Galvalume Roof Versus Steel

We install both steel and aluminum standing seam metal roofs so we frequently advise customers as to which material is best for them.

Galvalume roof versus steel.

The mixture of zinc and aluminum protects the galvalume metal against corrosion and rust helping galvalume typically last much longer than galvanized steel. Galvalume was invented by bethlehem steel in 1972. Galvalume steel is best for use in prefabricated metal wall panels and standing seam metal roof applications with concealed fasteners. Galvalume metal roof and siding panels are coated with a mixture of zinc and aluminum and siliconized coating to help resist scuffs and fingerprints better than a bare metal product.

Here s our breakdown on steel vs. Iron or steel can be coated with zinc. Factors to consider when looking at steel roofs include. 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.

Two popular roofing materials that use this process of binding two or more dissimilar metals are referred to as galvanized and galvalume each of which use steel as the base metal. We would not recommend using galvalume panels with exposed fastener steel roofing systems such as corrugated or ribbed steel roofs. It also takes longer and requires special training to be installed as it can easily dent. Many steel roofing products come with 40 to 50 year lifetime warranties and often last far beyond a half century.

Though you ll get more life out of a metal roof you ll pay the price at the time of installation. Though there are many types of steel roofing we only carry galvalume steel roofing. The zinc acts as a protective layer to iron or steel to prevent rust. Common for older buildings in europe steel roofing panels are becoming increasingly popular in north america.

Normally galvalume is offered in both bare and pre coated pre painted versions. Durability gauge the lower the number the more. Disadvantages of galvalume steel roofs the main disadvantage of galvalume steel roofing material is the initial cost of the product which is double the cost of a shingled roof. This is known as a galvanized metal.

All coated steel materials however are vulnerable to corrosion at field cut edges although galvalume is the least affected table 2 10 below click to enlarge any image lists the advantages drawbacks compatibility and life expectancy of galvanized steel roofing aluminized steel roofing galvalume aluminum copper and zinc metal. Shingle roofs are cheaper up front.