Weathered Pallet Rack
The other day I went with a co-worker on an inspection. We looked at pallet rack that is exposed directly and indirectly to the elements of weather. We were looking for corrosion or decay in the form of rust. The rack we were looking at was not galvanized, just painted. To no ones surprise we found rust on the footplates and lower part of the upright. We also find rust forming and corroding the beams.
Pallet rack that is stored outside for just a short time will start to corrode. On many installation jobs in the past, we would store the material outside until needed. As we need more rack and beams we would bring it in. On jobs where the weather was rainy we would find water collecting inside the beams. This water penetrated the beams at the seams or where the beams were welded to the bracket. When we would pick up a beam, water would drip or run out of the beam. The problem was that the water was rusty, very rusty.
We need to remember that the inside of the beam is not painted and most likely not coated with and corrosion prohibitors. In the picture above we can clearly see rust and corrosion forming on the outside but what about the inside. Rust and corrosion is a hidden danger. If corrosion forms inside of a beam it goes undetected until the beam fails. If a beam fails it is too late.
If you need storage outside or in the elements, the best thing to use is galvanized pallet rack or cantilever. It may cost a little more but it will cut the corrosion liability. Rust and corrosion in ordinary pallet rack and cantilever brings a whole new perspective on buying used pallet rack, especially if it is stored outside.