Stainless-Steel Connector Solutions

When building in coastal and nearby environments

Depending on weather patterns, locations up to 10 miles from the ocean can be considered at risk for salt (chloride) corrosion (check local requirements).

When projects are in an environment where de-icing salts are used

In colder climates, de-icing salt deposits can be greater than the sea-salt deposits found in coastal areas. Road mist and salt-laden dust can carry salts significant distances from roadways, and they remain there throughout the year.

For exterior wood-to-wood or wood-based materials involving Wet Service, Elevated Service, Ocean/Water Front Service and Uncertain Environments prone to chemicals and chlorides, we offer stainless-steel connectors for a variety of building applications, including:

• Homes built on, or near, the coast
• Outdoor structures like decks, pergolas and fences in coastal areas 
• Connecting certain types of preservative-treated lumber
• Applications exposed to fertilizer and other chemicals
• Exposed connectors in areas exposed to de-icing salts

Learn more about general corrosion information.

Even with the protection of stainless-steel connections, structures in corrosive environments can be compromised over time when these connectors are installed with fasteners or anchors that are not stainless steel. Carbon-steel fasteners and anchors with coatings such as hot-dip galvanization will corrode faster than the stainless-steel connectors, creating a weak link that could eventually lead to repairs or failure. Likewise, fasteners or anchors made from lower grades of stainless steel, such as types 304/305 (aka “18-8 stainless”), are also not recommended for use with Simpson Strong-Tie type 316 stainless-steel connectors.