What is galvalume?

Galvalume combines zinc, aluminum, and silicon. This combination forms a high-performing protective layering. Cold-rolled carbon steel sheet gets continuously hot-dipped with aluminum and zinc alloys. Galvalume gives the best characteristics of each metal, surpassing the corrosion resistance of galvanized steel by up to four times. It is especially popular for metals used in outdoor metal roofing, metal paneling, and other metal building products.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GALVANIZED STEEL AND GALVALUME?

Whether you’re buying a roof for your home, your barn, your business, or any other building, it is important to understand the type of material you’re buying. When looking at the options for your metal roof, you may hear the terms “Galvalume” and “galvanized steel”. 

These two metals aren’t all that different from one another by definition. 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. 

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel consists of a piece of steel cleaned and dipped into molten zinc. The zinc then hardens onto the steel, creating an extra protective coating. This helps the steel stand up to rust, corrosion, nicks, and dents.

Galvanized steel is a staple of construction, manufacturing, and fabrication for its durability and resistance to corrosion. Galvanization can be found on most steel structures. Generally, galvanized steel will last approximately 15-20 years with minimal maintenance.

Galvalume

Galvalume is comprised of a steel sheet dipped in a coating of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone. The unique coating gives the steel greater protection from the elements, which allows it to outlast traditional galvanized steel.

Overall, Galvalume is suitable as a roof, wall, trim, accent, and more in most building applications in some of the most extreme environments, including hurricane zones, locations with high rain or snowfall, high-temperature regions, and more.

What’s the Difference?

As you can see, the main difference between Galvalume and galvanized steel is the protective coating around each steel sheet. Galvanized steel consists of zinc, while Galvalume’s coat consist of zinc, aluminum, and silicone.

Both types of metal are excellent for roofing, and they each have their pros and cons. Galvalume is a much longer-lasting material, with a lifespan about twice that of galvanized steel. Galvanized steel tends to cost less (while still delivering great protection), making it a great choice for buyers on a budget.

Which Roof is Right For Me?

It’s always best to speak with a local expert with experience in Galvalume and galvanized steel. An experienced professional can provide the best recommendation based on the intended use of your building and the expected weather conditions in the area.

No matter what you decide, a steel roof is going to last longer and provide more protection than wood or asphalt shingles. With a steel roof —  be it galvanized or Galvalume — you can enjoy durability, safety, and energy efficiency for years to come.