Legit to shorten a galvanized roofing strap?

[epsilonGreedy]

If I shorten a galvanized roofing strap will the exposed bare metal ends trigger runaway corrosion and failure within a few decades?

 

The metal strap in question is a dragon tie to link a hip rafter end to the wall plate woodwork, the hip rafter end is enclosed within a boxed eave.

 

I am thinking of trimming these: https://www.toolstation.com/heavy-duty-twist-strap/p76010

[Conor]

I have a tub of bitumen paint on site for these kind of events.

[Russell griffiths]

They will out live you, if nervous get a can of cold galv and spray the ends. 

[PeterW]

For it to corrode it will require continual moisture and if it’s buried in a wall that is highly unlikely. I would cut it and paint the end - bitumen paint sounds ideal !

[Gus Potter]

13 hours ago, epsilonGreedy said:

If I shorten a galvanized roofing strap will the exposed bare metal ends trigger runaway corrosion and failure within a few decades?

 

The metal strap in question is a dragon tie to link a hip rafter end to the wall plate woodwork, the hip rafter end is enclosed within a boxed eave.

 

I am thinking of trimming these: https://www.toolstation.com/heavy-duty-twist-strap/p76010

Ok to shorten in terms of galvanising / corrosion. Think about it this way.

 

Dive into you local B&Q say, look at where they have had to drill the extra odd hole in the galvanised purlins to hang a banner / AC unit.. the SE's etc are not all round in droves.

 

Just make sure that if you are shortening it you are not reducing it's intended tying capacity. Check the nailing specification and so on.

[markc]

f I shorten a galvanized roofing strap will the exposed bare metal ends trigger runaway corrosion and failure within a few decades?

 

nope! Galvanised steel is deemed self healing. You will probably find the straps have cut ends anyway.

galv sheet is treated full size and then sheared to size for use when building trailers etc.

[saveasteading]

Partly agreed. Special straps are galvanised after manufacture so ends and holes are protected.

Purlins have their ends and holes sheared, which draws the outer galvanising over the steel core.

Any cut you make is liable to rusting if the atmosphere is damp. This will usually be local, but for a proper job spray or paint the cut.

 

For proof, look at steel cladding and compare factory cut ends with a site saw cut. (A proper site cut is done with shears). Over a few years the badly cut sheets will have rust spreading from the ends.