What makes galvalume steel ideal during monsoons?
Business06 Jul 2023
Galvalume is a coating of zinc and aluminium atop steel sheets. It offers corrosion resistance which makes it well-suited to various applications. With growing awareness about environmentally friendly materials and sustainable engineering practices, innovative solutions like galvalume have gained prominence in recent years. Our latest blog discusses galvalume's unique properties that make it durable during the rainy season.
Overview of the manufacturing process
To create galvalume, two fundamental layers must first undergo industrial processes before bonding together via warm roll bonding or hot dip bonding techniques. First, a pure aluminium layer gets formed onto a substrate through continuous casting/hot rolling technology (for thinner gauges) or ingot casting methods (for heavier gauges). Next, a pure zinc coating or a zinc-iron alloy is applied via electroplating.
Then, the steel substrate receives a final treatment involving either hot dipped zinc-coated steel (HDGCS), prepainted galvanised steel (PPGI),hot-dipped or cold rolled steel (CRS) interleaved with the two previously created sheets, which are then combined into one homogeneous composite through heat lamination/warm calendar rolling or direct hot pressing technologies. Lastly, a skin pass technique shapes galvalume sheets, readying them for market distribution as ready-to-use goods requiring little additional refining or surface finishing.
Composition and properties of galvalume
The precise makeup depends upon client preferences or intended use, but galvalume coatings consist of approximately 55% aluminium, 43.5% zinc, and 1.5% silicon by weight. The exact blend affects galvalume's primary attributes such as Minimum Unit Yield Strength (YSMT), Total Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTTS), thickness minimums, corrosion resistance, etc. Users can choose appropriate configurations to match specific project needs.
Galvalume's significance in the monsoon
Galvalume has significant advantages and relevance during the monsoon season, particularly in regions with heavy rainfall and high humidity. Here are some reasons it is important in the monsoon:
Corrosion resistance: Galvalume's primary purpose is to resist corrosion. During the monsoon, increased moisture and humidity levels can accelerate corrosion, especially on exposed metal surfaces. Galvalume's zinc and aluminium coating acts as a protective barrier, preventing the steel substrate from coming into direct contact with moisture and corrosive elements. This helps to significantly reduce corrosion risk, ensuring the longevity and durability of structures and products.
Waterproofing: Galvalume's coating is water-resistant which is particularly crucial during the monsoon, as heavy rain can seep into structures, leading to leaks, rust, and structural issues. As a result, it is suitable for a wide range of applications, such as roofing, gutters, and cladding. This ensures effective water resistance.
Durability: Galvalume's durability is another essential aspect during the monsoon season. Heavy rains, strong winds, and other harsh weather conditions are common during this time. It helps maintain the structural stability and performance of buildings, infrastructure, and various products, ensuring they remain intact and functional.
Low maintenance: Galvalume structures and products require less upkeep, saving time and resources. This is particularly advantageous in regions with prolonged monsoons.
Aesthetics: Galvalume offers functional benefits and an attractive appearance. Its silvery-grey metallic finish adds visual appeal to structures, roofing, and other applications. This aesthetic quality remains unaffected during the monsoon, contributing to buildings and infrastructure's visual appeal.
Core applications of galvalume
Construction and architecture: Galvalume is widely used in the construction industry for roofing, wall cladding, and structural components. Its corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal make it an ideal choice for buildings, warehouses, residential homes, and commercial structures.
Automotive industry: Galvalume-coated steel is utilised in the automotive sector for manufacturing parts of car bodies, chassis components, and various exterior parts.
Appliances and electrical enclosures: Galvalume is employed in the production of home appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, and washing machines. It is also utilised in electrical enclosures, switchgear cabinets, and control panels due to its excellent protective and weathering characteristics.
Agriculture and farming: Galvalume finds application in the agricultural industry for constructing farm buildings, barns, grain storage facilities, and animal shelters. Its corrosion resistance and longevity make it suitable for withstanding harsh outdoor environments.
Solar Energy: Galvalume-coated steel is extensively used in the solar energy sector for manufacturing solar panels, mounting structures, and solar water heaters. Its corrosion resistance and durability help protect the solar equipment from environmental factors.
Transportation and shipping: Galvalume is utilised in the transportation industry for manufacturing trailers, shipping containers, and cargo vessels. Its strength, lightweight nature, and resistance to corrosion make it an ideal choice for ensuring the durability and longevity of these transport structures.
Industrial and manufacturing: Galvalume finds application in various industrial sectors, including manufacturing, warehouse facilities, and industrial machinery. It is used for constructing industrial buildings, storage tanks, ductwork, and other structural components.
Emphasis on its growing popularity and importance
As the rainy season brings a host of challenges for construction materials, Galvalume steel emerges as a reliable and durable solution that can withstand harsh weather conditions. The growing popularity of galvalume in monsoon-prone regions is not without reason. Architects, builders, and homeowners recognise its long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. By choosing Galvalume steel for their projects during the rainy season, they can ensure resilience against heavy rains.
Research indicates that galvalume roofing could last 50+ years in the right environment without extreme corrosion. According to another report, it is a value-for-money product as there is significantly more area per ton of coated steel, especially for lower gauges. Its corrosion resistance properties coupled with its durability make it an excellent choice for construction projects in areas prone to heavy rainfall.