Green Uses for Steel Tubing

Greenhouses comprised of steel tubing

Steel is the most recycled product on the planet, so it makes sense that the environmentally conscious, especially when living and working in large cities like Cleveland, Ohio, would choose steel as a worthy material. In this blog, we’re going to look at a couple of the more green uses for steel tubing.

Gatorshield® A500 Mechanical Steel Tubing

Greenhouses

Steel tubes with a higher percentage of zinc provide rust and corrosion protection for added toughness in wet or damp environments are ideal for applications such as building greenhouse frames. It holds more weight so less material is needed which will mean more sunlight let in and less shadows. Plus, steel is also much more durable than wood or PVC pipe, has an incredibly long lifespan, and doesn't require much in way the maintenance.

Solar energy applications

Solar panels supported by steel tubing

The solar industry depends on steel tubes because they know that they can withstand huge demands. Under the intense heat that solar panels attract, steel will stand up stronger and be more durable in the long run. 

Aluminum is a product that is also often used, but increasingly stainless steel tubing is becoming the preferred option. Aluminum becomes more elastic when exposed to the high temperatures of the solar panels, so it requires more pieces of aluminum than steel to support the same load. This would increase initial investment costs immediately for both supplies and labor.

For both of these applications, steel tubing also offers long-term benefits because of its corrosion and rust resistance. Framing will not have to be replaced because of failure due to rust. Plus, if the frames are dismantled when the greenhouse or solar panel is no longer used, the steel tubing is easily recycled and reused for new applications.

At Ohio Galvanized Tube, we have been supporting these green applications – and more – by producing top quality steel pipes and tubing for over 20 years. We proudly manufacture the GATORSHIELD® A500 mechanical steel tube, which is great for outdoor uses like greenhouse framing and more. When you want a company that supports green efforts with the highest quality steel tubing available on the market, contact us today.