Weathering Steel vs. Natina-Treated Galvanized Steel: A Comprehensive Comparison for Construction Projects

Natina Transforms Zoo Habitat from Glaring to ‘Bearly’ Noticeable
June 25, 2024
Rockfall Mesh and the Vital Role of Geotechnical Engineering
November 11, 2024

Visual photographic comparison of weathering steel and Natina.

Steel is the backbone of our society. In fact, it’s the most commonly used material for building the world’s infrastructure.1 However, the gleaming nature of steel stands out in natural or scenic settings, especially on guardrails or transmission towers that wind through a variety of landscapes. That’s where natural finishes play a crucial role in helping blend construction projects like these into their environments.

An option is weathering steel (A588), which is a metal infused with alloys to form an oxidizing finish.2 But it’s not always the right choice for every project (more on that below).

Galvanized steel projects offer the combined benefits of steel’s strength and formability with the corrosion resistance of a zinc-iron coating.3 Natina complements this by providing a natural patina solution, allowing galvanized structures like transmission poles and lattice towers to maintain their durability while seamlessly blending into the environment. This partnership reduces visual impact and offers a low-maintenance, long-lasting finish.

Ultimately, when deciding between Natina-treated hot-dipped galvanized steel and weathering steel, it comes down to project-specific requirements. Here are some key considerations.

Comparison chart showing Why Natina Surpasses Weathered Steel.

Weathering Steel vs. Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel

Weathering steel’s susceptibility to corrosion increases in moist environments, particularly in coastal and tropical areas. To counteract the potential loss of mass and strength, builders opt for thicker steel sections from the onset of the project. However, the corrosive effects of weather, salty, air and humidity can accelerate the degradation and failure of weathering steel.4

Here’s why, according to the American Conservation Experience: “The protective rust needs constant wetting and drying cycles to maintain itself, but if the weathering steel is wetted but not dried, the protective layer erodes and corrosion proceeds. Failure usually results from extensive corrosion due to an extended time of wetness or poor design.”1

In contrast, hot-dipped galvanized steel is produced by immersing bare steel in molten zinc, creating a robust barrier against corrosion. This makes it stand out as a preferred choice in construction. Hot-dipped galvanized steel not only shares the strength attributes of weathering steel but also boasts several additional advantages (like being able to be treated with Natina’s patina solution).4

With built-in barrier and cathodic protection, this material demonstrates remarkable corrosion resistance, resulting in less long-term maintenance compared to weathering steel. Hot-dip galvanized steel also maintains its structural integrity even when exposed to harsh UV rays, snow, water, and soil. It’s worth noting that it’s also 100 percent recyclable, further emphasizing its environmental sustainability.4

So, why do people still use weathering steel?

Key Differences Between Weathering Steel and Natina-Treated Steel

Weathering steel, commonly known as Cor-ten and by the trademark COR-TEN, has been an option for years due to its uniform and rustic appearance.5

However, the initial perception of weathering steel as a low-maintenance material was not entirely accurate. It was marketed as a “set it and forget it” option, but real-world experience tells a different story.5

Routine maintenance is often required in areas where dense vegetation can grow around structures, trapping moisture and preventing the proper formation of the weathering patina.5

This raises a key point: While weathering steel can be an option for your project, it’s important to consider maintenance and the local environment when using it in outdoor construction.

Even utility companies that have successfully used weathering steel, such as American Electric Power (AEP), have encountered significant challenges. For example, AEP observed severe corrosion on a 20-year-old pole line, highlighting the susceptibility of weathering steel to environmental conditions.5

This underscores a crucial point: While weathering steel may be suitable for certain projects, its long-term performance depends heavily on maintenance and the specific environmental conditions in which it’s used. Understanding these factors is key to ensuring the durability and success of outdoor construction projects.

Aesthetic appeal of Natina vs Weathering steel

The choice between Natina-treated hot-dip galvanized steel and weathering steel is crucial to the long-term success of your project.

Aerial view comparing lattice towers treated with Natina. Natina is an eco-friendly color solution that can transform your galvanized materials, such as transmission projects like lattice towers, to seamlessly blend in with their natural surroundings. The rustic, earthy brown finish achieved with Natina is a result of a natural reaction between our solution and the elements found in nature.

4 Key Benefits of Natina:

1. Aesthetics: Natina provides a natural rustic brown color that significantly reduces the visual impact, allowing structures to blend harmoniously into their environment.

2. Durability: Natina maintains the corrosion resistance of galvanized metal, ensuring longevity and structural integrity.

3. All-climate friendly: Natina is suitable for use nationwide, including in coastal regions and dense vegetation.

4. Maintenance: With low-cost and easy-to-maintain properties, Natina offers a practical solution that minimizes upkeep efforts.

Natina shines in scenarios where seamless integration with the environment is essential. It’s perfect for projects that require galvanized steel’s durability and corrosion resistance while avoiding the stark contrast that untreated galvanized steel often presents in nature.

So, when you want your project to blend into its surroundings, choose Natina — a product that stands out from the competition.

The Unique Appearance of Natina: A Natural-Looking Finish

  • Strength with a natural finish: Natina is formulated to harness the strength of galvanized materials with a natural, weathered appearance.
  • Reduced visual impact: Natina significantly diminishes visual impact by blending structures seamlessly into their surroundings.
  • Nationwide availability: Natina is perfectly suited for any setting, including urban landscapes and sensitive coastal regions.
  • Environmentally safe: Natina stands as an eco-friendly solution that is safe around waterways, plants, and animals.
  • Enhancing public opinion: Natina addresses community concerns by improving the visual aesthetics of steel structures.
  • Low maintenance: Natina is formulated for durability and is easy to maintain.

Among the clients that trust Natina are the Nevada Department of Transportation, The Phoenix Zoo, Southern California Edison, and the U.S. National Parks. Natina is also used nationwide by utility companies.
Chart displaying why utilities should use Natina and its advantage.

Sound like what you want? Contact us today for expert guidance on planning your next energy project!

Sources:

1 American Conservation Experience

2 U.S. Bridge — What is Weathering Steel?

3 National Material

4 U.S. Bridge — Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel vs. Weathering Steel

5 T&D World

Natina

Natina

Customer Success Stories

Go to Projects
; ;