Unistrut Defender Finish vs. Stainless Steel Unistrut
When it comes to choosing the right materials for your projects, especially in outdoor environments, there's no room for compromise. Corrosion-resistant solutions are crucial to ensure the longevity and structural integrity of your installations. In this blog post, I'll delve into a comparison of two popular options: Unistrut Defender Finish and Stainless Steel Unistrut. Both have their merits, but I'll make a case for why Unistrut Defender Finish might just be the superior choice.
What is Unistrut Defender Finish?
Unistrut Defender Finish is a corrosion-resistant coating that has gained recognition for its exceptional performance. It's a notable improvement over the standard hot-dip galvanized (HDG) option and offers a 10-year warranty straight from the factory. Before we go into its further merits, let’s talk about its greatest opponent for outdoor applications…stainless steel.
"Building with Atkore Defender can offer significant lifetime savings for a project, enabling teams to avoid replacement and costly maintenance that would otherwise be required with lesser types of steel coatings."
What is Stainless Steel Unistrut?
Stainless steel, the gold standard for corrosion resistance, has long been the standard choice for outdoor Unistrut installations. While it offers excellent protection and durability, it does come with a significant drawback: a much higher installation cost. Stainless steel is often two to five times more expensive than hot-dip galvanized steel for a given application.
This has often left engineers and builders seeking alternatives that balance both performance and cost-effectiveness.
Pros of Stainless Steel Unistrut
Stainless steel undoubtedly boasts impressive qualities:
Superior Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel is renowned for its ability to withstand corrosion, making it an excellent choice for harsh environments.
Sanitation & Hygiene: For applications where hygiene is paramount (such as the Food and Beverage Industry), stainless steel Unistrut is the only way to go. Its corrosion-resistant surface ensures there is no risk of contamination due to rust, making it a safe choice for these sensitive applications.
Pros of Unistrut Defender Finish
Now, let's shine the spotlight on Unistrut Defender Finish and why it's a compelling alternative:
Extended Lifespan: Unistrut Defender Finish outperforms hot-dip galvanized steel by offering three times the service life. This means less maintenance and replacement, saving both time and money in the long run.
Self-Healing Properties: Here's where Unistrut Defender Finish truly stands out. It possesses self-healing properties that allow the steel to re-protect itself when cut or scratched. This means even in the event of minor damage, the protective barrier remains intact, ensuring continuous corrosion resistance.
Cost-Effective: One of the most significant advantages of Unistrut Defender Finish is its affordability compared to stainless steel. While stainless steel excels in corrosion resistance, it comes at a premium price (3-5x that of HDG). Unistrut Defender Finish offers a more cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.
Reduces Labor Costs: By avoiding or eliminating the need for cut-end touch-ups, Unistrut Defender Finish not only saves you time but also cuts down on labor expenses significantly.
Here’s a quote directly from Atkore’s white paper titled New Coatings for Steel: Longer Life, Lower Cost, "Building with Atkore Defender can offer significant lifetime savings for a project, enabling teams to avoid replacement and costly maintenance that would otherwise be required with lesser types of steel coatings."
Unistrut Defender For The Win
In the Unistrut Defender Finish vs. Stainless Steel Unistrut showdown, both options have their merits. Stainless steel offers unparalleled corrosion resistance, but it comes at a significant cost. On the other hand, Unistrut Defender Finish provides an impressive balance between performance and affordability.
If you're looking for a cost-effective solution that can rival stainless steel in corrosion resistance, Unistrut Defender Finish is a clear winner. With a longer lifespan and self-healing properties, it not only saves you money upfront but also ensures your installations remain protected for years to come.
In the world of corrosion-resistant materials, Unistrut Defender Finish is a true defender of your investments. Choose wisely, and ensure your projects stand the test of time.
If you’d like more information about Unistrut Finishes, check out our blog post that explains each one in detail. For more specific guidance on your specs, we welcome you to give us a call. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in finding the best solutions to suit your specific needs. With decades of experience with Unistrut, we KNOW Unistrut! You’re in good hands with Unistrut Buffalo Supports.
