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Mobile ViewELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR OIL TANKS, BURIED PLUMBING SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR ROOFING INSPECTION & REPAIR ALUMINUM ROOFING AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN buildings ASBESTOS CEMENT & FIBER CEMENT ROOFING ASBESTOS MATERIAL REGULATIONS ASBESTOS REGULATION Update ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES ATTIC LEAKS, CONDENSATION & MOLD ATTIC VENTILATION BEST CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES GUIDE BEST ROOFING PRACTICES BUILT UP ROOFS CEMWOOD ROOFING CERTIFICATIONS for ROOFING CONTRACTORS CHIMNEY INSPECTION & REPAIRS CHOOSING A ROOFING CONTRACTOR CLAY TILE ROOFING COLD WEATHER ROOF TROUBLE CONCRETE ROOFING CORRUGATED ROOFING COPPER ROOFING DEBRIS STAINING on ROOFS DECKS, ROOFTOP CONSTRUCTION DEFINITIONS of ENGINEERED WOOD OSB LVL etc DISASTERS: BUILDING INSPECTION & REPAIR SAFEY EARLY ROOF FAILURE DIAGNOSTIC QUESTIONS ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings EXTERIOR WALL SIDING TRIM & FINISHES FELT UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS FIBER CEMENT & FIBERBOARD ROOFING FIRE RATINGS for ROOF SURFACES FIRE RETARDANT PLYWOOD FLASHING, ASPHALT SHINGLE VALLEYS FLASHING, CLAY TILE ROOFS FLASHING MEMBRANES PEEL & STICK FLASHING for METAL ROOFS FLASHING ROOF WALL DETAILS FLASHING ROOF-WALL SNAFU FLASHING SIDING DETAILS FLASHING WALL DETAILS FLASHING WOOD ROOF DETAILS FLAT ROOF MOISTURE & CONDENSATION GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION Green House or Solarium Roof Leaks GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS HAIL DAMAGED SHINGLES HEAT TAPES & CABLES on Roofs for Ice Dams HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions HOUSEWRAP INSTALLATION DETAILS HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET ICE DAM PREVENTION INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE LEAKY ROOF DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION LOW SLOPE ROOFING MASONITE WOODRUF FIBERBOARD ROOFING MEMBRANE & SINGLE PLY ROOFS METAL ROOFING ALUMINUM ROOFING Aluminized Steel Roofs Barn Roofing, Metal COPPER ROOFING Corrugated Metal Roofing Enameled steel roofing Galvalume Metal Roofing GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION Galvanized Steel Roofing LEAD in ROOFING, EFFECTS LIFE EXPECTANCY of METAL ROOFS METAL ROOF COATINGS & PAINTS METAL ROOF EXPOSED FASTENER SYSTEM METAL ROOF EXPOSED FASTENER FLASHING Metal Shingle Roofs, Embossed, Antique Metal Roofing Sources & Manufacturers METALS USED IN ROOFING MODULAR METAL ROOF SHINGLE SYSTEM NOISE TRANSMISSION in ROOFS SNOW GUARDS on SLATE & METAL ROOFS Soldered Flat Shingle and Flat Copper Metal Roofs Stainless Steel Roofing STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF INSTALLATION TERNE METAL ROOFING Zinc Metal Roofing MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOFING NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE NOISE CONTROL for ROOFS PLASTIC ROOFING TYPES ROLL ROOFING, ASPHALT ROOF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - PHOTO GUIDE ROOF CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS ROOF COLOR RECOMMENDATIONS ROOF DORMER TYPES - PHOTO GUIDE ROOF INSPECTION SAFETY & LIMITS ROOF JOB PROBLEMS, RESOLVING ROOF LEAK DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR ROOF NOISE TRANSMISSION ROOF REPLACEMENT SNAFUs ROOF SLOPE DEFINITIONS ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS ROOFING FELT UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS ROOFING MATERIALS, Age, Types ROOFING TILE SHAPES & PROFILES ROOFING UNDERLAYMENT BEST PRACTICES SADDLE CONSTRUCTION at CHIMNEYS SLATE ROOF INSPECTION & REPAIR SNOW GUARDS on SLATE & METAL ROOFS SOD ROOFING SOUND CONTROL in buildings STAINS on buildings - QUICK GUIDE STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS STAIN DIAGNOSIS on ROOFS STAIN DIAGNOSIS on STONE STANDARDS for ROOFING STONE CLEANING METHODS STONE ROOFING STRESS SKIN INSULATED PANELS TEST LABS - ROOF SHINGLE THATCH ROOFING THERMAL EXPANSION of MATERIALS THERMAL MASS in buildings TILE ROOFING TREES & SHRUBS, TRIM OFF BUILDING TRUSS UPLIFT, ROOF TRUSSES, Floor & Roof UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTS on ROOFS VENTILATION in buildings WALK-ON ROOF SURFACES WARRANTIES for ROOF SHINGLES WATER ENTRY in buildings WIND DAMAGE to ROOFS WINTERIZE A BUILDING WOOD SHAKE & SHINGLE ROOFING WORKMANSHIP & ROOF DAMAGE ZINC METAL ROOFING More Information |
Galvanic corrosion of metals: this article defines galvanic corrosion and explains the galvanic scale, the effects of corrosion on metal roofing, and an explanation of the galvanic scale and causes of corrosion between dissimilar metals in any application. Here we explain the galvanic scale, the effect of corrosion caused when certain metals are placed in contact, and we provide examples of galvanic corrosion hazards that occur in buildings metal roofing, building electrical components, building plumbing components, and at underground oil storage tanks and oil piping systems. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, Daniel Friedman, Steve Bliss, Wiley & Sons, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website. The Galvanic Scale and Its Role in Corrosion of MetalsThis article includes excerpts or adaptations from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss, courtesy of Wiley & Sons. Also see our metal roofing home page, METAL ROOFING and see CORRUGATED ROOFING and COPPER ROOFING, our roofing home page: ROOFING INSPECTION & REPAIR. Other topics involving the galvanic scale include PLUMBING SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR and STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS & DEFECTS and HEATING SYSTEMS. Here we explain the galvanic scale, the effect of corrosion caused when certain metals are placed in contact, and we provide examples of galvanic corrosion hazards that occur in buildings at:
Galvanic & Other Corrosion Warnings for Metal RoofsCorrosion Standards for Metal RoofsSteel roofing materials are tested for corrosion-resistance in a salt spray cabinet per ASTM B117 and also in a condensation chamber per ASTM D4585. Adapted/paraphrased with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, chapter on BEST ROOFING PRACTICES: With metal roofing or any metal building components, the safest strategy is not to mix metals that come in direct contact with one another. Use aluminum flashing and fasteners with aluminum roofing, copper flashing and copper nails with copper roofing, etc. When this is not possible, choose a second metal that is not likely to lead to galvanic corrosion or use a physical barrier to separate the two metals. What is the Galvanic Scale?
