How to Properly Handle & Store Metal Roofing Panels & Trim

All metal roofing installation contractors get the panels needed for their projects in one form or another — in-plant rollforming, on-site rollforming, buying from a panel supplier, etc.

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All of these methods require the installers to move and handle the panels, and some may also involve storing the panels as well. 

However, moving and storing metal roofing panels is not as simple as it may seem, as there are proper methods and recommendations that crews should adhere to for safety, product integrity, and profitability reasons.

Sheffield Metals is a leading supplier of metal sheet and coil products for the standing seam metal roofing industry. Our in-house Technical Department regularly works with contractors and manufacturers to ensure that they’re correctly handling, storing, and installing metal roofing systems.

In other words, we know how important it is for your projects to be successful, which involves knowing the best methods for handling and storing panels. 

(Note: The information in this article also applies to the handling and storing of metal trim pieces.)

Handling Metal Roofing Panels & Trim

You might be asking yourself why it’s essential to properly handle standing seam metal roofing panels. There are several reasons, primarily because incorrect panel handling can cause:

• Kinks, dents, or unsightly bends in the panels – If you move the panels too roughly or without proper support, the panels can dent and bend in ways they are not intended to. If the kink or bend is bad enough, it can warp the panels and make them unusable in the installation.
• Oil canning (or increase the likelihood of oil canning) – Oil canning is defined as the perceived waviness of a metal panel and is an inherent characteristic of light-gauge, cold-rolled flat metal products. In other words, it’s a visual phenomenon that makes metal panels look wavy or somewhat distorted, especially in the broad, flat areas of a metal roof or wall system. Improper moving, twisting, and handling of panels can allow for more oil canning opportunities. 
• Scratches or gouges that go down to the metal core – If a panel is dropped when one or more crew members are handling it, it can be severe enough that a scratch or gouge goes through the paint or coating system and reaches the metal core. If this happens, it can void your paint/substrate warranty before even installing the roof. Remember that the coating is very thin at around 1 mil (or 0. mm), so dropping a panel can quickly leave the coating damaged and difficult to remedy with a paint pen.
• Other miscellaneous other damage to the panels before it ever makes it up on the roof

In short, improper handling of the panels can result in irreversible damage, which leads to lost time, effort, and profits.

Best Method(s) of Handling Metal Roofing Panels 

The proper method for carrying every single metal roofing panel doesn’t exist, but there are some best practices to always make sure you follow:

1. The number of people required to move and handle a panel directly relates to the length. Below is a photo illustrating how to carry a panel; you essentially should have:
   1. Under 6 feet: 1 handler
   2. Between 7 and 15 feet: 2 to 3 handlers
   3. Between 16 and 30 feet: 3 to 4 handlers
   4. Between 31 and 45 feet: 4 to 5 handlers
   5. Over 45 feet: 4 or more handlers (while practicing extreme caution not to let the panel sag, bend, kink, or drop)

