Galvanizing road barriers

What Are Road Barriers and Why They Are Important

Purpose and Types of Barriers

Road barriers separate traffic flows, prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway, reduce risks in the event of accidents, and also help drivers navigate in low-visibility conditions. Modern road construction is simply impossible without them.

There are several main types of road barriers:

• barrier fences — metal structures installed along highways to restrain vehicles;
• parapets — used on bridges, overpasses, flyovers;
• pedestrian barriers — installed on sidewalks, bus stop areas;
• temporary barriers — mobile systems for construction sites or repair zones.

All these structures have two common requirements — maximum reliability and durability, since they are exposed daily to moisture, temperature fluctuations, chemical reagents, and mechanical loads.

Why Is It Necessary to Galvanize Road Barriers?

Metal is extremely vulnerable to corrosion. Ordinary paint or primer can slightly delay the rusting process, but in conditions of daily exposure to moisture, dust, salts, and ultraviolet light, this is not enough.

Hot-dip galvanizing is the most effective way to protect steel structures. The method involves immersing the product in a bath of molten zinc at a temperature above 440°C. As a result, a dense zinc coating is formed that:

• hermetically seals the metal from the external environment;
• chemically bonds with the base — does not peel or crack;
• has a “self-healing” property — protects even scratches thanks to cathodic protection.

Hot-Dip Galvanizing: The Best Solution for Metal Barriers

How Does the Hot-Dip Method Work?

The hot-dip galvanizing process for metal structures is a complex technological procedure that ensures the most durable result:

1. Surface preparation — removal of paint, oil, rust, scale;
2. Metal activation — immersion in flux for better adhesion with zinc and drying;
3. Immersion in the bath — treatment with molten zinc at 440°C;
4. Cooling and inspection — quality and coating thickness control.

Differences from Painting or Cold Galvanizing

Of course, there are cheaper alternatives — painting or cold galvanizing. But none of them can match hot-dip galvanizing.

The table below compares these methods:

Galvanizing Road Barriers at the First Ukrainian Galvanizing Plant

Our Approach to Working with Barriers

At the First Ukrainian Galvanizing Plant, we ensure full quality control at every stage. We work according to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 1461:2022 standards, which guarantees:

• the required coating thickness;
• uniform coverage without defects;
• strong adhesion to the metal.

Our German equipment allows us to process large-sized sections, posts, brackets — everything needed for high-quality road barriers.

Examples of Completed Projects

We have galvanized barriers for the construction and reconstruction of roads in Lviv, Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, and Poltava regions. Our clients are state and private contractors who choose reliability, speed, and compliance with EU standards.

Technological Process: From Cleaning to Quality Control

Abrasive Blasting Before Galvanizing

This stage begins with abrasive blasting — treating the metal with a stream of abrasive under pressure. This allows:

• removal of rust, scale, and contaminants;
• creation of roughness for adhesion with zinc;
• ensuring uniform coating without gaps.

We use an automated processing line that covers all surfaces of the product with high precision.

The Hot-Dip Galvanizing Process

After preliminary cleaning, the structure moves to the stage of immersion in molten zinc. We use a bath with a temperature regime of over 440°C, where zinc evenly coats the metal. Due to the high temperature, a reliable protective layer is formed, which is firmly chemically bonded to the steel surface. The process is automatically controlled, and our specialists check each batch for compliance with quality standards.

After immersion, the products are gradually cooled and undergo visual and ultrasonic inspection. We record the coating parameters in a technical report for each order.

Cooling, Inspection, Storage

After cooling, the structures undergo a repeated inspection — the layer thickness is measured, and the absence of cracks or runs is checked. If everything meets the standards, the products are sent for storage or prepared for transportation. We provide full supporting documentation, photo records upon request, and installation consultations.

Advantages of Hot-Dip Galvanizing Barriers

Corrosion Resistance

The zinc coating provides resistance to atmospheric corrosion, even in the most aggressive conditions — near highways, in coastal regions, or in industrial areas with high humidity and pollution. Zinc effectively protects steel from rain, snow, acids, alkalis, and road salts.

Since the layer is tightly bonded to the base, it does not peel off and does not require additional protection. In case of mechanical damage, the protection remains thanks to the cathodic effect: zinc “sacrifices” itself to preserve the integrity of the steel.

Mechanical Strength and Durability

Unlike painting, hot-dip galvanizing forms a dense and strong outer layer. It is resistant to scratches, abrasion, and the impact of hard particles. This is extremely important for road barriers, which face stones, dust, vibrations, and vehicle impacts daily.

The service life of hot-dip galvanized barriers averages from 25 to 65 years. This makes them not only effective but also economically beneficial in the long run.

Long-Term Cost Efficiency

Yes, hot-dip galvanizing road barriers has a higher initial cost than painting. But within a few years, this difference is completely offset:

• no need for repainting every 2-3 years;
• no expenses for repairing damaged areas;
• reduced risk of structural failure and the need for complete replacement.

