If you work in the metal roofing industry, you must have come across the term “acrylic coated galvalume.” This material is quickly becoming a popular choice among contractors, builders, and businesses seeking a long-lasting roof solution. With it, you enjoy benefits like durability, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency. Want to know more about acrylic coated galvalume, its benefits, and applications? Let’s start!
What is Clear Acrylic Coated Galvalume?
Clear acrylic galvalume is actually a steel sheet that features an aluminum-zinc alloy (galvalume) further topped with a transparent acrylic layer. This combination provides enhanced durability and a smoother appearance compared to other materials.
Since the acrylic coating is transparent, the Galvalume maintains its metallic gray color, making it suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Here’s a general overview of the acrylic galvalume manufacturing process:
- A base metal, such as carbon steel, is selected. It’s then passed through a continuous hot-dip coating process, where it’s coated with an alloy containing 55% aluminum, 43.5% zinc, and 1.6% silicon. You get a highly consistent and polished metal sheet.
- Once the galvalume coating has come, the sheet is sent to a coil coater. It carefully applies a uniform, thin layer of acrylic solution to both sides, often using the roll-coating method.
- The sheet is heated to dry the acrylic film. If necessary, corrosion inhibitors and lubricants are added in this process to make roll forming and further processing smoother.
Acrylic Coated Galvalume Benefits
Now that you are aware of the key concept of acrylic coated galvalume, let’s get into the details of the many benefits it offers:
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance
It’s quite likely that metals will corrode or rust when exposed to moisture and other environmental factors. However, one of the benefits of acrylic galvalume is that it offers excellent corrosion resistance.
It utilizes a two-layer system: the aluminum-zinc alloy acts as a sacrificial anode or barrier, and the top acrylic coating further provides protection. Even if there’s a cut on the galvalume, the sacrificial nature of zinc allows it to spread over cut edges, sealing them against corrosion.
Versatility
The coated acrylic galvalume actually has a very shiny, silvery, and medium grey color that makes it perfect for a variety of building styles.
Whether you are interested in a modern home makeover or have a colonial-style official space, you can add this roof without any aesthetic issues. The cherry on the cake? Since the color is neutral, you can easily do as many color changes and design experiments as you want.
High Solar Reflective Index
Acrylic coated galvalume also has a mid to high solar reflective index, around 56. The SRI actually measures a building material’s ability to reflect solar heat and release absorbed heat.
So, when you install acrylic galvalume on your roof or siding, it reflects the sun’s energy and dissipates heat rather than absorbing it. This ensures the building stays cool, lowering your energy bills. Data shows that metal-roofed homes can lower their cooling costs by 10% to 25%, depending on the region and roof color.
Sleek Appearance
Whether you are handling a commercial building construction or a residential space, one thing you cannot compromise on is aesthetics. In such a situation, acrylic galvalume is the best option. The acrylic coating in this prevents the underlying galvalume from UV exposure.
There’s no quick fading or degradation of color. On top of this, this material is less prone to fingerprints and smudges during handling and installation.
Hence, once installed, it maintains a visually appealing look that captivates the viewers. What’s truly amazing is that it doesn’t require any additional lubricants during roll forming and can be dry roll-formed. The overall lifespan is also quite extensive, ranging from 30 to 50 years, provided a proper maintenance routine is followed.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Coated Galvalume
Although the advantages of acrylic galvalume are many, it also has some disadvantages, such as:
- Chalking: In harsh environments, the acrylic coating may degrade, producing a white residue on its surface known as chalking. It can make the overall appearance of the galvalume less visually attractive.
- Fading: Well, acrylic coating provides protection against UV exposure. However, extensive exposure to sunlight can lead to color or paint fading, especially if the galvalume was painted in bright colors.
- Poor Performance in Specific Environments: This material isn’t suitable for coastal areas with quite high salt concentrations or places with pooling water, such as flat roofs that don’t drain properly.
Applications of Acrylic Coated Galvalume
If you are getting acrylic galvalume for your projects, here’s an overview of the different applications you can use it for:
- Metal Roofing System: It’s ideal for commercial, industrial, and residential roofs primarily because it resists corrosion and weathering.
- Wall Panels and Cladding: Used in exterior wall systems to provide a polished and clean look, along with a long lifespan.
- HVAC Equipment Housing: Suitable for ducts, housings, and enclosures because it easily withstands moisture and other exterior elements.
- Agricultural Structures: Perfect for poultry sheds, barns, and agricultural equipment shelters due to its resistance to rust and corrosion.
Some other applications include rainwater systems, canopies, and carports due to enhanced durability and structural strength.
Acrylic Coated Galvalume Vs Bare Galvalume
If you are confused between acrylic galvalume and bare galvalume and wondering which one to choose, the following table can make the decision easy for you:
Properties | Acrylic Coated Galvalume | Bare Galvalume |
Corrosion Resistance | Good, since it has double protection from an aluminum-zinc alloy and an acrylic coating. | Comparatively moderate, as it relies solely on the aluminum-zinc alloy. |
Handling | Easier to roll form and handle without getting smudged or marked. | More prone to fingerprints and smudges during handling and installation. |
Cost | More expensive due to the additional acrylic coating process. | Less expensive because it doesn’t have the extra coating. |
Maintenance | Lower maintenance as the acrylic coating helps protect against UV and environmental damage. | Requires a little more maintenance to keep it pristine. |
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Maintaining acrylic galvalume is quite simple because the coating already protects the metal from rust, fingerprints, and early weather damage. Nonetheless, you still have to follow a cleaning and maintenance routine to extend its lifespan. Here are some tips for that:
- Wash the surface once or twice a year. For that, you can use clean water with a mild soap or a non-abrasive detergent. Once done, thoroughly rinse it with clean water to remove all soapy residue.
- Don’t use any acid-based cleansers or bleach, as they can break down the acrylic layer and damage the overall material.
- Remove all leaves, dirt, and cement dust from the galvalume as their accumulation can trap moisture and impact the coating over time.
- Also, avoid any contact between dissimilar metals, as this can accelerate galvanic corrosion.
How to Choose a Reliable Company for Acrylic Galvalume?
To choose a reliable acrylic galvalume supplier or manufacturer, you should consider reputation, cost, and product quality. Let’s discuss these factors in detail:
- Check for Industry Standards: Make sure the manufacturer follows all the established standards, including ASTM, and uses appropriate coatings depending upon the application.
- Inquire About Raw Materials: You must also ask questions such as: Where do you source your substrate/steel? Which reputable companies supply the coatings? Don’t rely on companies that keep their sources anonymous, as they can be dangerous.
- Reputation and Cost: Only collaborate with manufacturers who have years of experience in galvalume production. Check client reviews or get recommendations from other contractors before making a deal. Compare pricing and get 2 to 3 quotes from different suppliers to get the best budget deal.
Conclusion
Acrylic coated galvalume is indeed the new trend in the metal industry due to its unique appearance and durability. If you are looking for reliable steel products for your needs, get in touch with Zhaojian Steel today! Discuss your galvalume needs and we’ll provide an exact solution right away.
