The use of stainless steel in the construction of buildings, homes, and other structures has been greatly expanded in recent years. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, heat-resisting, stain-resistant, and highly durable. It also does not rust even when exposed to high concentrations of saltwater for a long period. Stated differently, stainless steel has very high corrosion resistance. It can withstand corrosion that would weaken or corrode other metals.
Stainless steel is ideal for various applications where durability and resistance to corrosion are important factors. For example, plumbing pipes are often made from stainless steel. They are one of the most common materials used in plumbing pipes because they are cheap and easy to work with. However, there are several benefits associated with using stainless steel pipes for Africa as opposed to copper or brass plumbing pipes that you should know about.
Corrosion resistance
Corrosion is a condition that develops when a metal’s surface is in contact with a liquid or a combination of two liquids. The two liquids are often water, and something that the metal is exposed to a lot, such as salt water, oil, or moisture, will cause corrosion. Corrosion is not only harmful to the metal but also something that can be detected by an inspector when entering a home or business. Stainless steel is very corrosion-resistant because of its low carbon content. Moreover, it has excellent tensile strength, which is why it can be used in structural applications. It is so strong that it is almost unbreakable. The material can withstand the load even when subjected to high stress and temperatures, such as when a pipe joint cracks due to water flow restrictions.
Heat resistance
Heat resistance is the ability of a material to withstand high temperatures. Metal is normally heat-resistant because it is made of aluminum and iron. However, many metals, including stainless steel, have a low thermal resistance. In other words, if the temperature increases by a certain percentage, the material will start to break down. This is a problem when the temperature inside a building or structure gets too high since it can affect the structure’s integrity. The International Code Council (ICC) is the world’s leading organization for codes, regulations, standards, and recommendations relating to health and safety in the construction industry.
Stain resistance
Stains, especially oil-based stains, are very difficult to remove from stainless steel pipes. They can even leave permanent marks on the pipes after being painted. This is not the case with other metals, such as copper or brass, which easily come off with a wire brush. When a stain does manage to cling to the pipe, it is very difficult to remove. It is almost impossible to use anything other than a bleaching agent. The bleaching agent, however, will only remove the stain, not the steel. Thus, the steel will remain stained.
Durability
Most of us want our appliances, fixtures, and pipes to last long. We want them to withstand high temperatures, depths of standing water, loads, and harsh weather conditions. Stainless steel has been tested and approved for applications that require such durability. The most common reason for the durability of stainless steel is the ability to withstand high temperatures. Most plumbing pipes are made of stainless steel because they can withstand high temperatures, such as 40 degrees centigrade for 6 hours. When you consider that high temperatures can range from 50 to 140 degrees centigrade during the day and from 30 to 60 degrees centigrade at night, this means that most plumbing pipes are very durable.
Anti-corrosion treatment
Most home improvements involve adding functionality, style, and value to a home. However, adding active threads to a water heater, coupled with a high-quality finish, can make all the difference in the comfort of your hot water throughout the year. The anti-corrosion treatment is a popular addition to homes and commercial properties. The anti-corrosion treatment aims to prevent the build-up of corrosion inside a home or commercial property. When saltwater enters a building, it can seep into pipes, water heaters, and toilets. Over time, this water can combine with minerals in the earth to form saltwater water intrusion, which can lead to corrosion of metal pipes and fixtures. The treatment includes chemicals and minerals proven to prevent and treat corrosion. Most anti-corrosion treatments are based on zinc or copper. However, some are based on iron. The iron anti-corrosion treatments are the most effective.
Bending and torsion resistance
Bending and torsion resistance is another important aspect of stainless steel pipes that needs to be considered. These are the most important factors when purchasing a pipe for a project. You want to ensure that the pipe will survive the stresses and strains placed on it during installation and operation. Stainless steel is usually lightweight, and its flexibility, strength, and low weight-to-density ratio make it easy to bend and contract.
Final Take
The color and finish of a pipe can help you distinguish between different types of stainless steel. You can also look for signs of rust such as raised, blackened areas, shell-like formations, telltale grooves, and more.