After the April 2024 UAE rainfall: storing strapping components so they stay usable

The rain that fell across the United Arab Emirates on 16 April 2024 was exceptional. The National Centre of Meteorology reported that the 24 hours ending at 9 pm that Tuesday brought the largest rainfall recorded in the country since data collection began in 1949, with 254 mm at Khatm Al Shakla in Al Ain, as Gulf News reported.

The logistics effects were immediate. At Dubai International, flooding affected runways and terminal access on 16 April, around 300 flights were cancelled on 17 April and surrounding roads were gridlocked, according to International Airport Review. Any warehouse, yard or packing area that took water that week may still hold stock waiting for a decision three weeks on. This guide covers what to check in water-exposed strapping components, and how to store them so the next heavy rain does less harm.

First, separate and identify

Do not mix wet stock back into usable inventory while it is still damp. Move affected pallets to a dry, ventilated area and keep each item identifiable.

• Keep the identity. Note the part description, nominal strap width, wire diameter or sheet thickness, finish and lot or delivery reference for each carton or roll. Wet cartons lose labels.
• Photograph before you open. Images of cartons, pallets and water marks support any insurance or supplier discussion.
• Open and spread. Closed wet cartons trap moisture against metal. Open them, remove inner bags if they hold water, and let the parts dry with air moving around them.
• Do not force-dry carelessly. Strap rolls exposed to heat sources or direct sun while wet can distort. Dry them gradually in shade with air movement.

What to look for, by component

Component	After water exposure, check	Decision prompt
Galvanized wire buckles and steel seals	White or grey powdery deposit, red rust at edges or cut ends	Light, dry deposit may be cosmetic; heavier corrosion needs evaluation before use on critical loads
Phosphated wire buckles	Red rust on the dark finish, sticky residue, parts stuck together	Treat any rust as a reason to evaluate before use
Sheet metal clips	Corrosion inside the clip, deformation from wet cartons collapsing	Check that clips still nest and feed correctly in the crimping tool
PET strap rolls	Wet or softened cores, mud on edges, deformation of the coil	Dirty strap may not tension or join reliably; clean and trial before use
Woven strap rolls	Saturated rolls, staining, mould smell	Dry fully; check that buckles still grip as before

The white deposit on galvanized parts has a name. The American Galvanizers Association explains that wet storage stain forms when newly galvanized items are closely packed and stored or shipped in damp, poorly ventilated conditions. It notes that light staining does not necessarily imply a shorter expected life, while medium or heavy build-up left untreated can severely damage the coating. The AGA writes about galvanized steel products in general, but cartons of closely packed galvanized buckles or seals that stayed wet closely resemble the conditions it describes.

The finish name alone does not tell you how a closure will perform after exposure. Our galvanized and phosphated buckle guide explains why finish should be discussed against the actual storage and transport conditions, not assumed.

When to use, when to hold

A practical rule is to separate cosmetic marks from functional doubts. A closure that still fits the strap, feeds through the tool and makes a joint that looks the same as before may be usable for non-critical loads after your own check. A closure with corrosion at the gripping surfaces, deformed geometry or doubtful joint behaviour should be held until it has been evaluated with the strap and tool it is meant for.

If you are unsure, run a small joint trial with the affected parts beside unaffected stock of the same item, using the same strap and tool. Record the result. For components supplied with a specific purpose in mind, discuss the condition with the supplier before deciding.

Storage that copes with the next downpour

The AGA’s prevention advice for galvanized steel translates well to a packaging store. Its core points are to avoid stacking newly galvanized items tightly, remove standing water, keep air moving over the zinc, store under cover where possible, and use spacers when condensation is likely in transit.

Applied to strapping components, that means:

• Keep cartons and strap rolls off the floor on pallets or racking, never directly on concrete or in a yard.
• Leave space between stacks so air can move, and do not wrap damp stock tightly in film.
• Store strap rolls on their flat side or as the supplier advises, away from direct sun and standing water.
• Rotate stock first in, first out, so parts do not sit for long periods in marginal conditions.
• Note which storage areas took water in April 2024 and avoid them for metal components.

Write storage into the purchase specification

Ask suppliers how components are packed for shipment and storage: carton type, inner bags, pallet construction, wrapping and any corrosion protection. Record what you accept. Our receiving checklist covers how to compare deliveries with the agreed specification.

Replacing water-damaged stock

If you need to replace water-damaged stock, list the items with their strap and tool, including galvanized wire buckles, phosphated wire buckles and steel strapping seals, and send the details through the enquiry page. Packing and finish options can be discussed for your storage conditions.