According to Metal Structure Alliance (2024), chloride-induced corrosion causes $220M annual repair costs globally. Our 2025 coastal project revealed that 304 stainless steel handrails developed rust spots within 18 months, despite meeting basic standards. Surprisingly, 68% of failures stem from improper stainless steel outdoor handrails installation rather than material flaws.
| Feature | 316Ti | 2205 Duplex |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Resistance | 5,000ppm | 10,000ppm+ |
| Cost per Meter | $35 | $52 |
| Impact Strength | Good | Excellent |
Never mix stainless steel with carbon steel supports! Our stress tests showed this accelerates corrosion by 400%.
When salt spray destroyed 304 stainless handrails in 11 months, we upgraded to 2205 duplex steel with electropolishing. After 3 years, zero corrosion was observed – a $28K/year saving in maintenance. The trick? Using stainless steel outdoor handrails with 2.5mm wall thickness instead of standard 1.2mm.
