Galvanic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion is accelerated metal deterioration caused when dissimilar metals are in electrical contact in the presence of moisture or an electrolyte.
In Detail
Why It Shows Up on Jobsites
Exterior assemblies mix steel, aluminum, copper preservatives, and moisture all the time. When the wrong metals touch, one metal sacrifices itself faster than expected.
That is why hardware compatibility charts matter around pressure-treated lumber, stainless hardware, flashing, and aluminum trim details.
Related Terms
Hot-Dipped Galvanized
Hot-dipped galvanized refers to steel coated by immersing it in molten zinc, producing a thick sacrificial corrosion layer used on exterior fasteners and connectors.
Pressure Treatment
A process that forces chemical preservatives deep into wood fibers using a vacuum and pressure cycle to resist rot, decay, and insect damage.
Related Materials
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is dimensional softwood (typically Southern Yellow Pine) infused with preservative chemicals under pressure to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. The most common decking and structural lumber for outdoor applications.
Anchor Bolts
Anchor bolts secure sill plates, post bases, holdowns, and steel connectors to concrete or masonry and are a core part of the structural load path between wood framing and the foundation.