An introduction to Galvalume

Often people want to know what the best option for metal roofing sheets? Should they go for galvalume coils and sheets or galvanized coils and sheets? Most of you are probably familiar with Galvanized metals and the entire process associated with – so here we plan to understand what is Galvalume and the advantages of using galvalume coils and metal roofing sheets & also the cons associated with it. 

First let us understand what is Galvalume. Galvalume is a coating introduced by Bethlehem Steel in the early 1970s. Galvalume metal roofing sheets combine 3 very important roofing metals – zinc, steel and aluminium. The process of Galvalume involves continuously dipping carbon steel base sheet in aluminium and zinc alloys until the coating ratio of 55% aluminium, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone is achieved. This hot-dipping process ensure that you get the best qualities of each metal in one material making Galvalume one of the most popular metal roofing sheet. It gives you the best of both - aluminized and galvanized metal sheets. 

Galvalume coils and sheets are very popular in the metal roofing and wall industry. Galvalume is suitable as a roof or wall in many buildings. It is known to withstand some of the most extreme environments, like places with high rainfall, high snowfall, hurricane zones, high-temperature zones and more.

Galvalume is a popularly used material in commercial buildings, industrial building like factories, warehouses and residential architectural structures.  However, galvalume should be avoided in coastal areas as the sodium chloride/ salt will harm the coating and cause structural degradation. 

Some advantages of using Galvalume® coils & metal roofing sheets

Warranty – One of the reasons why Galvalume is such a hot selling item is the warranty – There is a 25 year to the 30-year warranty on Galvalume. This means it will not perforate, rupture or become a structural failure within that time frame. 

Super Economical – Galvalume is quite reasonably priced and is one of the more affordable metal roofing sheets. The pricing depends on the quality, thickness and colour of the Galvalume panels

Corrosion resistant – Galvalume is about two to four times more corrosion resistant as compared to galvanized metal. The entire idea behind the specified ratios to produce a Galvalume’s coating was to combine the strength and toughness of zinc with the rust-resistance of aluminium. Research done by the MCA - Metal Construction Association states that Galvalume metal roofing sheets could be free from extreme signs of corrosion for 50-60 years. 

Galvalume has self-healing properties that limit the rusting on exposed edges and don’t let it advance further.  The different characteristics of Galvalume will help you decide its usage as metal roofing sheets and for wall projects.