rusty steel frame

Markus9

Hi everyone,

I was reading on the internet that it's possible for steel frame to corrode and that screwing into a stud could accelerate the process.

Is that true? I have always screwed into my metal studs, does it mean I'm "screwed"?

Is it something you have seen in real life rather than on books? If it's a real thing how long would it take for a screw to cause a stud to fail?

Thanks

_Brian

I think more detail is needed.

What type of frame, is it galvanised or painted. How thick is the section of steel wall.

What are you screwing into it ??

Markus9

I'm sorry but I'm not an expert, I think it's galvanised, don't know how thick, I think it's the standard size used for interior walls (probably it's not a load-bearing wall) and I've used any type of screw during the time.

Sorry for not being able to give more details, from your answer it seems like it's a real thing, but the same then would be when drilling into the steel, no? It's plenty of videos on Youtube of guys doing that all the time. I've never thought that could be a problem!

Thanks

wexie

Markus9 wrote: »

I'm sorry but I'm not an expert, I think it's galvanised, don't know how thick, I think it's the standard size used for interior walls (probably it's not a load-bearing wall) and I've used any type of screw during the time.Thanks

OK, lets start with is it indoors or outdoors and what is it used for?

If something is galvanized it means it's protected by a sacrificial layer of zinc to stop it from rusting.

If you then drill a hole into it (thereby damaging the layer of zinc) and put a screw in it you now have a surface that is no longer protected by the zinc.

If this is outdoors inevitably moisture will get in between the screw and the steel and you'll see rust eventually forming around the hole with all of the consequences that come with that.

If this is indoors I probably wouldn't worry too much about it, outdoors just try to protect it best you can with something.

But I don't think you'll get much more sensible answers unless you tell us what kind of frame (ie. what's it for, indoors/outdoors, what are you screwing into it, why etc.)

wexie

Markus9 wrote: »

(probably it's not a load-bearing wall)

Is it one of these jobbies under the plaster?

Markus9

first of all thanks for taking the time.

The wall is indoor between 1 room and 1 bathroom. In the bathroom for example a plumber screwed a piece of timber into the studs and then covered it with plasterboard and tiled on top. On the other side I've screwed into the studs to hang a tv (I got the idea from a video on youtube).

What I'm screwing into it I don't know, screws that I find in the house (I don't know what the plumber used).

What are the consequences of the rust forming around the hole? I mean can a single screw in a single hole compromise the entire stud?

I know many people that did the same, are we all doomed?

Thanks

wexie

Markus9 wrote: »

I know many people that did the same, are we all doomed?

Thanks

That's a deeply philosophical question, sadly though I think we are indeed all doomed.

With regards to your wall I'd imagine it'll be fine though. It's unlikely to be start being a problem anytime soon. If you can get to the hole in the actual frame maybe put some form of rust treatment on before you put the screw in but like I said I wouldn't worry about it too much or go through too much trouble.

Markus9

Ha well yeah sooner al later we all are

btw thanks for taking the time. At the moment it's difficult to get to the hole because I should break the tiles or cut the plasterboard again. If it's not a big deal I can keep it in mind in case I need to do something else (repair etc).

I was hoping it wasn't too bad but I'd be curious to know the effects and how fast the rust could grow.

Thanks again

Gravelly

I presume you are talking abut this:



The standard BS5234 "Gypwall" type pressed steel studwork. It is designed to have screws driven into it, thats how the plasterboard is fitted. It may rust, but we'll all be in our graves a long time before it does.

wexie

Gravelly wrote: »

It may rust, but we'll all be in our graves a long time before it does.

Not helping me overcome my feelings of 'we're all doomed'

Markus9

Gravelly wrote: »

I presume you are talking abut this:



The standard BS5234 "Gypwall" type pressed steel studwork. It is designed to have screws driven into it, thats how the plasterboard is fitted. It may rust, but we'll all be in our graves a long time before it does.

yes exactly!

LOL and thanks!