Metals at the top of the chart are called anodic, or active, and are prone to corrode; metals at the bottom are cathodic, or passive, and rarely corrode. The farther apart two metals are on the chart, the greater their tendency to react and cause corrosion in the more active metal. Metals close to each other on the scale are usually safe to use together. The Area Effect Determines the Rate of Metal CorrosionThe rate of corrosion is controlled by the area of the more passive metal. For example, a galvanized steel nail (active) will corrode quickly if surrounded by a large area of copper flashing (passive). If a copper nail is used in galvanized steel flashing, however, the corrosion of the steel will be slow and spread over a large area, so it may not be noticeable. In each case, the active metal corrodes, and the passive metal is protected. Galvanic Corrosion of Metal RoofingBecause they are made from active metals, aluminum and zinc roofing panels, as well as steel roofing with aluminum and zinc coatings (galvanized steel, Galvalume®, etc.), are vulnerable to galvanic corrosion if allowed to come in contact with more passive metals. [Click any image or drawing to see a larger copy] For example, never use copper or lead flashings with aluminum, zinc, or galvanized roofing materials. Even water dripping from a copper pipe, flashing, or gutter can lead to corrosion of coated-steel or aluminum roofing materials. How common flashing materials react with metal roofing and other metal building materials is shown in Table 2-12 above. Where incompatible metals must be used in close proximity, use the following precautions:
Other Incompatible Materials Found on Metal RoofsIn addition to galvanic corrosion, a number of other common building materials can harm the finishes on metal roofing or lead to etching or corrosion of the material itself: Wet Mortar Effects on Metal RoofingAluminum roofing materials and aluminum based coatings can be damaged by alkali solutions such as wet mortar. Where contact with wet mortar cannot be avoided, one option is to spray the metal with lacquer or a clear acrylic coating to protect it until the mortar is dry. Pressure-Treated Wood Effects on Metal RoofingRoof panels treated with aluminum and zinc coatings should not come into direct contact with pressure-treated (PT) wood, which can damage the finish and accelerate corrosion. Sealants & Caulks Impact on Metal RoofsUse only sealants recommended by the manufacturer. Never use acid-cure silicones (the most common type, with a vinegar smell) or asphalt roofing cement with coated-steel roofing, as these will mar the finish. Commonly recommended products include butyl tape and gunnable terpolymer butyl or urethane sealant. Salt Spray Impact on Metal RoofsSaltwater spray is very hard on metallic coated– steel products and may lead to corrosion within 5 to 7 years. In these areas, the best choices are copper, stainless steel, or painted aluminum. Hylar/Kynar® finishes hold up best. -- Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction. Other Examples of Corrosion Between Dissimilar Metals and the Need for Dielectric Fittings in buildingsCorrosion Protection for Electrical Panels, Wiring, & Grounding
Corrosion in electrical components, possibly including galvanic effects can cause more subtle hazards such as poor connections inside of electrical panels, switches, and junction boxes. "Phase II Report, Evaluation of Residential Molded Case Circuit Breakers", Wright-Malta Corp., (by J. Aronstein, for U.S. Consumer product Safety Commission, Project #CPSC-C-81-1455), March 10, 1984 (Contains experimental analysis of materials, construction, and performance of molded case circuit breakers, including FPE. Lack of corrosion resistance of certain internal parts is considered to be a factor in the failure of the circuit breakers. Galvanized to Copper Pipe Connections - Use a Dieelectric Fitting to Avoid Corrosion
Using a brass fitting to connect these two metals, or more commonly, using plastic or bronze fittings at the joint between these two metals will avoid future corrosion and leaks. The photo (left) shows a galvanized iron union used to connect copper to galvanized iron. In the upper image you can just make out the black bronze ring built into this plumbing connector to avoid corrosion where the copper presses against the galvanized iron. How do we explain that in some buildings we see direct copper-to-iron pipe connections with no corrosion? Luck? Maybe. But the corrosivity of the water is probably a factor in how rapidly copper-to-galvanized pipe connections will corrode and leak. Spelling note that may help some searches: it's not dialectic pipe fittings, but dielectric pipe fittings. Steel Underground Storage Tanks, Oil Piping, and Galvanic Corrosion
At OIL TANK FAILURE CAUSES we provide details about sources of corrosion in underground oil storage tanks and in their piping & connections. Oil Storage Tank Corrosion Protection Standards
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