Will the seams rust through?

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Hi,If have 2 overlapping plates like so:And the seams are exposed and not welded will this area start to form rust over time? If it will, what are my options during manufacturing for protecting this seams from future rust?
Reply:Originally Posted by Silhornwhat are my options during manufacturing for protecting this seams from future rust?
Reply:Caulking, paint, weld the sides too.
Reply:The company i work for does a lot of structure ... most of which is exposed after completed construction.  Banks, restaurants, apartment building and hotels, etc.We weld seams like that and then grind / sand them flush to keep them from rusting and showing rust stains after a few years.AWS CWI xxxx21711968 SA200  Originally Posted by WelderMike  I hate being bipolar, It's awesome.
Reply:I've seen lapped joints like that rust out badly in automotive applications, where the joint catches and holds water saturated with road salt.  In a less severe environment, I don't think you'd have as much of a problem.  As has been said, a good quality sealant can help.  Paint will, too, as long as the plates don't move too much with respect to each other.
Reply:What application is this going to be used for? Most of the time if I have something like this exposed to elements I will slightly bevel the two edges that make up the seem prior to the structural welding on the sides. If its painted/coated it gives it something to fill rather then lay on the surface, the other option I use sometimes is to lay a small tig rod in the bevel and tig it up.ESAB Rebels 215 and 235, ESAB HELIARC 281i, ESAB ET 301i, Hypertherm 85 and 45XP, Thermal Arc 185, TD 60i, HTP PRO PULSE 300
Reply:Thanks for the advices.I did think paint would cover the seam enough to protect from future rust but wasn't sure if it would be enough. I guess I can paint + sealant too.