City of Bath Salt Shed Stands the Test of Time
April 8th, 2009 by Rubb
The powdercoated hot-dipped galvanized frame shows little sign of corrosion after 8 years of service
It is no secret that storing salt is one of the most challenging applications for a building. The corrosive properties of salt can wreak havoc on traditional structures, especially on untreated or minimally treated steel. So it was with great interest that Rubb revisited a salt storage building in Bath, Maine after eight years in the field.
Amazingly, little to no corrosion was evident on the powdercoated finish of the Rubb building. Recognizing the highly caustic aspects of salt, Rubb added a powdercoating to the hot-dipped-galvanized steel. While the HDG process is standard on all Rubb buildings, powdercoating is used when corrosion is expected to be high, giving another layer of protection. While it is challenging to get a good powdercoat on galvanized steel, the result is well worth the effort, with a steel frame that can stand the test of time even in the most caustic environments.
Properly storing salt is both responsible and economical — a properly designed salt shed will eliminate leaching of salt into the surrounding environment, which is both a hazard and a waste of an increasingly expensive resource. Rubb buildings, with incredibly resilient frames, ample indoor light and valuable relocatability, are an excellent choice for salt storage.
