight Sizing

For steel components exposed to the elements, surface coatings and corrosion allowances can affect their weight and dimensions over time. Protective coatings prevent rust but add to the initial weight of the component.

Galvanizing Weight Gains

Hot-dip galvanizing applies a protective zinc coating to the steel surface. This coating typically adds 2% to 5% to the total weight of the component, depending on the thickness of the steel. This weight gain must be factored into shipping and installation plans.

Corrosion Allowances

For steel in corrosive environments, engineers include a corrosion allowance in the initial thickness of the component. This allowance ensures the component retains its structural strength even as surface metal is lost to rust over time.

Determine raw metal weights using our length to weight steel calculator. For manual formulas, refer to our guide on how to calculate steel weight manually.