Rust and Corrosion
Control
Stop Rust Before It Spreads
Industrial & Commercial Rust and Corrosion Protection
Rust and corrosion control is the process of removing existing corrosion from metal roofing and structures, treating the exposed substrate, and applying a protective system that stops oxidation returning. Sicon Group carries out corrosion protection on industrial, commercial and retail roofs across all nine provinces of South Africa, from coastal sites exposed to salt-laden air to industrial zones carrying chemical fallout.
With more than 25 years of experience, our corrosion protection extends the working life of metal roofs, prevents costly structural damage and keeps buildings compliant. Treated surfaces are finished with performance coatings, and where corrosion has already eaten through the sheets, full roof restoration is the better route.
Call now on 083 345 4649 to receive your FREE roof inspection, which includes a full photographic analysis and problem identification report, accompanied by a no-obligation FREE quotation tailored to suit your specific requirements & budgetary needs.
Rust and Corrosion Control Solutions in South Africa
Corrosion on a metal roof does not stop on its own. Once the protective layer is breached, moisture reaches the steel core and rust spreads outward from that point, thinning the sheet until it perforates. Treating it early is the difference between a coating job and a re-sheeting job.
What Rust and Corrosion Control Services Does Sicon Group Provide?
Sicon Group treats corrosion in sequence: strip the rust back to sound metal, prime the exposed substrate, then seal it under a protective system built for the conditions on site.
- Surface Preparation & Cleaning: Removal of rust, scale and debris before coating.
- Industrial-Grade Primers & Coatings: Formulated for long-term corrosion resistance.
- Protective Sealants: Added barrier against moisture and chemical exposure.
- Metal Refurbishment: Restoring steel components to optimal condition.
- Structural Preservation: Targeted treatments to extend the life of key assets.
What Are the Benefits of Corrosion Protection?
Corrosion protection is bought to avoid a much larger bill later. Replacing corroded sheeting costs many times what treating it does, and the work is far more disruptive to a site that has to keep running.
- Extended Structure Lifespan: Slows degradation and prevents costly replacements.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Long-lasting results that minimise future repairs.
- Improved Safety & Compliance: Protects structural integrity and meets industry standards.
- High-Performance Materials: Engineered for tough environments.
- Custom Solutions: Tailored approach for each project and surface type.
Why Choose Sicon Group for Rust and Corrosion Control?
Sicon Group has treated corrosion on industrial and commercial metal roofs for more than 25 years, working across all nine provinces with accredited teams and guarantees of up to 20 years.
- 25+ Years of Experience: Specialists in metal roof protection & restoration
- ISO-Compliant & Accredited: Working to ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001 standards
- High-Performance Materials: Specialist corrosion-resistant coatings & primers
- Long-Term Protection: Backed by guarantees of up to 20 years
- Expert Team & Fast Turnaround: Minimal disruption to your business operations
How Does Corrosion Control Protect Your Building?
Corrosion control works by removing the rust, sealing the exposed metal and putting a barrier between the steel and the air. Stop the reaction and the sheet stops thinning, which is what preserves the structure underneath.
- Extend the Life of Your Roof: Prevent costly damage by stopping corrosion before it weakens structural components.
- Specialised Surface Treatments: High-performance coatings and primers protect metal surfaces against rust and environmental exposure.
- Targeted Repairs for Long-Term Results: Address localised corrosion issues early to avoid widespread structural failures.
- Ideal for Harsh Industrial Environments: Designed for factories, warehouses, plants and coastal facilities where rust risks are highest.
- Enhance Structural Safety and Compliance: Maintain the integrity of your facility and meet safety regulations with proactive rust control.
What Is Sicon Group's Rust and Corrosion Control Process?
Corrosion control runs in five stages. The rust is removed first, because a primer or coating applied over active rust will lift within a season no matter how good the product is.
Rust Removal & Surface Preparation
Rust must be fully eliminated before any treatment can work. We strip and stabilise the surface for long-term coating adhesion:
Mechanical abrasive cleaning to remove heavy corrosion.
Chemical rust neutralisation to halt oxidation and stop the spread.
High-pressure washing & priming for a solid foundation.
Anti-Corrosion Primers & Treatments
High-performance systems that form the first line of defence against corrosion, UV and wear: zinc-rich & zinc-phosphate primers, epoxy primers, metal-etch primers, chemical rust converters and UV/weather-resistant finishes. These coatings strengthen sheeting, cladding and steel for lasting durability.
