Galvalume roofing, a popular choice for residential homes and commercial buildings, has gained attention for its unique blend of advantages and disadvantages. This roofing material, composed of steel, aluminum, and zinc coatings, offers a variety of benefits that appeal to home and property owners seeking durability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.
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However, like any roofing material, Galvalume roofing has some drawbacks that need careful consideration. RoofCrafters has been working with Galvalume since we started our business more than 30 years ago, and while it is one of the most popular metal roofing choices, we do think there are some things you want to consider.
That being said, if you&#;re reading this article, you may be considering Galvalume for your next roofing project. Well, dear reader, you&#;re in luck! In just a few short moments, you&#;ll learn what Galvalume roofing is, its advantages and drawbacks, and if a Galvalume roof is right for you. Let&#;s get started!
Understanding Galvalume Roofing: Composition and Manufacturing Process
Galvalume is a type of material made from a special combination of metals. It's known for its durability and strength, making it a popular choice for protecting buildings from the elements.
To create Galvalume roofing materials, manufacturers start with a base sheet of cold-rolled steel. This steel sheet is then coated with a mixture of aluminum and zinc through a process called hot-dipping. The steel sheet is continuously dipped into the aluminum-zinc alloy until it's covered with a specific coating composition. This coating typically comprises around 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone.
Here&#;s a selection of some of the most common applications that use Galvalume:
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Architectural Projects: This includes a wide range of applications, both in commercial and residential settings.
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Commercial Buildings: Galvalume roofing is found on homes, schools, hotels, factories, retail stores, and more.
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Residential Projects: It's used for single-family homes, and multi-family housing like apartments, and condos.
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Structural and Industrial Uses: Galvalume roofing is chosen for warehouses, factories, storage facilities, and similar structures.
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Agricultural Buildings: It's used in non-animal confinement structures like barns and other agricultural buildings.
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Miscellaneous Uses: Galvalume roofing finds its way into many other things like accent roofs, pavilions, mailboxes, solar trays, and pre-fabricated flashings.
Advantages of Choosing Galvalume for Your Roof
Guaranteed Quality: One of the key advantages of Galvalume is its substantial 25-year warranty on the main material, known as the substrate. This warranty is sometimes called a perforation warranty. Galvalume systems often include additional paint warranties that safeguard your investment and offer reassurance that your roof or wall will endure. Moreover, owners of non-residential properties can opt for a weathertight warranty for their Galvalume roof, ensuring proper installation following strict guidelines.
Protection Against Rust & Natural Healing Abilities: Galvalume's special coating blends the strong traits of zinc and its ability to heal itself with the rust-resistant properties of aluminum. These features work together to manage the development of red rust along the visible edges of Galvalume panels. Unlike many steel-based products that often show ongoing edge creep due to exposed steel, Galvalume's process halts this progression. As a result, Galvalume systems are less prone to failure.
Easy to Install: The two types of installation methods are standing seam and exposed fasteners. Another advantage of Galvalume is its user-friendliness compared to other metals commonly used in roofing. Installers have fewer concerns about leaving marks, dents, or deep scratches on Galvalume panels because they are more durable and forgiving. Additionally, Galvalume doesn't impose stringent demands for ventilation or air gaps. Galvalume is a common choice for metal roofing and typically doesn't necessitate intricate installation instructions or special requirements.
Cost-Effective & Competitive Pricing: Generally, Galvalume offers good value and is among the more budget-friendly metal options for roofing materials, particularly when compared to aluminum. The average price range for a standing seam Galvalume roof on a square foot home is $42,000.
Challenges and Limitations of Galvalume Roofing
Not Suitable for Coastal Areas: Galvalume's coating is not designed to withstand the challenges posed by coastal environments, including properties exposed to crashing waves, expansive bays, marshes, and other coastal settings. In particular, the salty sea air can deteriorate the Galvalume coating, causing early harm to roofs and walls. Properties situated within a specific distance from the coastline are advised to opt for an engineered aluminum roof system. Aluminum is better equipped to resist corrosion and rusting caused by saltwater over an extended period.
