Difference Between Galvanized and Galvalume Steel
Galvanized steel and galvalume steel are widely used in our daily life, especially as materials of roofs and wall panels, etc. Both of them has strong corrosion resistance, smooth and shiny surface. So what’s the difference between them and which one is better for your projects? Below are some more details for your reference.
1. Coating
The main difference between galvalume and galvanized steel is the protective coating. Galvanized steel is coated with pure zinc coating. While galvalume coating refers to Al-Zn coating, that is 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone.The aluminum in galvalume coating helps to better protect the panels against corrosion in certain environments.
2. Appearance
Galvalume steel is generally considered to be more favorable in appearance when compared to galvanized steel. The two coatings’ differences are subtle, but galvalume offers a smoother appearance with gorgeous spangles, and its base color is silver-white. But galvanized coating is rough and crude. Moreover, galvalume is more aesthetically pleasing than galvanized material.
Based on their substrates, the special coating structure of galvalume makes it more resistant to corrosion than galvanized. Generally, anti-corrosion of galvalume steel is 6 to 8 times that of galvanized steel, especially in the environment of acid rain, it can guarantee no rust for 20 years. In other aspects:
1. Atmospheric corrosion resistance: In the harsh marine environment, rural and industrial environment, the corrosion resistance of galvalume steel is better than that of galvanized steel.
2. Adaptability to humidity: the Cleveland condensation experiment shows that the humidity and corrosion resistance of galvalume steel sheet is 5-6 times stronger than that of galvanized steel sheet.
3. Heat resistance: The heat resistance of galvalume steel is far better than that of galvanized steel. The galvalume steel sheet can withstand the high temperature of 677 , and often works at 315 without discoloration, so its heat resistance is better than that of the latter.
4. Service Life
Generally, cold galvanized steel can last 5-10 years and hot-dipped galvanized steel sheet has a lifespan of 20-30 years, mainly depending on the zinc layer thickness. The base steel will be damaged as the zinc layer is all corroded. But due to aluminum’s excellent prevention of corrosion, the galvalume steel becomes a much longer-lasting material, with a lifespan about twice that of traditional galvanized steel.
5. Applications
Galvalume is ideal for humid and hot environments, commercial buildings, residential homes, storage units, and more. Galvanized metal is better suited for dry climates free of major air pollution or pooling water. And it’s worth noting that the aluminum in galvalume will corrode with exposure to alkalines, which can cause the metal to degrade and lose its strength.
6. Price
Due to better performance and fewer qualified manufacturers, galvalume steel price is higher than that of galvanized metal.
Generally speaking, it’s always best to speak with an expert galvanized steel coil supplier or galvalume steel supplier. An experienced professional can provide the best recommendation based on the intended use of your building and the expected weather conditions in the area. Wanzhi Steel won’t let you down. We’re happy to answer any of your questions about GL and GI metal. With a steel material — be it galvanized or galvalume — you can enjoy durability, safety, and energy efficiency for years to come. If you are interested, come and contact us!
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