2. Where more than one handler is recommended, each handler should be 10 to 12 feet apart, and the first and last handlers should be approximately 5 feet from the ends.
3. The panel should be carried on its side, where the flat part of the panel is perpendicular to the ground. 
   1. Carrying panels on the side creates more rigidity and makes them less likely to bend, especially in the flat area. 
   2. We also recommend supporting the panel from the bottom and not carrying it from one of the seams.
4. Regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), it’s best to wear cut-resistant gloves. 
   1. As most installers know, rollformed panels can have sharp edges and points, so the best way to protect your hands is to have cut-resistant gloves. 
   2. Gloves are critically important when handling zinc and copper panels, as these panels can easily stain from the natural oils on human skin.
5. Panels should be moved one at a time, or two at a time if short enough.
   1. Depending on the length of the panels, there are some instances where installers can move two at once. If you feel comfortable moving two panels, ensure the coated sides are facing each other and exercise extra caution so the panels do not cause damage to one another.
6. Once you’ve reached the area you’re moving the panels to, ensure you do not lay directly on the ground. Instead, place the panels on a supporting surface with care.
   1. Do not lay panels directly on the ground. You can never be sure what is on the ground and if anything (such as gravel, grass, concrete, etc.) could negatively affect the panels.
   2. Support the whole panel length using pallets, two by fours, or another method where the panels are not touching the ground. 
7. Always take the PVC film off the panels after rollforming, but before panels are installed.
   1. You can keep the PVC film on while handling panels to provide an extra protection layer. However, do not forget to remove it before the installation.
   2. Additionally, the PVC film should always be taken off before any level of exposure to UV or extreme heat.
   3. Specifically, you should remove PVC film before any ultraviolet (UV) or extreme heat exposure. PVC on panels exposed to UV light, moisture, or both can break the PVC down, making it difficult to remove and/or leaving adhesive residue on the painted metal surface.
8. To get the panels up to the roof deck, you can:
   1. Hand them up individually using the perpendicular panel handling method (with as many people safely supporting the panels as possible).
   2. Use a forklift or crane to lift the panels to the roof plane (ensure the full panel length is still supported and not bending the ends downward).
   3. Lift the rollformer up to the roof height and rollform the panels directly onto the roof deck. This can be difficult to accomplish because it requires several moving parts, but it does remove many of the issues that can occur because of improper panel transporting or handling.

Best Way to Store Metal Roofing Panels

Like handling them, there are proper ways to store panels as well. And the reasons for adequate storage of rollformed panels are similar as well, as improperly storing panels can:

• Lower the quality of the panels – There are several ways that improper storage can lower the panel’s quality. One of the significant concerns of incorrectly storing panels is moisture getting on the cut edges of the panels and creating issues with the paint and metal substrate. Another concern is air circulation, as little access to airflow is not good for the metal’s integrity and makes it harder for any moisture to dry.
• Create nicks, scratches, or gouges that go down to the metal core – Without the right storing practices, panels can rub up against each other, the ground, or other rough items, which runs the risk of damaging, nicking, or scratching the paint system on the panel. If this occurs and is severe enough (where it goes down to the metal core), it can void your paint/substrate warranty before the roof is ever installed.  
• Create an unsafe working environment – If panels are being stored all over the place — or in an active working area — this can be a safety concern, especially because rollformed panels have sharp edges. Stacks of stored panels can get in the way of forklifts, production, rollforming, and other daily tasks.
• Cause preventable damage to the material needed to complete installations – Any time material is damaged during storage, it’s a time and money loss that is ultimately preventable. 

Proper Method(s) of Storing Metal Roof Panels & Trim 

Before we get into some of the best storage practices, it’s critical to note that all panel storage depends on the time frame. If the storage time is only a few days, the recommended conditions are still good to follow but might not be a huge concern. However, if you’re planning to store panels for weeks or months at a time, it’s imperative to follow the best practices below. 

1. Always store panels in a dry environment with relatively stable temperatures.
   1. It’s best to avoid prolonged exposure of pre-painted panels to wet or humid conditions, which can cause paint blistering or substrate corrosion, especially at cut edges.
   2. Significant temperature differences and fluctuations can also cause condensation/moisture to develop on the panels.
   3. If bundles of nested panels become wet, the panel sheets should be separated, wiped with a clean cloth without delay, and then placed so that air circulation completes the drying process. This is true for both painted and unpainted panels.
2. Store panels in a spot where there is adequate airflow. 
   1. Airflow is vital for metal, especially if the panels become wet from condensation or other phenomena, as air allows water to dry.
   2. Panels can be stored in a bundle or a crate; however, you should still verify that air can circulate through the panels.
3. Store panels under a covering or roof whenever possible.
   1. If you’re storing the panels outdoors without a roof overhead, it’s best to cover them with a loose-fitting, waterproof tarp to protect the bundle from rain or snow while allowing for air circulation and drying of condensed water. The tarp also shades the bundle from direct sunlight, which helps to moderate temperature extremes and UV damage, and protects the panels from dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
   2. Stacking panels on a roof is sometimes possible, making installation easier. However, you should still follow proper storage recommendations and stay aware of moisture and UV issues if the material is left outside for too long.