Weighs More than Aluminum: Considering the weight of roofing materials, there are advantages such as durability and easy installation, but disadvantages like added stress on the building's structure. Generally, metal roofing is much lighter than asphalt shingles. When compared to Galvalume, aluminum is lighter. A standard 24-gauge Galvalume roof typically weighs 1 to 1.5 pounds per square foot for a completed panel. In contrast, a .032 aluminum roof weighs less than half of the weight of the same 24-gauge Galvalume panel.
May Interact With Other Materials: Galvalume performs optimally when it's not in direct contact with certain building materials, like concrete, treated lumber, copper, lead, bricks, and iron. If Galvalume comes into contact with any of these materials and is then exposed to water or an electrolyte, it can result in galvanic corrosion of the metal, potentially causing the roof system to fail.
Assessing if Galvalume Roofing Fits Your Needs
Galvalume is a great roofing choice for many home and business owners alike. Remember, though, that if you're using various types of building products, it's essential to verify with manufacturers that their products are compatible. For example, be cautious if you're considering a metal roof with wood shingles. Some wood shingles are treated with chemicals that can react negatively with the metal roof, causing issues.
And, as you now know, Galvalume roofing presents a compelling package of advantages and disadvantages that require thoughtful assessment before making a roofing choice. Its corrosion resistance, durability, and versatility make it an attractive option for various residential and commercial applications. The ability to blend the strengths of steel, aluminum, and zinc coatings results in a roofing material capable of withstanding diverse weather conditions.
However, it's essential to acknowledge its potential shortcomings, such as its interaction with specific materials and its susceptibility to dents. By weighing these pros and cons against your specific project requirements and environmental conditions, you can determine whether Galvalume roofing aligns with your goals for a resilient and enduring roofing solution. If you&#;re interested in learning more about Galvalume, be sure to hit the &#;Schedule an Inspection&#; button down below, and one of our roofing experts will provide you with their professional opinion about this metal roofing option, and if it&#;s a good fit for your home or business!
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To provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information, we consult a number of sources when producing each article, including licensed contractors and industry experts.
If you're looking to install a metal roof, you've probably heard of two different kinds of steel-based materials, galvalume and galvanized steel. Both are commonly used for both residential and commercial buildings due to their low price point and durability &#; but what's the difference between the two? Which is better for your home? In this article, we'll discuss the differences between galvalume and galvanized roofs, their benefits and disadvantages, and determine which is right for you.
What are galvalume and galvanized steel?
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Image source: Sheffield Metals
Galvalume
Introduced by Bethlehem Steel in , the galvalume process combines a steel base with aluminum, silicon, and zinc where a steel sheet is hot-dipped in aluminum and zinc alloys. This combination prevents oxidation and corrosion. The zinc coating also protects any scratches on the galvalume metal from rusting.
Galvanized
While the galvalume process is relatively new, galvanizing has been used for nearly 200 years. Galvanization includes a carbon steel sheet that is dipped in molten zinc, forming a strong alloy coating that prevents corrosion. Galvanized metal used to be a popular item decades ago but became harder to find as galvalume became more popular.
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Galvalume vs. galvanized
Though both their processes are very similar, there are some subtle differences and uses for them. Let&#;s dig into the details.
Corrosion
Image source: AZO Materials
Galvalume - Both galvalume and galvanized metal are corrosion-resistant thanks to their zinc coating, but if the coating wears down over time or is scratched in any way, it can lead to corrosion. Galvalume's biggest benefit and edge over galvanized metal is the addition of aluminum, which is naturally resistant to corrosion.
Galvanized - While galvanized metal is also resistant to corrosion, it is not as resistant as galvalume and is also prone to forming red rust if its zinc coating becomes scratched. Because of galvalume's superior corrosion resistance and durability, the majority of metal roofing has shifted from galvanized to galvalume.
