Whether you're buying a roof for your home, your barn, your business, or any other building, it's important to know the type of material you're buying. When looking at options for metal roofs, you may hear terms like "Galvalume" and "galvanized steel."

The two metals are not very different by definition. However, the pros and cons of Galvalume and galvanized metal are distinctly different, including the time to use each, the performance expectations for each, and more.

What is Galvalume?

One of the most popular roofing materials on the market today, Galvalume is a steel roof coating made of aluminium, zinc and silicon. Aluminum makes up more than 50% of the coating, making it more resistant to corrosion.

Invented by the Bethlehem Steel Construction Company in the early 1970s, the Galvalume coating is made by hot dipping a metal onto a coil of steel so that it adheres to the material. The coating can be left as a plain polished finish or can be painted in a variety of colors.

What is Galvanized Steel？

Galvanized metal refers to sheet metal that has been hot-dip galvanized. This process started in the 17th century, but was gradually defeated by Galvalume metal from the 19th century.

Traditional galvanized metal roofing is carbon steel corrugated sheet with a galvanized coating. The coating is formed by dipping the candy bar in hot molten zinc. Zinc ions combine with iron molecules in the steel to create a glossy, rust-resistant surface finish. This process is called electroplating.

After the coating hardens, the sheet undergoes a cold-formed corrugation process that bends it into a parallel linear pattern. When installed as a roof, these "corrugations" give the sheet greater strength and stability.

Galvalume Metal Advantages

Economic

Self Healing

Corrosion Resistance is 2-4x that of galvanized

Good strength

Galvanized Metal Advantages

Economic

Longevity in the right environment

Superior protection

Low maintenance

Which Roof is best?

Galvalume's extra corrosion resistance means that scratched, bent or cut edges won't rust as quickly, and it's also a better choice in rainy climates and salty air.

Paint does not adhere well to Galvalume, so aesthetics may not be as good. Also, Galvalume costs more than galvanized metal roofs - but the fact that Galvalume metal roofs have twice the life expectancy of galvanized roofs of the same thickness makes up for the difference. For these reasons, Galvalume metal roofs are more popular.

Wholesale Galvalume Sheet Today?

Does galvalume sound like the right choice for your next project? If so, please contact us to order your premium galvalume steel coils. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about Galvanized Metal Roofs. Contact now for a free quote.