Protective Roof Coatings & Sealants
After priming we apply industrial-grade coatings that form a durable barrier against rust, moisture and weather:
Anti-rust coatings against rain, humidity, salt air and pollutants.
Thermal-reflective coatings to reduce heat stress.
Waterproof sealants for seams, joints and fasteners.
Structural Reinforcement & Repairs
When corrosion reaches structural components, prompt action restores strength and safety:
Replacing corroded sheeting, flashing & purlins.
Reinforcing rust-weakened areas.
Preventative maintenance & risk management through ongoing inspections.
Ongoing Maintenance & Monitoring Plans
Corrosion is progressive, and even treated surfaces degrade without oversight. Our tailored plans keep them protected:
Scheduled inspections & corrosion mapping for early detection.
Touch-up treatments & recoating to reinforce protection and extend roof life.
Why Is Rust Control Critical for Industrial Roofing?
Corrosion is not a cosmetic problem. It thins load-bearing metal, it can affect an insurance claim if a roof fails, and it lowers the value of the asset. For industrial and coastal sites in particular, corrosion control is a maintenance obligation rather than an optional upgrade.
Harsh Industrial Environments
Factories, refineries and coastal operations face constant chemical fumes, salt-laden air, humidity and temperature swings. These conditions accelerate the breakdown of metal, creating ideal conditions for rust to form and spread. Without protection, roofing and structural elements degrade rapidly, which makes proactive rust prevention essential to durability.
When Structural Integrity Is at Risk
Rust is more than surface damage. It is progressive and invasive, and left untreated it penetrates deep into metal, compromising joints, welds, beams and fasteners, and can lead to severe deformation or collapse. Early detection and treatment preserve the load-bearing capacity and lifespan of your infrastructure.
Insurance, Compliance & Liability
Failing to address corrosion carries financial and legal risk. South African building-safety regulations require commercial and industrial structures to be properly maintained, including protection against corrosion. Non-compliance can affect insurance claims, delay projects or create liability if a roof fails, so a corrosion strategy is part of meeting those obligations.
Cost of Repairs vs. Prevention
Ignoring rust today means paying for major structural repairs tomorrow. A coating applied now stops corrosion progressing into costly rehabilitation, and preventative rust control costs a fraction of what full structural repair does. It is one of the most cost-effective investments a facility can make.
Asset Lifespan & Resale Value
Corrosion affects not just performance but the value and longevity of your assets. Rust-damaged roofs and supports lower market value, deter buyers and raise insurance premiums. Consistent protection preserves integrity, extends usable lifespan and improves resale or audit readiness, which is critical to maximising return on investment.
Our Rust & Corrosion Control Projects
A selection of completed Sicon Group rust and corrosion control projects on industrial and commercial roofs across South Africa, showing the sequence from grinding rust back to sound metal, through priming, to the finished protective coating.
Rust and Corrosion Control FAQs
When is rust too far gone to treat?
Surface rust and moderate corrosion can almost always be treated. The decision point is whether the metal still has structural thickness. Where sheets have perforated, where purlins or fasteners have lost section, or where corrosion has spread under the laps across most of the roof, treatment is no longer economical and re-sheeting or full roof restoration is the better answer. A Sicon Group inspection establishes which applies before anything is quoted.
Can rust be painted over, or must it be removed first?
It must be removed first. Paint or coating applied over active rust will lift, usually within a season, because the corrosion carries on underneath and breaks the bond from below. Rust has to be taken back to sound metal, the exposed substrate primed, and only then can a protective system go on. This is why preparation rather than the product decides how long the job lasts, and why a cheaper quote that skips it costs more in the end.
How long does rust and corrosion treatment last?
A properly prepared and correctly specified system typically protects for 10 to 20 years before it needs recoating, depending on the primer and topcoat used and how aggressive the environment is. Coastal sites and roofs near industrial fallout need more frequent inspection than inland commercial roofs. Sicon Group backs its corrosion work with guarantees of up to 20 years.
What does rust and corrosion control cost?
Corrosion control is quoted per job, and the cost is driven by how much rust has to be removed rather than by the area of the roof. Grinding, chemical treatment and priming are the labour-intensive stages. A roof caught early costs a fraction of one where corrosion has spread under the laps and into structural members. Sicon Group provides a free inspection with a photographic report and a written quotation before any work starts.
Need More Detail on Rust and Corrosion Control?
Step 1: Fill in the contact form below
Step 2: Select the service you require more information on.
Step 3: Click Submit.
Sicon Group will then provide you with a detailed overview and breakdown report on the requested service, as well as a Sicon Group specialised product report.
.webp)
.webp)