4. Lay the panels on a surface that supports the entire length of the panels, such as a pallet or two by fours. Do not put them directly on the ground.
   1. Again, we strongly recommend never putting panels on the ground, as rocks, grass, pavement, etc., can scratch the metal or negatively react with the paint or substrate. 
   2. DO NOT put metal panels on any treated lumber. These two materials can cause an adverse reaction that can degrade the metal and cause premature failure.
5. Position the panels in one of two ways: 1.) Fan out the panels with the top panel color side down to protect the coating OR 2.) Stack panels with the color sides facing each other.
   1. In both scenarios, always stack panels at an angle so any moisture can adequately drain and doesn’t pool on the metal.
   2. Always use your best judgment when stacking panels, as these stacks should always be manageable (think of the resources, people, and machinery that will be moving the panels).
6. Secure the panels together when needed.
   1. If panels are stored loosely on the project site, it is recommended that they be secured together with some type of strapping, i.e., rope or similar. The idea is that if the tarp were to come unsecured, the single panels would not be carried away by the wind. 
   2. Panel bundles that are strapped together should only be unsecured when ready for use. 
   3. Be sure that the strapping used will not scratch or harm the paint finish.  
7. Be sure to store the panels safely away from people, other items, and commonly used areas.
   1. As we discussed, storing panels in a bad spot can cause several issues. First, it can create a hazardous working environment for people because panel edges are inherently sharp and can cause injuries. Second, if someone or something bumps into stored panels, stacks something heavy on top of it, runs them over with a vehicle, etc., it can damage the material and render them unusable. 
   2. Constantly moving stored panels opens the door to damage in the process and wastes manpower. It’s best to locate a designated storage area and keep the panels there until they’re ready for use.
8. Always take the PVC film off the panels when necessary.
   1. If you’re in a dry, well-ventilated, and temperature-controlled environment, you can keep the PVC film on during storage of the panels to act as an extra layer of protection. However, there are specific environments where you should NOT leave it on, as it may be difficult to remove and leave a residue behind. 
   2. Specifically, you should remove PVC film before any UV light or extreme heat exposure. PVC on panels exposed to UV light, moisture, or both can break the PVC down, making it difficult to remove and/or leaving adhesive residue on the painted metal surface.
   3. If you’re questioning whether to keep the PVC film on or take it off, it’s best to call the manufacturer for verification.

Final Thoughts on How to Properly Handle & Store Panels & Trim

It’s true: Properly handling and storing metal roofing panels can make or break an installation. 

If not done correctly, the material can become damaged or unusable, the integrity of the roof will suffer, crew members could hurt themselves, and overall money can be lost.

But these issues can easily be avoided from the start if you know how to handle and store your panels and trim.

Sheffield Metals and our Technical Department team members are well-versed in the best practices for panel/trim handling and storage, and we regularly answer questions about any environment and location-specific circumstances. 

Have a question about your project? Or want to know more about how Sheffield Metals supports our customers and their projects? Contact one of our helpful metal roofing specialists today!

If you’re going through the process of choosing the right metal roof material for your project, you’ll see that two of the most common choices are steel (Galvalume®) and aluminum.

Both are great options for standing seam metal roofing projects, but there are some situations when Galvalume is the better choice and some when aluminum will work best.

Sheffield Metals is a leading metal sheet and coil distributor — in both Galvalume and aluminum substrate options — for the architecturally-driven metal roof and wall industry. We’ve helped hundreds of home and property owners, contractors, architects, and manufacturers choose the right metal for their project(s).

That’s why we believe comparing Galvalume vs. aluminum and the pros and cons of using each material is important.

Galvalume® Steel Metal Roofing: Uses, Pros, & Cons

Galvalume, a flat rolled steel-based metal roofing material, combines three of the most high-performing metallic coatings used in roofing today — steel, aluminum, and zinc. To create Galvalume, mills begin with a cold-rolled carbon steel base sheet that is then continuously hot-dipped with aluminum and zinc alloys (AZ) until it reaches a coating of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone. This process allows Galvalume to have some of the best characteristics of each metal, which is why it’s one of the most popular metals used in metal roofing.

