Pre-Galvanised vs. Hot-Dip Galvanised Brackets: Which Should You Use?

We’re going to examine what is hot-dip galvanising? What is pre-galvanised steel? Pre-galvanised vs. hot-dip galvanised brackets and which galvanised finish is best for brackets. For more information or to speak directly to an expert, call our friendly team on 0121 553 6699.

What is Galvanisation?

According to the Galvanisers Association, galvanisation is “the process of applying a protective zinc coating to iron or steel, to prevent rusting.”

In short, the metal (usually steel in the case of brackets) is dipped into a bath of molten zinc, which reacts with the surface and forms a coating. This zinc shield then protects the steel within from corrosion, in some cases for as much as 100 years.

There are two main methods of galvanising steel:

• Pre-galvanising
• Hot-dip galvanising

While the processes are similar, the results and intended applications are quite different.

What Are Pre-Galvanised Brackets?

Pre-galvanised brackets, as the name suggests, are made from pre-galvanised steel. This means the steel was galvanised using an automated process before it was cut and formed.

Pre-galvanisation is a relatively quick affair, where the steel is briefly submerged in a zinc bath to give it a coating of about 20 microns. This is a cost-effective method that gives a smooth surface finish, but because the steel is galvanised before it’s formed, any cut edges or welds are left unprotected.

While there is a degree of protection on the edges and welds thanks to a process known as cathodic corrosion protection, it’s not enough to guarantee longevity in harsh conditions. As a result, pre-galvanised brackets, and steel in general, are more suited to indoor applications.

What is Hot-Dip Galvanising?

Hot-dip galvanising is a little more thorough, and is the method specified in the EN ISO 1461 standard. In this process, the whole bracket is fabricated, including cutting and welding, before it is fully submerged in a bath of molten zinc, giving the whole item a minimum coating of 55 microns.

This means that every part of the finished bracket is protected, including any edges, welds and even internal openings.

Hot-dip galvanised brackets are much more corrosion-resistant than pre-galvanised brackets, but the process is more costly and creates a rougher surface finish. A higher corrosion resistance makes hot-dip brackets more suitable for outdoor applications and high-corrosion environments.

Pre-Galvanised vs. Hot-Dip Galvanised Brackets: Differences at a Glance

There are a few differences between pre-galvanised and hot-dip galvanised brackets, including cost, surface finish, coating thickness, intended use and coverage. We’ve compiled some of the key variations in this table below:

	Pre-Galvanised	Hot-Dip Galvanised
Cost (relative)	Lower	Higher
Surface Finish	Smooth	Rough
Coating Thickness	Thin	Thick
Intended Use	Indoor, low corrosion	Outdoor, high corrosion
Coverage	Mostly covered	Completely covered

Which Galvanised Finish is Best for Brackets?

The answer to this question depends on what you intend to use your brackets for. Hot-dip galvanised brackets have a relatively thick zinc coating all over, giving them outstanding resistance to corrosion and other forms of wear. This makes them perfect for outdoor applications or use in high-corrosion environments such as marine or coastal construction.

Pre-galvanised brackets, on the other hand, are more cost-effective and have a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing finish, but don’t offer the same level of corrosion resistance. As a result, pre-galvanised brackets are ideal for indoor applications, where the likelihood of exposure to corrosion is reduced and looks matter a little more.

To make the best choice for your project, it’s important to consider the environment that the brackets will be used in and how corrosion resistant they need to be in order to provide the required longevity.

Find the Right Galvanised Brackets with Lenson

Hopefully we’ve helped shed a little light on the pre-galvanised vs. hot-dip galvanised brackets debate, but where can you find the right brackets for your next project?

We can help with that too. At Lenson, we stock and supply a vast selection of high-quality pre-galvanised and hot-dip galvanised brackets, suitable for a wide range of different applications. Finding the brackets you need is easy with our online store, and we even offer discounts on orders over £1,000 and express delivery within 35 miles of our West Bromwich HQ.

For further information or more help finding the right brackets, just contact our team by calling 0121 553 6699, emailing sales@lenson-select.co.uk or filling out our contact form. 

FAQs – Pre-Galvanised vs. Hot-Dip Glavanised Brackets

Which type of galvanised bracket is best for outdoor use? 

For outdoor use, we’d typically recommend hot-dip galvanised brackets. They have a thicker, more complete coating that provides more comprehensive protection from moisture and other corrosive elements. 

Is pre-galvanised steel rustproof? 

Yes. Pre-galvanised steel is rustproof, although it doesn’t offer the same level of corrosion resistance as hot-dip galvanised steel. 

Do hot-dip galvanised brackets cost more? 

Typically, yes. However, the increased cost is balanced by the improved longevity and corrosion resistance thanks to a thicker protective layer, which allows hot-dip galvanised products to last almost as long as 100 years. 

How do I know which finish is right for my project? 

Which finish is right for your project will depend on where the brackets are due to be installed. If they’re likely to be exposed to the elements or in a highly corrosive environment, such as near the sea, then hot dip may be preferable. If they’re due to be installed indoors, sheltered from the elements, then pre-galvanised steel should be perfectly sufficient.