The use of stainless steel in architecture is gaining more and more supporters — and we can easily see it all around us in modern cities. It is used to create a wide variety of functional elements for urban spaces, architectural details, and sometimes on a larger scale — such as roofing or other structural components. But can this material truly make corrosion concerns a thing of the past? While many believe so, in practice, things are a bit more complex. To fully benefit from all the properties of stainless steel, it’s essential to approach its use properly.
Stainless steel rods and other components must remain clean
When it comes to corrosion resistance, stainless steel is unmatched. This is thanks to the passive layer formed by the chromium it contains. Although this layer is microscopically thin, it provides full protection from the environment, eliminating the need for additional coatings. However, for this self-repairing mechanism to function effectively, cleanliness is key — regular cleaning is therefore essential. This is relatively easy for everyday objects, but what about large architectural structures? Design should ensure that maintenance requires minimal effort and can be performed infrequently. Three aspects are particularly important here. First, choosing the right grade of steel for the specific environment — coastal areas (where chlorides are present in the air), spaces near roads or transport infrastructure where de-icing salts are used, and industrial zones are especially demanding. Chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloys are recommended in such cases.
The second factor is surface finish. The rougher or more matte the surface, the more easily dirt will accumulate — and fine iron particles, which promote corrosion, can reach even the smallest pores. Finally, the third factor is the design itself — it should minimize hard-to-clean areas.
A well-designed structure means minimal maintenance effort
Even though periodic professional cleaning and inspections are always recommended, natural rainfall can do much of the cleaning work for us — whether the surface is made of stainless steel rods or stainless sheets covering roofs or façades. But to let nature help, we must design accordingly. This means avoiding overly complex shapes and eliminating areas where dirt can accumulate but are difficult to wash. Even if such buildup doesn’t lead to corrosion, it can create unsightly streaks. Large surfaces should be designed so that water can flow evenly across them. Importantly, water should never run onto stainless steel from other materials — especially carbon steel or chloride-containing concrete. All joints should be sealed, and any area where water can collect must allow for proper drainage. The growing number of successful architectural projects and small urban installations using stainless steel proves that these principles are easy to implement in practice. The result is significant long-term savings and many years of use with minimal maintenance. Contact us — the specialists at INOX Polska will help you make the most of stainless steel’s advantages!
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