079 - Galvanic Corrosion: How Dissimilar Metals Cause Failure

Galvanic corrosion happens when dissimilar metals touch in the presence of moisture, and it destroys building assemblies faster than most people expect. In this episode, Layla breaks down exactly how galvanic corrosion works using the Statue of Liberty's 1980s restoration as a real-world case study. She covers the three ingredients every galvanic reaction needs, walks through the galvanic series chart so you know which metals are the bullies and which are the victims, and explains why copper beats up almost everything it touches. You will learn the surface area ratio concept, the water flow rule, and the "coat the cathode" trick that is counterintuitive but critical. The episode wraps with four prevention strategies and three quick rules you can apply to any material selection or detailing scenario. 📝 Key topics covered: What galvanic corrosion is and how it works The three ingredients for galvanic corrosion Galvanic series chart for architectural metals Why galvanized steel is galvanic action by design Surface area ratio and fastener corrosion Copper vs aluminum vs steel vs galvanized steel Water runoff corrosion and the water flow rule Four prevention strategies Coat the cathode, not the anode Galvanic corrosion on the ARE exam Three rules quick reference ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Statue of Liberty Corrosion (1:59) Free Galvanic Action Study Notes (3:16) How Galvanic Corrosion Works (4:27) Three Ingredients for Galvanic Corrosion (5:49) Galvanic Series Chart (6:59) Galvanized Steel Explained (7:47) Surface Area Ratio and Fasteners (9:46) Copper vs Aluminum vs Steel (13:04) How to Prevent Galvanic Corrosion (15:45) Galvanic Corrosion on the ARE Exam (17:14) ARE Study Materials (18:12) Galvanic Action Recap 📖 Read the full blog post 📝 Download the FREE Galvanic Action study notes 🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership 🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp 📚 Individual courses: PPD 101 PDD 101 Building Systems 101 Building Codes 101