Galvalume can be utilized as a roof, wall, trim, accent, and more in most building applications.  Plus, it’s suitable for use in some extreme environments, such as non-coastal hurricane zones, high rain or snowfall locations, high-temperature regions, and more.

Here’s a selection of some of the most common applications that use Galvalume:

• Architectural projects – Many applications, including commercial, residential, etc.
• Commercial buildings – Schools, hotels, manufacturing, retail stores, etc.
• Residential projects – Single and multi-family homes, condominiums, apartments, etc.
• Structural or industrial applications – Warehouses, factories, storage, etc.
• Agricultural structures – Non-animal confinement buildings, barns, etc.
• Miscellaneous – Accent roofs, pavilions, mailboxes, solar trays, pre-fabricated flashings, etc.

In standing seam metal roofing, the most common thickness of Galvalume is 24-gauge, but anywhere from 22 to 29-gauge material is standard. Galvalume is sometimes referred to by its coating weights, AZ-50 and AZ-55. Here’s a breakdown of these two terms:

• AZ-50: 0.50 ounces per square foot combined (both sides) of the aluminum-zinc alloy coating applied to both sides of the substrate. AZ-50 is the typical coating weight for painted sheet and coil products.
• AZ-55: 0.55 ounces per square foot of the aluminum-zinc alloy coating applied to both sides of the substrate (combined). AZ-55 is the typical coating weight for bare or unpainted sheet and coil products — called acrylic-coated Galvalume or Galvalume Plus. 
  • Remember that AZ-55 Galvalume has a slightly heavier coating weight and includes a light acrylic coating protecting the material. However, this acrylic coating will wear off over time with exposure and requires special care during shipping, handling, and installation to avoid scuffing/perforating the coating.

Advantages & Pros of Galvalume® Metal Roofing

Warrantied product – One of the main selling points of Galvalume is the 25.5-year warranty on the substrate, which is sometimes referred to as a perforation warranty. Galvalume systems also often come with paint warranties that further protect your investment and provide peace of mind that the roof or wall system will last. Plus, non-residential property owners can buy a weathertight warranty for their Galvalume roofing structure, which ensures the roof was installed correctly and adheres to strict installation details. (Note: Substrate or paint warranties are NOT available for Galvalume products within 1,500 feet of a coast.)

Corrosion resistance & self-healing properties – Galvalume’s coating formula combines zinc’s strength and self-healing characteristics with the rust-resisting properties of aluminum. These characteristics help control the red rusting at exposed edges of Galvalume panels. Most steel-based products will experience typical edge creep from the exposed steel, but it will eventually stop with Galvalume. These characteristics make failure in the roof field less likely with Galvalume systems.

Easy to handle & install – Another benefit of Galvalume is that it’s not as temperamental as other metals used in the roofing industry. Installers don’t have to worry as much about leaving fingerprints, dents, deep scratches, etc., on Galvalume panels because they’re tougher and more tolerable. It also doesn’t have many strict ventilation or air gap requirements like some other metals — including aluminum. Galvalume is a standard metal roofing product and often doesn’t have special installation details or requirements.

Economical & competitively priced – For the most part, Galvalume is reasonably priced and one of the most affordable metal materials available for roofing products — especially when compared to aluminum. Here are average price ranges for just Galvalume coil; these numbers do NOT account for installation, other thicknesses, rollforming, finishes, colors, locations, or special orders:

• Bare Galvalume (acrylic-coated): $1.25 to $1.85 per square foot
• Painted Galvalume: $1.75 to $2.35 per square foot

Keep in mind that into mid-, steel prices are continually fluctuating, so the price can vary dramatically.

