If you ask us, investing in a bike shelter is a step in the right direction. They are the quickest and surest way to get more people to ride bikes since one of the top worries people have is, “What if I get my bike stolen?”. Eliminating that issue from the get-go is your best bet to encourage people to embrace a greener way of life; that’s a promise. However, as with any investment, you need to spend a chunk of money to buy and install it. This is why we like talking about galvanisation and powder-coating so much – they are both excellent ways to protect your investment, extend its life and save you money in the long run.

In our previous blog, we covered powder-coating and its many benefits. We thought it was only fair to pay the same attention to our other finish option – galvanisation. Galvanising is a process that involves coating steel or iron with a protective layer of zinc to enhance its resistance to corrosion and environmental wear. This method is particularly beneficial for two-tier bike racks and shelters. Why? Because they are designed to accommodate bicycles in various weather conditions and are usually installed in places with high traffic and bike parking needs, which equals lots of use and potential for wear and tear. This is why taking the extra step to galvanise your shelter and, don’t worry, rack, too, is one of the best ones you can take to make an excellent product even better.

Here are some of the key advantages of galvanising two-tier bike racks and shelters:

Corrosion Resistance

The primary benefit of galvanising is its exceptional corrosion resistance. The hot-dip galvanisation process requires us to put the steel element in a molten zinc bath, which then metallurgically binds with the metal and forms a strong protective layer. The zinc coating acts as a barrier against moisture, salt, and other corrosive elements, which are usually the enemy of steel. This extra shield from the outside world significantly boosts the lifespan of the shelter or rack.

This is particularly important for outdoor bike shelters exposed to rain, humidity, and varying temperatures, as it helps prevent rust and deterioration over time.

Durability

Galvanised steel is incredibly durable and can withstand the rigours of daily use. The zinc layer protects against corrosion and provides a tough exterior that can resist scratches, dents, and impacts. The most interesting thing, however, isn’t even that – it’s something called sacrificial protection. Zinc is more chemically reactive than steel, so when both are exposed to corrosive elements like water or air, the zinc corrodes before the steel does. This sacrificial corrosion of the zinc layer creates a protective barrier that slows or prevents rust from reaching the steel underneath. This means that even if your shelter or bike rack gets scratched, the zinc will still protect the steel around the exposed area, as the zinc near the scratch will continue to corrode preferentially before the steel.

This durability is essential for bike shelters and racks in high-traffic areas, ensuring they remain functional and visually appealing for years.

Extended Lifespan

If the above doesn’t say long life span, we don’t know what does. Galvanised steel’s combination of corrosion resistance and durability is one of its best-selling points. And no wonder—while conventional materials may need replacement soon, galvanised structures can last many years with proper care. This longevity makes them a wise investment for property owners and businesses and definitely worth the extra spend.

Low Maintenance Requirements

One significant advantage of galvanised two-tier bike shelters and racks is their low maintenance needs. The first part of that equation is that if they are not painted or powder-coated, there are no paint touch-ups to worry about. The second is the durability we discussed above—galvanised steel products require minimal upkeep except occasional cleaning, which is usually sufficient to keep them looking good. All this makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Cost-Effectiveness

The initial cost of galvanised shelters is typically slightly higher than that of untreated materials. However, when thinking about a shelter or rack, you need to think long-term, as these products need to serve your cycle parking needs for years to come. The savings you’d be making on maintenance and replacement costs, which we talked about above, make galvanised racks and shelters the more economical choice. The durability and corrosion resistance of galvanised two-tier bike racks and shelters reduce the frequency of repairs, providing excellent value over time.

Improved Safety Features

When clients buy two-tier racks and shelters, they usually do so to save space but also because they typically have a high traffic and high parking needs area that needs to accommodate a lot of bikes. This means a lot of use and potential for stuff to break. The robustness of galvanised bike shelters can improve safety for users. Their durable construction minimises the risk of structural failure or damage, providing a secure environment for cyclists. Furthermore, the protective coating helps prevent sharp edges or rusted areas that could hurt people and bikes.

Environmentally Friendly

Galvanising is an environmentally friendly process, and we think that really matters when we talk about active travel and using cycling to lower our carbon emissions. Using recyclable materials like steel and zinc, which are naturally occurring, non-toxic elements that can be recycled at the end of their life cycle, is an important part of the whole picture. Moreover, the longevity of galvanised shelters reduces waste, making them a sustainable choice for bike storage solutions.

Aesthetic Appeal

We won’t push this one too much since we know galvanised steel has a very distinctive, shiny, but somewhat mottled appearance, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, we also know that it has a certain appeal and communicates strength and sturdiness that can complement modern architectural designs and give off a nice industrial vibe. The shiny finish of galvanised shelters is very specific and can enhance the overall look of outdoor spaces, making them visually appealing to users and passersby alike. The galvanised steel can also be powder-coated, giving you more freedom to customise.

Galvanising your two-tier bike shelters and racks offers numerous advantages that enhance their functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. They also offer superior corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and long-term cost savings. Galvanised shelters and racks represent a smart investment for anyone looking to provide secure, accessible bike storage. By choosing galvanised materials, property owners can create a reliable and visually appealing environment for cyclists, promoting the use of sustainable transportation and enhancing overall community well-being.