Bee Trailers has been conducting field tests on galvannealed sheets for over 10 years. We have been extremely pleased with the excellent corrosion resistance and durability that this sheet exhibits. Since July 2000, we have incorporated this sheet on all of our "Bee" trailers, and believe that it offers the best of both worlds. Not only do you have the life expectancy of aluminum, but you also have the strength of a steel trailer.
Below, you will find a list of frequently asked questions about galvannealed sheets that will help you understand what makes it the most sensible option for building horse trailers.
- What is a galvannealed sheet?
A galvannealed sheet is carbon steel that is coated with zinc on both sides by the continuous hot dip process. It is then heated to such a point that it forms a zinc-iron alloy.
- Is galvannealed the same as galvanized?
No. Galvanized is simply a coating over steel. The process which forms the zinc-iron alloy is what separates these two products.
- Will paint stick to galvannealed sheets?
Yes. The excellent paint adhesion to this material is one of its best attributes. Due to the slight texture of the surface, paint will form a stronger bond with it than with regular cold roll sheet metal.
- Will galvannealed rust?
All metals will eventually rust or corrode, including aluminum. However, the zinc-iron alloy of a galvannealed sheet has proven to be highly rust & corrosion resistant even in an unpainted condition.
- What is the life expectancy of a galvannealed trailer?
As with any product, proper care and maintenance plays a vital role in its life expectancy. Since it is the same material that automobile manufacturers use, and because we use automotive grade paint, the same care should be used on the trailer as with your automobile. If you follow this guideline, you should easily be able to enjoy pulling your trailer for many, many years to come.
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