Back in 1972, a new galvanized sheet metal came on the market that would prove to be one of the longest-lasting and most corrosion-resistant metal products ever produced: Galvalume. While it is sometimes known under other trademarked names, this aluminum and zinc alloy mix contains a hint of silicon and is still produced by almost every major steel manufacturer. We’ve been using Galvalume in our metal building accessories for years, and we’ve found its strength and durability is unmatched — and even enhanced when powder coating is added. Here’s what you need to know about Galvalume and why it’s a must for metal building accessories.
How Galvalume is Made
Galvalume starts out as cold-rolled steel sheets that are welded into a long continuous sheet before being cleaned and prepped for coating. The sheet is then run at high speed through a continuous hot dipping process where it gets coated and finished with a blend of 55% aluminum and 45% zinc, which makes it last about nine times longer than regular galvanized steel. Once coated, the sheet is rolled into a reel and ready to be processed into all kinds of products, from roofing materials and metal building accessories, to outdoor furniture and computer cases.
Why Use Galvalume?
Galvalume is lightweight and long lasting. It’s a popular choice for metal roofs and roofing accessories because, when installed correctly, Galvalume is weatherproof, energy efficient and basically maintenance-free (although we always recommend regular building inspections and maintenance to stay ahead of any potential problems). It’s long lasting, too. More than 80 Galvalume roofs in the southeastern United States were inspected after 35 years of use, and all were projected to last another 50 to 60 years before needing major maintenance.
Know Your Options
Galvalume products are available in a wide range of colors and finishes to match any architectural design. For example, we offer roof curbs made of 16-gauge Galvalume steel. They can be made to match any roof slope, the welds are finished with a protective zinc primer and they can be custom painted to match the building. Whatever the application, we can find a way to make Galvalume products work with your building.
Interested in knowing more about Galvalume’s durability or its associated products? We’re here to help! Give Metallic Products a call to learn about long-lasting accessories that can make maintaining your building a lot easier.
