6.6 Identifying Areas with Increased Corrosion Rates

Corrosion tests can help define the coastal areas where corrosion is most severe, and extra precautions should be taken to minimize corrosion of metal connectors and fasteners. Unfortunately, corrosion data are not available for most coastal communities, and building professionals must rely on local experience to estimate the areas where corrosion-resistant materials and methods are needed.

Areas of increased corrosion concern can be identified by observing the state of corrosion of metal connectors and fasteners in older buildings located at various distances from the shoreline. The observations can be documented and used to delineate areas with higher corrosion rates. Alternatively, communities or builders can conduct field tests using a test kit or laboratory to determine areas where increased corrosion protection should be used.