Understanding Corrosion: Causes, Effects, And How Paints Can Help Prevent It

Imagine a bridge that once stood tall and strong, is now marked by patches of rust as time takes its toll. Or picture a house with bright white walls, slowly dulled by stains of moisture and chipping paint. This silent destroyer—corrosion—is at work, gradually eating away at both metal and masonry. However, with the right approach, corrosion can be managed and even prevented. Specialized paints and coatings serve as the first line of defence, forming a protective layer that shields surfaces from the unforgiving elements that cause deterioration.

 

 

Corrosion: The Silent Saboteur

 

Corrosion is more than just an eyesore; it’s a costly adversary. From towering skyscrapers to simple fences, corrosion compromises structural integrity, leads to expensive repairs, and, in severe cases, poses serious safety risks. For industries and homeowners alike, corrosion can shorten the lifespan of assets and drain budgets.

Corrosion refers to the slow decline of materials, especially metals, as they interact with elements in their environment. For metals, this process often shows up as rust, while walls might display issues like peeling paint or cracks. The main culprits for metal corrosion include moisture, oxygen, and pollutants, which spark oxidation. Walls face their own set of challenges, deteriorating due to water seepage, humidity, or harmful chemicals that weaken plaster, concrete, or brick. Essentially, while metal corrosion occurs at a deep, molecular level, wall deterioration tends to be more evident on the surface, impacting both structural integrity and visual appeal.

For metals, it weakens structures, making them prone to failures, while also leaving unsightly rust stains and rough surfaces that diminish their appearance. The financial burden is substantial, with costly repairs and ongoing maintenance adding up over time. On walls, corrosion can cause paint to peel and plaster to flake, creating an uninviting atmosphere. Additionally, persistent dampness can foster mould growth, posing health risks to occupants and lowering property value. In the long run, this deterioration may lead to cracks that compromise the stability of both walls and ceilings, highlighting the importance of addressing corrosion promptly.

 

 

Battling The Rust & Mould: Understanding Metal And Masonry Corrosion In Singapore’s Humid Climate

 

Singapore’s tropical climate and urban environment create ideal conditions for corrosion. High humidity, heavy rainfall, and proximity to the sea accelerate the process, affecting both metal structures and building walls.

 

 

1.Causes of Corrosion on Metal Surfaces:

 

• High Humidity:

Singapore’s humidity stays above 80% all year, causing metal surfaces to react and rust, particularly affecting outdoor structures like fences and bridges.

 

• Coastal Salt:

Winds from the sea bring salt, which accelerates corrosion on exposed metal, especially in areas like Sentosa and the East Coast.

 

• Pollution’s Impact:

Urban pollution contributes to acid rain that harms metal surfaces, leading to corrosion on buildings, public transport, and vehicles.

 

• Temperature Changes:

Rapid shifts in temperature can create condensation on metal, forming droplets that encourage rusting, making pipes and roofing susceptible.

 

 

2.Causes of Corrosion on Walls:

 

• Rainwater Infiltration:

Singapore’s monsoons can cause cracks and leaks that let water seep into walls, leading to damp patches, mould, and peeling paint.

 

• Humidity Build-up:

Poor airflow in enclosed spaces leads to excess humidity, allowing mould to thrive, especially in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.

 

• Salt Damage:

In coastal areas, salt from the environment permeates concrete, resulting in cracking, chipping, and weakened structural integrity.

 

• Neglecting Maintenance:

Ignoring minor issues like cracks or rust can escalate into major problems, especially when low-quality materials are used that don’t stand up to corrosion.

 

 

Importance Of Choosing The Right Paint: Your Secret Weapon Against Corrosion:

 

Selecting the right paints can play a pivotal role in protecting these surfaces from the ravages of time and environment. When it comes to high-quality interior paints in Singapore, brands like Berger Paints are highly recommended for their superior finish and durability.
Below are the different types of coatings and paints that can efficiently tackle and prevent corrosion.

 

• Barrier Protection:

Barrier protection is one of the most straightforward methods of preventing corrosion. By forming an insulating and physical barrier, paint prevents moisture and oxygen — the primary culprits of rust — from reaching the metal surface. This is crucial in environments where humidity and exposure to elements are high. Berger Paints Singapore offers top-notch products for effective barrier protection, including Epilux 58, a tough epoxy coating perfect for industrial settings, and Epimastic 3000HS, an epoxy that excels in harsh environments. With Luxathane 5075 adding aesthetic appeal and durability, Zincanode 620 providing galvanic defence, and Epilux 610 designed for robust corrosion resistance, there’s a solution for every need.

 

• Inhibitive Coatings:

Inhibitive coatings are designed to slow down corrosion by utilizing specific chemicals that disrupt the harmful reactions on metal surfaces. For instance, Berger Epilux 78 is a robust epoxy primer enhanced with zinc phosphate, making it ideal for steel applications, while Berger Luxaprime 1500 features a unique blend of polyvinyl butyral resin and phosphoric acid, ensuring excellent adhesion on metal through its effective etching properties.

 

• Sacrificial Coatings:

Sacrificial coatings, typically rich in zinc, safeguard the metal underneath by corroding first, ensuring the paint breaks down instead of the metal. For instance, Berger Zincanode 620 is a top-notch epoxy zinc-rich primer that delivers outstanding protection for steel. Similarly, Berger Zincanode 685 offers cathodic protection for steel surfaces, making it ideal for demanding environments.

 

• Reflective Paints:

Reflective paints can help keep metal surfaces cooler by bouncing back UV rays, reducing the risk of cracking and corrosion. For instance, Berger Luxatherm 5200 uses an air-drying oleoresinous binder with aluminium flakes to shield surfaces from intense heat. Meanwhile, Berger Luxatherm 6200, made with a silicone-acrylic binder, is built to endure high temperatures while reflecting heat effectively.

 

 

Summary:

 

Corrosion is a significant concern for both industries and homeowners, leading to costly repairs and safety risks due to its impact on metal structures and walls. In Singapore’s humid climate, factors like high moisture, salt exposure, and pollution accelerate deterioration, creating urgent maintenance needs. Selecting high-quality paints can effectively combat corrosion, ensuring optimum protection and longevity for surfaces.

Berger Paint provides a wide selection of top-notch paints and coatings that cater to diverse needs. If you are looking to buy Berger Paints in Singapore, you can just visit: https://bergerpaints.com.sg/products/store/ to make an online purchase or explore local shops that stock a variety of our products.