Disadvantages & Cons of Galvalume® Metal Roofing

Not recommended in coastal environments – The coating of Galvalume will not stand up to the conditions associated with a coastal environment, including properties up against breaking surfs, large bays, marshes, and other coastlines. Specifically, saltwater will degrade the Galvalume coating and lead to premature damage to the roof or wall. It’s recommended that properties within a certain distance of a coast use an engineered aluminum roof system, as aluminum resists corrosion and rusting from saltwater for much longer.

Not suitable for most animal enclosures/buildings – Galvalume is not suitable for use on buildings where animals are housed or held. Animal waste products put off ammonia gas, which over time reacts with the Galvalume coating and leads to degradation of the metal. However, Galvalume is sometimes used on modern chicken houses with a vapor barrier between the chicken area and the roof for appropriate ventilation. It’s best to check with the manufacturer before putting Galvalume on any animal confinement building, as it’s often dependent on the structure’s use and design.

Heavier than aluminum – When looking at the weight of a roofing product, there are pros (durability, ease of installation, etc.) and cons (stress on the building structure, etc.) to heavier materials. Overall, metal roofing is significantly lighter than asphalt shingles, tiles, and most other roofing materials. When compared to Galvalume, aluminum is more lightweight. A typical 24-gauge Galvalume roof weighs anywhere from 1 to 1.5 pounds per square foot for a finished panel, and a .032 aluminum roof weighs less than half of that same 24-gauge Galvalume panel.

Interactions with other materials – Galvalume performs best when not in contact with specific building materials, including concrete, treated lumber, copper, lead, bricks, and iron. If Galvalume is in contact with one of these and is then introduced to an electrolyte such as water, it can lead to galvanic corrosion of the metal and potential failure of the roof system.  

The company is the world’s best metal roofing sheet supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Also, if you are using multiple types of building products, be sure to confirm with manufacturers that their products are compatible. For instance, let’s say you want a metal roof with wood shingles. Some wood shingles are “treated,” and often times the treatment can react adversely with the metal roof.

Aluminum Metal Roofing: Uses, Pros, & Cons

Aluminum is a lightweight, silver-white metal that is element 13 on the periodic table and is the third most abundant element on Earth. However, aluminum never occurs in its metallic form in nature. Its compounds, usually aluminum sulfates, are chemically broken down using electrolysis/electrolytic reduction to produce the aluminum metal material.

Aluminum sheet and coil products used to make panels are sold according to the thickness in inches (usually in decimal form), so the higher the number/decimal, the thicker the aluminum material. There are varying thicknesses of aluminum, but the size to purchase is often dependent on the use or application: 

• For commercial roofing projects: .037”-.044” is the most common
• For residential roofing projects: 027”-.034” is the most common
• Copings or caps: .050” or .063” are the most common
  • Note: If a project requires engineering, make sure the thickness of the material used is (at minimum) the thickness tested. Like steel, a range of acceptable tolerances make up .032”/.040, etc. 

Plus, aluminum typically comes in similar (if not the same) color, finish, and paint system options as Galvalume.

Overall, aluminum is suitable as a roof, wall, trim, and more in several different environments, including coastal environments, hurricane zones, locations with high rain or snowfall, high-temperature regions, and more. Here are some ordinary aluminum roofing applications:

• Coastal structures – Hotels, resorts, condominiums, homes, boathouses, etc.
• Commercial buildings – Hospitals, schools, stores, government buildings, etc.
• Residential projects – Single-family, multi-family, condos, etc.
• Architectural structures – Commercial, governmental, residential, etc.
• Structural or industrial applications – Warehouses, factories, etc.

Benefits of Aluminum Metal Roofing

Self-healing & no red rust – Aluminum is unique in how it handles the minimal corrosion it experiences. When it begins to corrode, it doesn’t red rust as steel products do; instead, it oxides and forms hard oxidation (or oxide film) on its coating, which protects the metal. This helps to preserve the material and make it last in corrosive environments, like coastlines. Plus, the oxidation forms rather quickly, so there’s no edge creep or red-rust formation that can happen with steel material. 

