| Author |
Message |
Ivette Ramirez Bruns
New member
Username: ivette_ramirez_bruns_csi_ccs
Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2013
| | Posted on Thursday, January 03, 2013 - 10:53 am: |    |
I have heard differing opinions regarding zamac (zamak) hardware. Some express concerns regarding strength, brittleness and pitting of chrome finish. Some owners require the use of stainless steel only while others request zamac hardware because of the lower cost. Have any of you experienced failures/problems with this material? |
Helaine K. Robinson CSI CCS CCCA SCIP
Senior Member
Username: hollyrob
Post Number: 393
Registered: 07-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 03, 2013 - 10:57 am: | |
I haven't heard that word in 20+ years. The toilet partition spec sections I inherited in the 80s and 90s were always forbidding its use. No Zamac! |
Jeffrey Wilson CSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: wilsonconsulting
Post Number: 89
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, January 03, 2013 - 11:07 am: | |
According to MasterSpec's evaluations "Zamac is the most economic and commonly available, but its brittleness in comparison to other metals is sometimes cited as a reason to use the higher-priced metals."
I have a number of clients who do not want Zamac spec'd for their projects, but I do not have direct experience w/ failures. |
Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS
Senior Member
Username: rlmat
Post Number: 555
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 03, 2013 - 11:18 am: | |
I have to side with Helaine. All of my toilet compartment/partition specs in recent years have prohibited the use of Zamac, especially in the public school sector. Given my preferences, I would not spec it unless the Client insisted. Remember, you get what you pay for. I don't believe that Zamac is durable enough for public work - I prefer stainless steel. |
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