Structural steel corrosion treatment

Where corrosion hides

• Steel lintels over windows and doors, often shown by stepped cracking in brickwork
• Balustrade and handrail fixings set into concrete
• Exposed steel beams, columns and frames in car parks and plant areas
• Awnings, canopies and structural brackets

How we treat it

1. Expose and assess the extent of corrosion; involve an engineer where section loss is significant.
2. Remove rust and prepare the surface to the coating manufacturer’s requirements.
3. Repair or replace steel as specified.
4. Apply a protective coating system suited to the exposure: coastal, car park or internal.
5. Make good surrounding brickwork, render or concrete.

Why treat corrosion early

Rust doesn’t stop on its own. As steel corrodes it expands, cracking brickwork, render and concrete around it and letting in more water, which speeds up the corrosion. A lintel that could have been treated and protected can end up needing replacement, along with the brickwork above it.

Early treatment is almost always cheaper. Regular facade inspections help catch it before the damage spreads.

How we approach remedial work

1. Investigate. Close inspection, often by rope access, plus testing, scanning or controlled breakout where needed, with a photo report.
2. Scope and price. A clear, staged quote based on what we actually found, with any engineer hold points built into the programme.
3. Repair. Works carried out to the specification, with the least possible disruption to residents and tenants.
4. Close out. Photos of completed works, product details and any recommendations for ongoing maintenance.

Licensed work is carried out by appropriately licensed trades in line with NSW requirements. Ask us about licensing for your specific scope.