Suitable for use in coastal environments – One of aluminum’s most significant selling points is that it performs well in coastal environments. As we mentioned, aluminum has much better corrosion resistance than steel products, especially in harsh coastal environments where saltwater can wreak havoc on a roof system. Because aluminum oxidizes as it starts to corrode, it makes it stronger and prolongs the system’s life on the coast. This makes aluminum the metal roofing material most commonly installed in the Caribbean Islands, on the Atlantic coastline, the Gulf Coast, and the Pacific Coast. Best of all, aluminum roofing systems still carry a PVDF paint warranty when installed in coastal areas.

Warrantied product – Aluminum metal roofs come with various warranty options, including paint, substrate, and weathertight warranties, which help protect your investment and provide peace of mind that the roof or wall system will last. There are even paint warranties available on aluminum products used in coastal applications. For example, Sheffield Metals offers a 25-year PVDF paint warranty for coastal properties and a 20-year PVDF paint warranty for Caribbean properties. Or, if your property is NOT in a coastal environment, our standard 40-year PVDF warranty applies to aluminum roofs as well.

Suppose you’re a commercial property owner and your building is on a coast. In that case, you even have the option to buy a weathertight warranty for an aluminum roofing structure, which ensures the roof was installed correctly and adheres to strict installation details. Learn more about Sheffield Metals’ weathertight warranties in this comprehensive article.

Lightweight – As we discussed, metal roofing is one of the lighter roofing materials, which helps reduce the added stress on a building’s frame. Aluminum is one of the most lightweight metal materials, which makes it easier for contractors to transport, handle, and get panels onto the building. Plus, if you’re running panels on-site with a portable rollforming machine, a lighter coil can be easier to transport and puts less stress on the rollformer. (Note: Because .032” aluminum is thicker than 24-gauge Galvalume, aluminum coils will be slightly less lineal footage).

Highly recyclable – Metal is almost always recyclable in one way or another, and aluminum is one of the world’s most reusable and sustainable metals. About 95% of all aluminum roofing systems installed worldwide are made from previously recycled aluminum materials. At Sheffield Metals, we use a series aluminum alloy () primarily made from previously recycled materials and very little pure aluminum. Aluminum’s high recyclability and reusability are why many people choose aluminum for their projects, especially those looking to meet LEED certification requirements.

Thicker materials available vs. steel – Thicker aluminum is more readily available than steel, which is a distinct advantage for larger copings. Galvalume is typically readily available in thicknesses up to 22-gauge (approximately .030”), and aluminum is generally available in thicknesses of .050″ and .063″, depending on the metal supplier. This allows contractors to have larger copings and fascias while minimizing the appearance of oil canning.

Drawbacks of Aluminum Metal Roofing

Easier to bend and dent – This drawback is both a benefit and a disadvantage of aluminum. On the one hand, aluminum is more malleable than steel, which means it can be easily bent and fabricated without experiencing any breaks or cracks. This is especially helpful during the rollforming and fabrication of panels. However, since aluminum is a little softer and lighter, it has been known to dent easier than other metals during and after the installation. Contractors should use extra caution when handling, removing PVC, and installing aluminum panels. Improper handling can cause imperfections and/or oil canning to be visible in the finished installed panel.  Additionally, if a structure is beneath trees or other objects that could fall on the roof, another type of metal material may be a better option to help preserve the roof’s look.

Luckily, the tensile strength of aluminum is comparable to steel, but aluminum is more susceptible to surface denting.

Medium to high price point – Aluminum is in the mid to high price range for material cost, which makes it not the most affordable metal material option. On average, aluminum sheets and coil (not accounting for rollforming, installation, finishes, color, location, etc.) comes in at about $2.20 to $3.00 per square foot. Similar to Galvalume, aluminum is also experiencing price fluctuations in .

Requires more space for thermal movement – Aluminum expands and contracts roughly twice as much as a steel roof. This is something that contractors need to be aware of during the installation to allow enough room for the thermal movement of the panels. This is especially important when using a mechanically seamed profile in panel lengths greater than 15-20 feet. It’s recommended that an expansion clip be used per the applicable engineering for panels of a longer length. Restricted expansion and contraction of an aluminum roof can cause oil canning, increased noise, and more required maintenance on any exposed fasteners.

