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.

Here s our breakdown on steel vs. 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. This is known as a galvanized metal. 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.

Though there are many types of steel roofing we only carry galvalume steel roofing. It also takes longer and requires special training to be installed as it can easily dent. Factors to consider when looking at steel roofs include. Normally galvalume is offered in both bare and pre coated pre painted versions.

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. Iron or steel can be coated with zinc. Metal roofs generally can run from 120 to 900 per 100. Many steel roofing products come with 40 to 50 year lifetime warranties and often last far beyond a half century.

The mixture of zinc and aluminum protects the galvalume metal against corrosion and rust helping galvalume typically last much longer than galvanized steel. For example aluminum roof shingles cost about 4 60 per square foot and 10 per square foot installed while galvanized steel roof panels cost 3 35 per square foot and 7 75 per square foot installed. The zinc acts as a protective layer to iron or steel to prevent rust. Durability gauge the lower the number the more.

Common for older buildings in europe steel roofing panels are becoming increasingly popular in north america. Galvalume steel is best for use in prefabricated metal wall panels and standing seam metal roof applications with concealed fasteners. We would not recommend using galvalume panels with exposed fastener steel roofing systems such as corrugated or ribbed steel roofs. Though you ll get more life out of a metal roof you ll pay the price at the time of installation.

Galvalume was invented by bethlehem steel in 1972. 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.