--- title: SPECIFICATION OPTIONS FOR HOT-DIP-GALVANIZING AND DUPLEX COATINGS description: When it comes to specifications, you have a choice. From proprietary to performance based specifications you can author hot-dip-galvanizing and duplex specifications that meet your project needs. image: https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/hubfs/specification%20image.jpeg --- [![logo](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/hs-fs/file-2226764730-png/Duncan_Galvanizing/Images/logo.png)](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/) 69 Norman St. Everett, MA 02149 Phone: [617-389-8440](tel:6173898440) Fax: 617-389-2831 - [Services](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/services-duncan-galvanizing) - [Corrosion Protection](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/services/corrosion-protection) - [Blasting](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blasting) - [Drawing & Detail Review](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/drawing-review) - [Specifications Review](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/spec-review) - [Technical Seminars](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/technical-seminars) - [Fabrication & Touch-Up Seminars](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/fabrication) - [Sustainability](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/sustainability) - [Specifications](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/specifications-2021) - [Processes](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/processes-duncan-galvanizing) - [Hot-Dip Galvanizing](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/hot-dip-galvanizing-process) - [Colorgalv®](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/colorgalv) - [Liquid Coating (Paint)](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/process/liquid-coating) - [Powder Coating](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/powder-coating-0) - [Life-Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA)](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/life-cycle-cost-analysis) - [Showcase](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/showcase) - [About](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/about-us-duncan-galvanizing) - [Awards & Accreditations](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/awards-accreditations) - [Mission & History](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/about/mission-history) - [FAQs](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Team & Careers](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/team-careers) - [Credit Applications](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/credit-app) - [Privacy](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/privacy) - [Blog](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/contact-us) # Duncan Galvanizing Blog ## [SPECIFICATION OPTIONS FOR HOT-DIP-GALVANIZING AND DUPLEX COATINGS](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/specification-options) Posted by [Howard Levine](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/author/howard-levine) on Thu, Jul 19, 2018 @ 09:41 AM   # *![specification image](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/specification%20image.jpeg?width=200&name=specification%20image.jpeg)* # *WHEN IT COMES TO SPECIFICATIONS, YOU HAVE A CHOICE!!* In order to provide a level of quality in a project's construction documents, there are four different approaches to specifications that an architect or designer can choose from: ## **PROPRIETARY SPECIFICATION:** A closed proprietary specification that describes a product, process, or manufacturer by name. It is used when the design professional has determined that what is being specified is the best choice for the project and that no substitution is permitted. ## **BASIS OF DESIGN SPECIFICATION:** A prescriptive specification where products are identified by listing the manufacturer's name, process or product name, and a description of product composition. It sets the "level of quality bar" yet allows others to submit if they meet the specified criteria.  **PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION:** A specification that defines the desired functional outcome. It contains performance criteria required for products, processes, or methods in the contract document. This method does not describe the design characteristics and manufacturing methodology found in the Basis of Design specification. ## **"OR EQUAL" SPECIFICATION:** An open proprietary specification that lists the product, process, or manufacturer(s) followed by the term "or equal". It does not limit to specific supplier or product.  **What is an "equal"?** The Encarta Dictionary defines equal as "identical in size, quantity, value, or standard". This definition is particularly important to those in the A/E/C community charged with determining what products, processes, or methods are used in construction projects.  When the "or equal" spec is used, any manufacturer is free to submit their product, process or method in the belief that it is equal to what is specified or hope that the decision maker will be too busy to take the time to research the submittal and it will be accepted. A good example of this is the comparison of a process or product with the "or equal" spec.  Here are just a few of the issues to be considered when reviewing an "or equal" submittal:                 ** • Will the product or process meet ALL the criteria set forth in the specification?** **                 • Are environmentally appropriate materials used?** **                 • Will it help attain LEED certification?** **                 • Does it offer the same warranty as that which was specified?** **                 • Will the manufacturer or processor take sole source responsibility if there is a failure?** ***The bottom line is:*** * WHEN IT COMES TO SPECIFICATIONS, YOU HAVE A CHOICE!!* ## Contact Duncan Galvanizing Duncan Galvanizing is proud to be the Northeast's premier hot dip galvanizer. Give us a call today at [617-389-8440](tel:6173898440).   Tags: [Duncan Galvanizing](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/topic/duncan-galvanizing), [Engineering Topics](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/topic/engineering-topics) ### Subscribe via E-mail ### Latest Posts ### Posts by category - [Colorgalv (4)](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/topic/colorgalv) - [Colorgalv Thermoset (3)](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/topic/colorgalv-thermoset) - [Corrosion Protection (6)](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/topic/corrosion-protection) - [Duncan Galvanizing (4)](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/topic/duncan-galvanizing) - [Engineering Topics (2)](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/topic/engineering-topics) - [Hot Dip Galvanizing (6)](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog/topic/hot-dip-galvanizing) - [Home](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/) - [Protective Coatings](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/protective-coatings) - [Services](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/spec-review) - [Specifications](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/spec-050513) - [Resources](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/hot-dip-galvanizing-design) - [About Us](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/about) - [Contact Us](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/contact) - [Blog](https://www.duncangalvanizing.com/blog-0/) Duncan Galvanizing, Corp. 69 Norman Street, Everett, MA 02149 Phone: 617-389-8440 © 2018 Duncan Galvanizing, Corp. 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