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Like most metals, cast iron goes through a natural oxidation process, resulting in an outer protective coating known as rust.  This process is called Patina. Patina is a naturally occurring process and shouldn’t be confused with corrosive rust. 

The two conditions that cause cast iron to rust are:

• Moisture (Cast iron will begin to patina when the relative humidity exceeds about 64%.)
• Oxygen

Factors that accelerate rusting:

• Carbon Dioxide
• Acids
• Impurities

Like most metals, cast iron goes through a natural oxidation process, resulting in an outer protective coating known as rust. This process is called Patina.

Patina is a naturally occurring process and shouldn’t be confused with corrosive rust. Patina is good for iron as it provides a protective layer. A metals patina is a thin layer of oxides on the metal that acts to slow down further corrosion. Therefore patina on cast iron grates does not harm the structural integrity. This rust layer shields the cast iron from further oxidation. Think of rust as a corroded armour that protects against additional corrosion. This property allows iron to remain strong & intact for several decades. Unlike steel, cast iron is durable and will not flake. The patination of cast iron grates is predictable, and the duration of each stage depends on local moisture conditions, foot traffic, foreign substances etc.

Once the oxidation process begins, cast iron will turn a bright orange and then fade to a chocolate brown, similar to the colour of manhole covers.

Rust cannot be prevented but the process may be slowed by introducing a buffer material between the iron and atmosphere. Linseed oil can be applied to the grates prior to installation. Another common practice is to spray or powder coat the grates. This coating must be reapplied whenever there is chipping to maintain rust protection.

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SAB is a part of System Group, a group of companies founded in 1979, one of the main European holdings in the supply of piping systems in PE and PP. The company was born in Sirolo (AN) in 2003, and it moved to Sant’Angelo in Vado in 2007. SAB specializes in moulding and extrusion of plastic materials for the production of compression and electrofusion fittings, drainage channels and products for drip irrigation. They are active in three sectors: irrigation, water and gas, and drainage. 

SAB channels have preset lateral connection for 90 degree joining of 2 channel units together. Allows right angles, corners, tees & crosses without any additional fittings.

SAB channels have preset lateral connection for 90 degree joining of 2 channel units together. Allows right angles, corners, tees & crosses without any additional fittings.

Cut out the highlighted section above & join the channels.

Most SABdrain channels are sold in 1M lengths to be joined together. They are easily cut, allowing installers to achieve exactly how many metres they need.

Sizes above 200mm x 300mm are sold in 500mm pieces