A technical comparison to help you choose the right material for your industrial or residential roofing project.
Galvanized Iron (GI) is carbon steel coated with a layer of pure Zinc. The zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, protecting the steel from rust even if the surface is scratched.
Galvalume is steel coated with an alloy of 55% Aluminum, 43.4% Zinc, and 1.6% Silicon. It combines the barrier protection of aluminum with the sacrificial protection of zinc.
| Feature | GI (Galvanized) | Galvalume (GL) |
|---|---|---|
| Coating Chemistry | Pure Zinc (99%+) | 55% Al, 43% Zn, 2% Si |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate (Sacrificial) | Superior (Barrier + Sacrificial) |
| Estimated Lifespan | 10-15 Years | 20-40 Years |
| Heat Reflectivity | Average | Excellent (Aluminum content) |
| Initial Cost | Low | Slightly Higher |
Both GI and Galvalume available at wholesale pricing
Send your BOM and project location for a quote with current mill rates.
A: Initially, yes. Galvalume typically costs 5-10% more than GI. However, because it lasts 3x longer, the 'cost per year' is significantly lower for Galvalume.
A: No. It is recommended to avoid direct contact between GI and Galvalume components to prevent galvanic corrosion. Use consistent materials for both sheets and fasteners.
A: Galvalume is superior for solar installations because its 25-year lifespan matches the lifespan of solar panels, avoiding the need to dismantle panels to replace a rusted GI roof.
Our technical team can help you decide based on your specific location and budget.
Data Sources
Technical data compiled from manufacturer specification sheets (TATA BlueScope, JSW Steel, Jindal Sabrang, APL Apollo), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) IS 277:2020 and IS 15961:2020, and published technical literature from the Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC). Prices are indicative wholesale ranges and may vary by region, quantity, and prevailing mill rates. Verify current pricing with your authorized dealer.