As a result — total costs are reduced by 2-3 times over the entire service life.

Coating Thickness Requirements

According to EN ISO 1461 (the standard for hot-dip galvanizing by immersion), the minimum zinc coating thickness ranges from 60 µm (for steel products less than 1.5 mm thick) to 100 µm (for thick products over 6 mm). We guarantee compliance with these standards and provide relevant documentation based on measurement results.

Requirements for Structures Before Galvanizing

What to Know About Preparation

To ensure the hot-dip galvanizing process runs smoothly, metal barriers must be manufactured with several key requirements in mind:

• absence of paint, oil, polymer coatings;
• compliance with the thickness of the metal and drainage holes for zinc runoff;
• absence of closed cavities without ventilation (to avoid explosions during heating);
• availability of a technical drawing or sketch.

The company’s website has a separate section with detailed requirements: preparation for galvanizing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Clients often bring structures with paint, welding flux residue, or even plastic. In such cases, we cannot take the item for processing without additional cleaning — this means extra cost and time. Therefore, we recommend:

• consulting with our engineers in advance;
• checking product compliance with technical requirements;
• before production, familiarize yourself with our requirements.

Pricing: How Much Does Galvanizing Road Barriers Cost?

What the Price Depends On

The price for hot-dip galvanizing is calculated individually and depends on:

• weight of the product (main calculation unit — kg);
• dimensions (for processing and transportation);
• complexity of shape (number of welds, holes);
• batch volume (bulk discount);
• pre-preparation (whether additional cleaning is required).

To find out the exact price, simply send a drawing or a short description of the product — our engineers will analyze the data and promptly provide a calculation.

Environmental Responsibility of the First Ukrainian Galvanizing Plant

Clean Production and Filtration

We not only ensure high-quality galvanizing but also adhere to modern environmental standards. Our plant is equipped with air filtration and purification systems that meet both Ukrainian and European norms. This allows us to minimize emissions into the environment and operate completely safely for the ecosystem.

All technological processes are monitored by the company’s environmental service. We are certified and implement environmental management principles in our daily work.

Waste Recycling

All zinc waste (ash, dross, filter dust) undergoes secondary processing. We recycle up to 99% of residues, returning them to the production cycle. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also makes our processes more economically efficient.

Geography of Work and Logistics

Where Barriers Are Brought to Us From

Our galvanizing plant is located in Stryi, Lviv region. However, we accept orders from all over Ukraine. Most often we work with companies from:

• Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, and Zakarpattia regions;
• Kyiv, Rivne, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr;
• as well as Chernivtsi, Poltava, and Khmelnytskyi.

We cooperate with construction companies, road services, contractors, municipalities, and private manufacturers.

How to Organize Delivery

You can deliver the products to our site yourself or use the services of logistics partners. If necessary, we can recommend trusted carriers from your region. The main thing is to comply with the packaging and transportation requirements for galvanized products so as not to damage the coating.

How to Order Hot-Dip Galvanizing for Barriers

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Send the technical specification, drawings, or photos of the structures to our e-mail sales@zink.com.ua;
2. We will analyze the technical requirements, check the possibility of galvanizing, and calculate the cost;
3. After approval, deliver the products to the plant in Stryi (Lviv region);
4. We will carry out abrasive blasting, hot-dip galvanizing, and quality control;
5. We will inform you when the order is ready for pickup.

Contact Information:

• 📧 Email: sales@zink.com.ua
• 📞 Phones: +38 (050) 430 38 38, +38 (050) 370 88 57

Why Choose Us

Customer Reviews

We are recommended as a partner that always meets deadlines, performs high-quality processing, and provides a guarantee. We work transparently: with no hidden fees, no delays, and clear coordination of all stages.

Reliability, Efficiency, Guarantees

• Coating quality is certified;
• We always meet deadlines;
• We provide guarantees for the service life of the zinc layer;
• We work honestly, without making promises we cannot keep.

Galvanizing road barriers is an investment in safety, durability, and cost savings. Hot-dip galvanizing from the First Ukrainian Galvanizing Plant is the best method of corrosion protection. We work quickly, with high quality, in accordance with standards, and care not only about the result but also about every client.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does zinc coating last?

On average, from 20 to 65 years, depending on operating conditions and coating thickness.

Can old barriers be galvanized?

Yes, if they meet the technical requirements. It is important that there is no old paint, oil, or closed cavities.

What is the minimum batch?

We accept both small and large orders. We galvanize products from 2 kg. The possibility of processing lighter items should be confirmed with the manager.

Is a technical passport for the product required?

Preferable, but not mandatory. A drawing, sketch, or product description with dimensions is sufficient.

How long does the processing take?

Our manager will answer this question over the phone. It all depends on the volume and complexity of the structures.