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Extensions

Windpost - mild steel vs stainless

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 4.07 PM

We require a windpost on one 3m ish wall of a new extension. It's single storey flat roof. Fabricated post are stainless steel, long wait, but stock from suppliers are mild steel. Does the latter tend to be suitable in this situation? Is stainless steel a lot stronger than mild steel in windpost design? Thanks Update in response to answer. Is galvanised mild steel usually strong enough compared to stainless steel? Can anyone tell me if a mild steel post that's a WP3 85x60x6 ‘C’ has equivalent or higher design resistance than a stainless steel Wp3 75x60x5 ? Further update. I was under impression that stainless steel was stronger than glavanzised mild steel? Our SE has already said if spec is greater than recommended stainless steel ancon then we are fine but I'll wait for our SE to approve. Thanks

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4 Answers

Anonymous user

Use galvanised steel, or depending on your location, building control may accept two coats of synthaprufe.
Answered23 August 2023
1

GREM Properties Ltd

No reviews yet

Leicester
If you are changing Wind post spec and finish from what the engineer has specified your should always have it approved from the engineer who has done your design. If you don't it voids your design and your designer will not take responsibly for it if anything goes wrong. Stainless steel is mainly used for wind post as it does not rust and does not require any finishes after installation. From structural point of view mild steel is stronger than stainless but then needs the appropriate finish to stop it from rusting (all metals come in different grades, assessing, comparing and selecting the adequate material and grade is done by designer and not by the builder).
Answered24 August 2023
1

Anonymous user

I have always used galvanised steel on jobs I have done unless specified differently by building control.
Answered24 August 2023
1

Anonymous user

As mentioned above galvanised steel is far more durable as a structural element however your engineer must sign off (get it in writing) to any changes / amendments to the structural design, also check these changes are acceptable to your building control officer, both these persons have a responsibility to ensure the build is carried out in the best manner using the correct materials.
Answered25 August 2023
1