Galvanized steel pipes are used in most of the applications starting from plumbing and on to through structural support because of their good durability and the fact that they do not get corroded easily. Nonetheless, exposure to the sun over a long term is a huge challenge that can affect the pipes physically and totally reduce their life expectancy. This article goes into the influence of direct sunlight on galvanized steel pipes in the long run, which apart from easy use and a scheduled performance, is a vital requirement for the pipes.
What impact does prolonged exposure to the sun have on galvanized steel pipes?
It is the long-term exposure that is the most significant environmental factor affecting the performance and service time of galvanized steel pipes. It is there, where the damage will be both coating-related and structure-based. A detailed analysis is as follows:
Coating damage causes the rusting of steel pipes
The galvanized steel pipe is zinc-coated, and the galvanized layer is the key barrier against rust; besides, on being exposed to the sun for a long time, the protective coating gets corroded rapidly. If sunlight has ultraviolet radiation, its energy is high enough to the galvanizing layer’s molecules thereby damaging them and causing the peeling and the breaking of the galvanized layer. So that when the galvanized layer is eroded, the underlying steel pipe will be affected by oxygen in the air, and this reaction is very fast resulting in the formation of rust. Under high humidity especially, the rusting rate of that part will be even faster and then the damage to the internal structure follows. It shortens the galvanized steel pipe’s life.
Material property degradation causes the bearing capacity to weaken
When a galvanized steel pipe is constantly exposed to sunlight for a long time, the temperature of the pipe will be increased which will again lead to quick temperature changes of the pipe. Consequently, the rise of temperature as well as the thermal shrinkage will occur in the steel pipe while the temperature goes down. These cycles of thermal expansion and contraction sometimes even beyond the temperature of the steel pipe will result in a phase transition of the steel pipe materials which in the end lowers the strength, the toughness and plasticity of the material. Once, the covering of the steel pipe gets affected, the bearing capacity of such materials will be diminished and it will have uncertain load-bearing capabilities which might harm the whole safety of the building structure.
Accelerated aging shortens the service life
One of the detrimental factors brought about by burning sunlight and continuous thermal expansion and contraction is that they have the potential to increase the ambient temperature of the galvanized steel pipe and thus precipitate the general aging process. The heat generated from the sunlight will not only speed up the aging process of the steel pipe but also enable the materials inside the steel pipe to react more easily, eventually degrading the performance of the steel pipe slowly. At the same time, high temperatures would further quicken the corrosion process of the residual corrosive substances on the outer surface of the pipe, causing the steel itself to incur more damage. Although there is no external force, the combined action of the sun with the passage of time will lead to the aging of the steel pipe and thereby will shorten its service life.
Appearance deformation affects the user experience
Under continuous high temperature exposure, the galvanized steel pipe may appear deformed in appearance. Especially with thinner walled galvanized steel pipes, deformation is very likely to occur, such as bending and twisting at high temperatures. Appearance deformation not only affects the beauty of the galvanized steel pipe, but may also affect its installation and use. For example, deformation of galvanized steel pipes used for water delivery may cause poor water flow; deformation of galvanized steel pipes used for building brackets will affect the stability of the brackets.
Conclusion
Exposing galvanized steel pipes to the sun for long periods has a negative effect such as the destruction of the coating that can lead to the need for replacement yet they had not served to the full. Recognizing this condition is essential for construction, plumbing, and maintenance specialists. By taking protective measures and choosing high-quality galvanized pipes like Jianzhi Group’s, you can maintain your piping systems stable and secure.
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