An aluminum, zinc, and silicone coating applied to steel core via hot-dipping process. We can also match virtually any custom color to suit any project. Read on to learn more about galvalume vs galvanized and the benefits of a galvalume roof. Manufacturers begin with a carbon steel base sheet that is then continuously hot-dipped with aluminum and zinc alloys until it reaches a coating consisting of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone. This is due in part to the fact that the steel is coated in a thin layer of zinc to prevent rusting. Neither Galvalume or galvanized substrate is warranted to be used, in or around animal confinement or agriculture. As we mentioned, most manufacturers have stepped toward using Galvalume as the majority of their product offerings because it lasts longer and provides more benefits for property owners. Because Galvalume Plus can be roll-formed dry without vanishing oil, it is very easy to form and install safely. Galvalume® is more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel, but because aluminum provides barrier protection instead of galvanic protection, scratches and cut edges are less protected. Research conducted by the Metal Construction Association (MCA) indicates that Galvalume roofing could last as long as 50 to 60+ years without any extreme signs of corrosion. Mid-level price point – Historically, galvanized was generally the cheaper material when compared to Galvalume. Galvanization (or commonly referred to as galvanized) is a protective zinc coating that is applied to a steel or iron substrate through a hot-dip galvanizing process. Galvalume’s formula was designed to combine the toughness and strength of zinc with the rust-resistance of aluminum. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These coatings protect the iron in steel from oxidation. Galvalume is a high-performing metal option for high-temperature, high-precipitation and marine environments. In fact, galvanized products will degrade quicker in these environments, as the corrosion resistance is less than Galvalume. Average Rating: (based on 1 review) Showing 1 Review: by Brad on 1/22/2013: Pulls so nice! These steels are an appealing alternative to standard aluminum gutters because they are unique and give your home an added curb appeal without the high-end price tag. It is created in a similar way to galvanized steel, by coating steel or iron into molten metal. These metallic coatings “sacrifice” themselves to protect the iron in steel … Aluminum has three distinct properties which continually make it the top-ranked material for residential gutter systems. Design the Best Standing Seam Metal Roof for Your Projects in Asia, Make Sure the Coil and Roll Former are Western Made. This occurrence is a possibility for any kind of metal roofing or walls, including Galvalume. Even though Galvalume and galvanized are generally similar in the way they’re created, they have different characteristics that affect how each one should be used in metal roof and wall projects. Galvalume has barrier corrosion resistance and heat resistance similar to aluminized material and good bare edge galvanic protection and forming qualities like galvanized material. Plus, once the red rust starts on a galvanized roof or wall, it will continue to red rust rather quickly. Corrosion resistance – When compared to galvanized metal, Galvalume’s corrosion resistance is about two to four times better. We specialize in providing painted Galvalume® and aluminum for the architecturally driven metal panel industry. What Is Galvalume? Galvalume® Metal Roofing System Properties. However, the benefits and drawbacks of Galvalume and galvanized metal significantly differ, including how long each one lasts, the expectations of how each one will perform, and more. Galvalume steel sheet can be welded similar to other zinc coated sheet products. I think it pulls so much nicer with this slant V front. While our main product focus at Sheffield Metals is painted or bare 24-gauge Galvalume coils and sheets used in the architecturally-driven metal roof and wall industry, we sell galvanized metal products as well. As you can see, both galvanized steel and galvalume have their own benefits and drawbacks. That alloy is 45% zinc and 55% aluminum and looks similar to galvanized steel, but the visible crystals are smaller and close together, giving it a smoother appearance. A zinc coating hot-dipped onto a steel core with origins dating back to the 17th century. Concrete and mortar are highly alkaline environments. These two metals, which are technically coatings applied to a steel core, aren’t all that different from one another by definition. It is a trademarked name, but many people use it as a generic term to describe a metal roofing product consisting of  steel coil coated with a metal alloy. Galvalume systems also often come with paint and substrate warranties that protect your investment and provide peace of mind that the roof or wall system will last. In a nutshell, Galvalume is a proven metal roofing material because of its strength, outdoor corrosion resistance and longevity. Durability: Aluminum will not rust or corrode for a very long time, even if you’re right on the coast. Often offered with paint, substrate, and weathertight warranty options and has self-healing properties. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The only difference is Plus has a thin, clear acrylic coating. Most Galvalume®–like galvanized steel– is coated. Galvanized uses zinc only. Aluminized steel is steel that has been hot-dip coated on both sides with aluminium-silicon alloy.This process assures a tight metallurgical bond between the steel sheet and its aluminium coating, producing a material with a unique combination of properties possessed neither by steel nor by aluminium alone. Most galvanized systems have the potential to be unpredictable in specific environments and use, meaning that most manufacturers don’t offer warranties on most galvanized products. Manufacturers fight rust by coating the roofing panels with either zinc or Galvalume, an alloy of aluminum and zinc, to form a protective barrier. Like galvanized products, Galvalume is susceptible to oil … We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Though once any part of the steel core is exposed, the metal will start to red rust, which is both unsightly and will eat away at the metal over time. But bare Galvalume and coated Galvalume panels have an outstanding corrosion resistance in a wide variety of general environments, including industrial, marine and even severe marine environments. The rust on galvanized will just continue to spread and get worse because it doesn’t have that self-healing property. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The term galvanized means the steel has been coated with a protective layer of zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. Economical – For the most part, Galvalume is reasonably priced and one of the most affordable metal materials available for roofing products. Galvalume and Galvalume Plus are used in applications that require spot welding, seam welding or arc welding during fabrication. Bethlehem Steel introduced the Galvalume coating to the construction industry in the early 1970s. On average, the cost of these specialty materials in comparison to aluminum does not differ all that much. This superior roofing material, also used as siding, is actually sheets of steel, coated with a composition of 45% zinc and 55% aluminum. Galvalume is offered in both bare and pre-coated versions. (Note: There is not a substrate or paint warranty on Galvalume products within 1,500 feet of saltwater.). Galvanized metal products have been around since the 17th century, but the process of “galvanizing” materials became a wide-spread practice in the early 19th century. However, aluminum also has its downsides, mostly from our point of view as the roofers. However, because of the superior durability and corrosion resistance of Galvalume, 90+ percent of the metal roofing and wall industry in the early 2000s transitioned from galvanized substrates to a Galvalume substrate. Galvalume should not be used on, in, or around concrete or mortar. most popular materials in today’s roofing market, conditions associated with a coastal environment, buy a weathertight warranty for their Galvalume roofing structure, methods to minimize the appearance of oil canning, galvanized substrate, Vintage® from Steelscape, use the preventative methods outlined in this article, Contact one of our knowledgeable metal roofing specialists today, Commercial buildings – Hospitals, schools, stores, government buildings, and more, Residential projects – Single-family, multi-family, condominiums, and more, Structural/industrial applications – Warehouses, factories, and more, Agricultural – Non-animal confinement spaces, barns, storage, and more, Hiring an experienced contractor who knows the best material handling practices that help reduce oil canning, Using striations or bead stiffeners in the flat area of the panel to minimize the appearance of oil canning. BIEC International Inc. is the worldwide licensor of the technology and know-how associated with 55% Aluminum-Zinc alloy coated sheet steel (better known as GALVALUME). The problem with galvanized metal, painted or not, is that once it starts to red rust, it doesn’t eventually stop as Galvalume does. Oil canning – Like Galvalume, galvanized metal can also develop oil canning in the flat areas of the panel. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Pooling water, salt spray, animal manure, and air pollution can quickly corrode galvanized metal. One of the questions most frequently asked by architects is: What are the differences between  Galvalume and Galvanized Steel when used in roofing. Bare Galvalume and coated Galvalume panels will very rapidly deteriorate when exposed to the corrosive agents of animal confinement. When zinc is combined with aluminum to form galvalume, it’s even more protective. 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