Lower first cost
Hot Dip Galvanizing generally has the lowest first cost when compared to other commonly specified comparable protective coatings for steel. The application cost of labour intensive coatings such as painting has risen far more than the cost of factory applied Hot Dip Galvanizing.

Lower maintenance/lower long term cost
Even in cases where the initial cost of Hot Dip Galvanizing is higher than alternative coatings, galvanizing is invariably more cost effective, due to lower maintenance costs during a longer service life. Maintenance is even more costly when structures are located in remote areas. Maintenance programmes also invariably have a negative impact on productivity.

Long life
The life expectancy of Hot Dip Galvanized coatings on structural members is between 10 to 30 years in most corrosive urban and coastal environments.

Speed of coating application
A full protective coating can be applied in minutes, a comparable multicoat paint system, may require up to a week. The effective application of a Hot Dip Galvanized coating is not influenced by weather conditions.

Surface preparation
Immersion in acid ensures uniform cleaning of the steel surfaces, in contrast to organic coatings that must be applied on abrasive blast cleaned steel and verified by third party inspection. Additionally, the application of organic coatings is limited in terms of prevailing ambient temperature and relative humidity. This adds to the cost of applying a heavy duty paint system. In Hot Dip Galvanizing, all surfaces receive equally good coatings.

Reliability
Hot Dip Galvanizing is required to conform to the ISO 1461 specification. The coating thicknesses specified are related to steel thickness. Coating life is reliable and predictable.

Ease of Inspection
Hot Dip Galvanized coatings are readily assessed visually. Simple non-destructive testing methods are used to determine coating thickness.

Inspection of organic coatings is necessary after surface preparation and each stage of coating application thereafter.