Galvalume vs Galvanized vs Aluminum

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If you’re considering materials for your metal roof in Florida, you may encounter various options such as steel, copper, aluminum, galvanized, and Galvalume. What are the distinctions among these materials, and how do you determine the right choice for your project?

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of Galvalume and galvanized roofing can certainly be perplexing. Since Installing a new roof can already bring about significant expense and anxiety, we are here to share our expertise. We’ve devised a guide to help you make the appropriate decision based on your roofing needs.

Why Choose a Metal Roof in Florida?

The primary benefit of using metal roofing in Florida and coastal regions lies in its durability against severe weather conditions, including wind, rain, and saltwater corrosion. However, each type of metal roofing boasts unique advantages, and the selection of suitable material depends on factors like budget, aesthetics, and performance demands. An experienced manufacturer and supplier can provide sage advice for your specific project.

Galvalume vs Galvanized vs Aluminum

Below are three commonly used metal roofing materials:

Galvanized Steel Roofing

Galvanized steel is steel coated with a layer of zinc to guard against corrosion. The galvanization process involves either submerging the steel in molten zinc or applying a zinc coating through electroplating. This zinc layer acts as a sacrificial defense, rusting before the underlying steel, thus prolonging the steel's life. Galvanized steel is relatively economical compared to other corrosion-resistant materials but may not endure as long before exhibiting signs of rust.

Galvalume Roofing

Galvalume is a roofing material made of steel, combined with aluminum, zinc, and silicon, which provides up to twice the corrosion resistance of galvanized steel. Developed by Bethlehem Steel Construction Company in the early years, Galvalume is created by hot-dipping metals onto steel coils, allowing them to bond effectively. The coating can be left in its mill finish or painted in various colors. It has emerged as a highly durable roofing choice, requiring minimal maintenance and lasting at least 40 years, resulting in considerable savings over its lifespan.

Aluminum Roofing

While Galvalume's zinc-aluminum alloy coating offers good corrosion resistance, aluminum roofing provides even greater durability against corrosion. Aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for regions with high moisture or salt exposure, like coastal locales. Both aluminum and Galvalume roofing boast long service lives, but aluminum is generally considered to outlast Galvalume.

Applications

Where Should Galvalume Roofing Be Used?

The essential role of a Galvalume coating is to stave off oxidation (rusting), which can undermine the material's integrity. It can be installed on walls, building trims, or as accents, particularly in climates prone to hurricanes, humidity, severe heat, or high precipitation. Owing to its corrosion-resistant nature, Galvalume is particularly suitable for humid and warm environments, including commercial structures, residential homes, storage facilities, and more, rendering it a cost-effective, low-maintenance roofing option across various Florida regions.

Where Should Aluminum Roofing Be Used?

Aluminum is favored over galvanized or Galvalume steel in coastal environments as it is more resistant to saltwater-caused corrosion and rust. The zinc-aluminum coating of Galvalume cannot endure extended exposure to large quantities of salt found in coastal air. Saltwater poses a significant corrosion risk, which can degrade Galvalume roofing on shore properties, near expansive bays, surf breaks, and marshy areas. Additionally, aluminum is highly malleable, allowing for easy shaping into diverse profiles and designs, providing architects and homeowners with enhanced creative flexibility compared to Galvalume, which has some limitations regarding formability.

Where Should Galvanized Steel Roofing Be Used?

Galvanized steel roofing is more apt for arid regions, free of pooling water and salt-laden environments, limiting its usage in Florida. Insulated metal panels or pre-galvanized materials are typically chosen for less critical applications like outbuildings or barns. Galvalume is not advisable for structures housing livestock, as its aluminum and zinc properties react detrimental to ammonia from animal waste. Exposure to ammonia creates a highly corrosive environment, leading to deterioration. If installed in animal confinement structures, these materials must have proper ventilation to mitigate ammonia levels.

What Does Self-Healing Mean for Galvalume?

Many steel roofing materials eventually experience some ‘edge creep’ in areas near cut edges. Fortunately, Galvalume features a ‘self-healing’ property, meaning it eventually halts creeping rust, preventing it from spreading. In contrast, galvanized steel lacks this self-healing ability, wherein edge rust continues to worsen over time. The combined rust-resisting benefits of both zinc and aluminum bolster Galvalume's structural integrity despite exposed edges. Edge creep risk can be minimized through hemming or touching up exposed spots with paint.

Metal Roofing Wear

Even though metal roofing durability far surpasses that of asphalt, it may still present some wear traits over time that are essential to understand.

