The Differences Between Galvalume And

Galvanized In Metal Roofing Projects

Englerts nationwide team of architectural sales reps spend
a considerable amount of time each year counseling
architects on which standing seam metal roofing products
and profiles might work best for their design projects. One
of the questions most frequently asked by architects is:
What are the differences between Galvalume and
Galvanized Steel when used in roofing. It comes up so
often, we thought wed take a few minutes and use this
weeks blog to explain those differences.
First, a little bit of background. Galvalume was invented
by Bethlehem Steel in 1972. 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. 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. Galvalume has a cousin, Galvalume Plus. The
only difference is Plus has a thin, clear acrylic coating.
Because Galvalume Plus can be roll-formed dry without
vanishing oil, it is very easy to form and install safely.

The combination of zinc and aluminum in Galvalume

enhances both the positive and negative effects of
aluminum. Galvalume has barrier corrosion resistance and

heat resistance similar to aluminized material and good

bare edge galvanic protection and forming qualities like
galvanized material. Consequently, Galvalume and
Galvalume Plus will resist rust, the elements and fire while
providing a sturdy and protective covering.
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. Galvalume is offered in both bare and precoated versions. Most Galvalumelike galvanized steel is
coated. But Galvalume has an excellent performance life in
bare exposures as well. Both galvanized steel and
Galvalume weigh 100 to 150 pounds per 100 square feet
and contain about 35% recycled materials. The cost of
Galvalume and Galvalume Plus are about the same as that
of galvanized steel.The coating used on Galvalume is very
important because it is critical to the length and conditions
of the entire warranty of the panel product. Coated metal
roof panels have progressed from a single coat straight
polyester paint system in the early years to Poly vinyl
idene fluoride(PVDF) acknowledged as the premium resin
for coil coatings. It is a kind of fluoride, a family that
includes such well known products as Teflon and Halar.
PVDF resin has superior chalk resistance and gloss
retention as well as stain and chemical resistance. It is
softer than polyester, making it highly formable without
risk of cracking. Current pretreatments and primers along
with superior paint coating have increased product
warranties dramatically.

However, some people only

ask if there is a warranty not how many years the warranty
lasts, and most people do not check to make sure that they
are not getting the inferior straight polyester system.
Straight polyester should really not be used for metal
roofing and wall panel in todays market. If you see there is
a dramatic difference in the price of two painted Galvalume
panels you are specifying, then the less expensive, less
effective kind of coating should be suspected.
Galvalume should not be used on, in, or around concrete or
mortar. Concrete and mortar are highly alkaline
environments. Bare Galvalume and painted Galvalume
sheets suffer rapid corrosion when in contact with mortar
and concrete. Bare Galvanized and painted Galvanized
perform better in this type of environment.
Neither Galvalume or galvanized substrate is warranted to
be used, in or around animal confinement or agriculture.
Bare Galvalume and coated Galvalume panels will very
rapidly deteriorate when exposed to the corrosive agents
of animal confinement. 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.
And Galvalume offers exceptional heat reflectivity,
resulting in lower energy load on buildings and improved
interior comfort.

That pretty much summarizes the key features of

Galvalume versus Galvanized. In a nutshell, Galvalume is a
proven metal roofing material because of its strength,
outdoor corrosion resistance and longevity.