What is Galvalume Steel? Galvalume steel is carbon steel coated with an alloy that combines the impervious properties of aluminum with the malleability and galvanic protection of zinc. The alloy coating gives galvalume steel coil and sheets a smooth, plain finish.

Galvalume is a coating consisting of zinc, aluminum and silicon that is used to protect a metal (primarily steel) from oxidation. It is similar to galvanizing in that it is a sacrificial metal coating which protects the base metal.

How strong is Galvalume?

“Our roofing systems, the clips, the screws, the panels, and the way the panels interlock with each other, are all factory tested to pressures from 100 up to 200 pounds per square foot.”

What Is Galvalume®? Definition, Uses, & Comparisons
Galvalume roofing material combines three of the most important metals used in roofing today—steel, aluminum, and zinc. Manufacturers begin with a carbon steel base sheet that is then continuously hot-dipped with aluminum and zinc alloys until it reaches a coating consisting of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone. This process allows for one material to have some of the best characteristics of each metal, which is why it’s become one of the most popular materials in today’s roofing market.
Galvalume is also referred to by its coating weights, AZ-50 and AZ-55. Here’s what these two terms mean:
AZ-50 = 0.50 ounces per square foot of the aluminum-zinc alloy coating applied to both sides of the substrate.
AZ-50 is the typical coating weight for painted sheet/coil products.
AZ-55 = 0.55 ounces per square foot of the aluminum-zinc alloy coating applied to both sides of the substrate.
AZ-55 is the typical coating weight for bare or unpainted (often called acrylic-coated Galvalume or Galvalume Plus) sheet/coil products.
Acrylic-coated Galvalume has a slightly heavier coating weight and includes a light acrylic coating that protects the Galvalume coating in the manufacturing process. This acrylic coating will wear off over time with exposure. Though not painted, these products still need to be handled with care, or you risk scuffing or perforating the coating.

Galvalume is:

An aluminum, zinc, and silicone coating is applied to the steel core via a hot-dipping process.
Often offered with paint, substrate, and weathertight warranty options and has self-healing properties.
Susceptible to oil canning, like galvanized metal.

Uses for Galvalume® Metal Roofs & Walls

Overall, Galvalume is suitable as a roof, wall, trim, accent, and more in most building applications in some of the most extreme environments, including hurricane zones, locations with high rain or snowfall, high-temperature regions, and more.
Some common uses for Galvalume include:
Commercial buildings – Hospitals, schools, stores, government buildings, and more
Residential projects – Single-family, multi-family, condominiums, and more
Architectural structures – Commercial, governmental, residential, and more
Structural/industrial applications – Warehouses, factories, and more
Agricultural – Non-animal confinement spaces, barns, storage, and more

For the most part, Galvalume is reasonably priced and one of the more affordable metal materials available for roofing products. Depending upon the thickness, color, and quality of the desired Galvalume panels, pricing ranges anywhere from $5.00 to $15.00 per square foot. Keep in mind that in 2021 and 2022, steel prices are continually fluctuating, so the price can vary dramatically.