Uses
Image source: Puyat Steel
Galvalume - Galvalume steel is most commonly used for roofing and walls for both commercial and residential buildings, in addition to industrial spaces. However, it is not recommended to use galvalume metal roofing for buildings with animal confinement. The greenhouse gas emissions from manure react with galvalume's zinc coating, which breaks it down and degrades the metal.
Galvanized - Galvanized metal is used for a variety of similar applications, but is often harder to install. Like galvalume metal roofs, galvanized metal works better in drier climates where excess salt and water are less of an issue.
Warranty
Galvalume - Galvalume steel panels and siding often come with several warranties including paint and a 25-30 year warranty, which protects against rust-throughout, but not surface rust. Some companies, do not offer protection for homeowners in coastal climates where the metal is subject to excess salt or freshwater.
Galvanized - One of the biggest disadvantages to galvanized metal roofs is the lack of substrate warranties, due to their unpredictability in specific climates.
Lifespan
Image source: All American Steel
Galvalume - Though both galvalume and galvanized roofs have a longer lifespan than most roofing materials, galvalume roofing panels can last up to 60 years with minimal repairs.
Galvanized - Galvanized steel can last up to 50 years or more with minimal repairs, depending on the climate you live in.
Pros and cons of galvalume and galvanized roofing
Image source: Rausa Builders Corp.
Pros
More cost-effective - Though metal roofs are typically more expensive than most other roofing systems, galvalume and galvanized metal roofing are more cost-effective than most other metals, such as a standing seam metal roof. A standing seam roof can cost at least double the amount per square foot as steel.
Resistant to corrosion - While both galvalume and galvanized metal panels are resistant to corrosion, galvalume offers extra protection due to the addition of aluminum, which is naturally resistant to corrosion.
Lightweight - Galvalume and galvanized roof panels are incredibly lightweight with a high strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring the galvanized and galvalume coatings don't crack as easily.
Self-healing - Galvalume steel roofing typically features unpainted, exposed cut edges where small areas of red rust are normal but has self-healing characteristics that stop the spread of rust with an acrylic galvalume coating or paint. However, galvanized steel does not have self-healing properties and is prone to rusting if the coating becomes scratched.
Energy efficiency - A galvanized and galvalume steel roof is incredibly energy efficient due to its ability to reflect solar radiant heat and is even Energy Star certified. And because of the hot-dipping of zinc in both galvalume and galvanized steel, these coated metals are made from incredibly abundant elements which don't harm the environment.
Cons
Oil canning - The biggest disadvantage of galvalume panels is oil canning. Oil canning is when flat surfaces of the roof or wall panels appear to be wavy or distorted looking. Although it does not signify any structural damage or quality to the metal, it's not very aesthetically pleasing.
Which is right for you?
While galvalume and galvanized roof systems have similar properties and offer similar uses, there are some subtle differences. Galvanized steel used to be more commonly used in previous decades, but more homeowners have shifted their attention to galvalume roofing.
Using galvalume steel is not only cheaper, and longer-lasting than galvanized steel, but it's also more readily available whereas galvanized steel is harder to find. Although both are viable options, if you live in a coastal environment, we recommend not opting for either of these because they may not meet warranty requirements. Typically, other metals like aluminum and stainless steel alloys perform better in coastal climates because they don't depend so much on a galvanized coating. However, there are special coastal paint systems available that incorporate a high build primer and a clear coat which helps protect it from corrosion.
Either way, if you're interested in installing a metal roof, you really can't go wrong with galvalume or galvanized steel. Galvalume offers more benefits for residential and commercial buildings, but both roofing products are highly durable, long-lasting options for your roof.
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Written by
Chris Gennone
Author
Chris Gennone is a content specialist and video producer at Fixr.com. He has 5 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of web and print publications, currently specializing in home improvement projects such as roofing, remodeling, and repairs. When Chris isn&#;t writing or in front of the camera, he&#;s either playing with his band or tracking down the best sandwich shops.
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