Galvanized iron is iron that has been coated in a layer of zinc. The zinc layer is coated to help the metal resist corrosion. Steel can also be galvanized. When steel is used in an environment where corrosion and rust are easy to happen, we often put the steel galvanized. So the steel will have a longer service life than that not be galvanized. However, even with galvanization, corrosion will eventually start to occur, especially if conditions are acidic.

There are two primary galvanized techniques. The most common is hot-dip galvanization, in which the steel is moved through an extremely hot bath of molten zinc, which may be mixed with small amounts of lead, depending on the circumstances. When the steel emerges from the bath, the zinc will have bonded, creating a layer of zinc on the surface of the steel. Sometimes, the metal may be passed through a mill to flatten and even out the coating. Another technique is electrodeposition, also known as pre-galvanizing, it has been outdated due to its pollution. Once galvanized, iron is covered in a layer of zinc which may be shiny to a dull gray. The zinc can be painted, if desired, or left plain. Painting is often done when the iron must match other building materials, or when people want to make it less obvious. In the garden, for example, it may be painted green so that it will blend in with foliage instead of standing out.

As long as the zinc coating remains intact, the galvanized steel pipe should remain in relatively good condition. However, acidic conditions can erode the zinc over time, creating patches where corrosion can occur. Corrosion can also occur when the coating is penetrated, as when someone drives a nail through a sheet of galvanized iron, exposing the iron inside to the elements. Once corrosion starts, it can spread under the zinc, eventually causing the metal to fail. There is a wide range of uses for this type of iron, which comes in pipes, stakes, sheeting, and wire, among other formats. Many hardware and home supplies carry galvanized iron products and may be willing to cut pieces to custom sizes by request. People can also be referred to professionals who will weld or cut galvanized iron to meet the needs of a particular project.

Unlike high-carbon steel, mild steel is easily welded. The properties of the steel allow the electrical current to travel through the metal without distorting the makeup of the material. Some types of high-carbon steel, such as stainless steel, require special techniques in order to properly weld. the material. Being less brittle than high-carbon steels, the mild variant is able to flex and give in construction projects where a higher-carbon version could simply break.