• Oil Canning
  Oil canning describes the visible waviness on the flat surfaces of Galvalume or aluminum panels. This condition is common in light-gauge, cold-formed metal products, particularly those with broad flat areas. While oil canning is purely cosmetic, it will not affect the roof's structural strength, performance, or longevity. It's noteworthy that this phenomenon does not imply quality issues, thus it's usually not a valid warranty claim.
• Scuff Risk
  Both painted and unpainted metals, including Galvalume and aluminum, can become scuffed, exposing metal sections that may age more rapidly due to a loss of protective layers. Although Kynar painted panels perform better, they are softer than standard WeatherXL paint, making them more susceptible to damage from foot traffic and environmental factors. Once scratched, the affected sections may require full replacement, as they cannot be repaired. Scuffing can also occur when the material incurs dents, making it essential to minimize weight and pressure on the panels.
• Galvalume May Not Pair with Certain Materials
  While Galvalume is resilient, pairing it with other construction materials can expedite degradation. If installed directly on surfaces like bricks, concrete, treated lumber, or metals such as copper and iron, corrosion may occur due to electrolytic reactions with water. Additionally, beware that mortar and concrete can be highly alkaline, leading to Galvalume corrosion, ultimately jeopardizing the roof's integrity.

Which Is Thicker; Galvanized or Galvalume?

Both Galvalume and galvanized steel undergo a hot-dipping process, resulting in similar thicknesses generally around 1 millimeter. Although thickness can slightly vary entre materials, Galvalume coatings usually outlast galvanized coatings, assuming similar thicknesses.

What Roofing Material Lasts the Longest?

As previously indicated, Galvalume typically lasts nearly twice as long as galvanized steel before showing wear signs, primarily due to the aluminum-added coating that hinders oxidation. Both Galvalume and aluminum roofing exhibit extensive lifespans; however, aluminum roofs are usually regarded as superior. They can remain effective for several decades without significant decline, while Galvalume roofs often experience shortened lifespans. If longevity is paramount, consider stainless steel or aluminum roofing materials.

What Has a Better Warranty?

Most aluminum and many Galvalume roofing products come with warranties, recognizing their durability and long lifespan. Conversely, numerous galvanized products lack warranties due to unpredictability and reliability challenges, particularly once rust sets in.

What Material is Most Affordable?

Galvanized and Galvalume steel are similarly priced, given their comparable manufacturing processes, though some lower-grade galvanized variants may be cheaper. Aluminum roofing is considered a premium choice, offering enhanced performance and durability at a higher price point. While metal roofing can exceed asphalt shingle prices, its longevity and cost-effectiveness often outweigh initial expenses, ultimately resulting in long-term savings.

As discussed in our metal roofing cost analysis, various factors influence project pricing, including underlayment, complexity, and overall scope. To understand how Galvalume compares with alternative materials, consider obtaining quotes from various roofing professionals.

The Bottom Line

Here are the distinct advantages and disadvantages of each roofing material relevant to Florida and coastal environments:

• Galvanized steel: Coated in zinc for corrosion protection; however, Florida's humidity and salt can accelerate corrosion, making it unsuitable for enduring residential solutions. Advantages are affordability, ease of installation, and traditional appearance.
• Galvalume: Gaining popularity in many Florida locales for its durability and superior corrosion resistance over galvanized steel. Furthermore, Galvalume tends to be cheaper than aluminum if budget is the top priority.
• Aluminum: A lightweight metal inherently resistant to rust and corrosion, preferred for coastal regions due to its saltwater durability and impressive longevity. Other benefits include durability, low maintenance, and increased energy efficiency thanks to its reflective surface.

The choice between Aluminum roofing and Galvalume ultimately hinges on factors such as application, budgeting, aesthetic preferences, and prevailing environmental conditions. While both materials furnish durability and corrosion resistance, aluminum roofing surpasses in corrosion resilience, weight, and thermal efficiency.

We Can Help

Navigating the selection of metal roofing materials can be daunting; however, with a heightened understanding of roofing types, you are better prepared for the significant project of installing a new roof.

Does Galvalume or Aluminum resonate as the appropriate choice for your upcoming project? Reach out to 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply to procure your high-quality materials. We are ready to address any inquiries regarding metal roofs and support you in deciding whether to compare Galvalume with galvanized or aluminum roofs. Contact us today for a complimentary quote.

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About 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply

Shield your residence against Florida’s extreme weather conditions with durable, reliable metal roofing solutions provided by 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply. As Florida’s leading metal roofing manufacturer and supplier, we offer an extensive selection of high-quality roofing materials built to endure hurricane-force winds, torrential rains, and the rigorous UV impact of intense sunlight. With our expert advice and superb customer service, you can depend on us to furnish you with a roof that not only looks appealing but remains strong for years to come.