Natural color – It’s typically not recommended to use a bare aluminum product with its natural silver-gray color. As the metal ages, experiences weathering, and oxidizes (white rust), it doesn’t hold its original mill-finished color and often becomes washed out and spotty. The best way to overcome this issue is to buy painted roofing coils or panels, which will age much cleaner over time because the paint covers any metal color changes.

Galvalume (Steel) vs. Aluminum – Which Should You Choose?

To help with the decision process, we wanted to lay out some common scenarios that might influence the material you choose for your project. 

Scenario #1: Your home or building is in a coastal environment.

Best material choice: Aluminum

Explanation: Galvalume/steel materials will corrode when exposed to saltwater environments and lead to the premature failure of your roof. On the other hand, as aluminum is exposed to saltwater/coastal conditions, the material begins to oxidize, making it stronger and prolonging the system’s life. You will undoubtedly want to choose an aluminum metal roofing system for coastal properties. You then qualify for more warranty options, including paint and weathertight warranties.

Scenario #2: Your home or building is in a standard, non-corrosive environment.

Best material choice: Galvalume or aluminum, but usually Galvalume

Explanation: For the most part, homes and properties that are not on the coast will end up choosing a Galvalume metal roofing system. It’s more common/readily available, has standard installation details, and is the more economical choice. However, aluminum is still an option for non-coastal projects as well.

Scenario #3: You want a bare metal finish.

Best material choice: Galvalume

Explanation: Acrylic-coated Galvalume (AZ-55 or Galvalume Plus) is an excellent option for those looking for a natural bare metal finish. Bare aluminum is usually not a color or material option, as the metal will become washed out and spotty over time. Galvalume and aluminum can also be coated in paint systems similar to bare metal colors/finishes, such as Silver Metallic, Copper Metallic, and Medium Bronze.

Scenario #4: You want a warrantied roofing product

Best material choice: Both Galvalume and aluminum

Explanation: As we discussed, Galvalume and aluminum have various warranty options, including paint and weathertight. The level of coverage will vary based on your location, paint system, panel profile, etc. However, there are still warranty options available for Galvalume and aluminum products installed according to the manufacturer’s warranty requirements.

Scenario #5: You’re concerned about oil canning.

Best material choice: Neither (or choose a striation or rib-roller for the flat of the panel)

Explanation: Oil canning is an inherent characteristic of light-gauge, cold-formed metal products — including Galvalume and aluminum. It is a visual phenomenon seen as waviness or distortion in the flat surfaces of metal panels. Luckily, oil canning is only an aesthetic concern that does not affect the strength or performance of the system. 

Plus, there are methods to minimize the appearance of oil canning, including:

• Purchasing a thicker sheet or coil product.
• Buying trustworthy brands of coils and sheets.
• Rollforming panels with striations or bead stiffeners in the flat area of panels.
• Hiring an experienced contractor who knows the best material handling and installation practices that help reduce oil canning.
• Ensuring there are no roof decking issues, as the metal will follow any inconsistencies on the deck.

Final Thoughts on Galvalume vs. Aluminum Metal Roofing

So, is Galvalume or aluminum the better material? It depends.

When choosing between materials for your project, a qualified, skilled, and knowledgeable contractor or manufacturer is the best place to start. They will be able to recommend the material that is best based on your project attributes, which may include (but is not limited to):

• The location, specifically your proximity to a coastline
• Your budget
• Your warranty expectations
• The finish you want (bare vs. painted)
• Recyclability/green requirements
• Other building elements

Sheffield Metals is dedicated to educating customers and potential buyers to make the most informed decision about the best metal material for their roofing project — Galvalume, aluminum, or otherwise. Whether you’re a contractor, architect, manufacturer, property owner, or beyond, we can work with you to choose the right product.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of milano roofing tiles. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.