In particular, the combination of aluminum and zinc enhances both the positive and negative characteristics of aluminum to a greater extent than they would be if the elements were used independently. Because aluminum is a highly corrosion-resistant metal in and of itself, galvalume steel is also a highly corrosion-resistant steel; in other words, in the presence of corrosion, the aluminum/zinc alloy provides barrier protection rather than galvanic protection. The disadvantage of using aluminum as an alloying element, on the other hand, is that galvalume does not provide as much self-protection against scratches and cut edges as does galvanized steel in this regard.

A process known as tension bend staining, which occurs when the steel is bent while under tension, also helps to improve the corrosion resistance of galvalume steel. Steel that has deep folds or tight bends during the process of forming steel into the various metal roofing profiles is coated with galvalume zinc/aluminum or galvanized zinc coatings, which are applied very thinly over the folded or bent areas of steel. A consequence of the thinness of the coatings is a proclivity for them to cause microscopic cracks to appear in the steel during the forming process. The galvanic action of zinc allows galvanized steel to provide scratch resistance while causing the least amount of damage possible to the surrounding environment. Although some of the galvanic properties of zinc have been diminished as a result of the presence of aluminum in galvalume steel, the steel is less effective at protecting itself against cracks and other scratches in general as a result of the presence of aluminum.

Corrosion occurs as a result of moisture or other corrosive elements permeating these cracks, which allows for faster rusting to occur. The result is that rust stains appear on the metal in areas where the material has been folded or bent as a result of this process. Corrosion will eat away at the metallic coating over time, causing it to deteriorate even more severely than before.

Consequently, galvalume steel is most commonly used in relatively simple metal roof styles, such as standing seam, because the metal does not bend as much when compared to alternative steel types, and as a result, galvalume steel is less expensive than alternative steel types when compared to other steel types. It is sometimes used unpainted or with a low-cost acrylic clear coat to give a more professional appearance to galvalume steel, which is more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel due to its higher corrosion resistance. Galvalume steel is more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel due to its higher corrosion resistance. Galvalume is available in a variety of colors, both painted and unpainted. Its extreme corrosion resistance, strength, and affordability (although it is occasionally slightly more expensive than galvanized steel) are among the characteristics that make metal roof suppliers appealing.

This material is only available in a limited number of profiles (mostly standing seam or simple shingle styles) due to its susceptibility to tension bend staining; it must be sheared rather than saw-cut; and it is only available in a limited number of profiles (mostly standing seam or simple shingle styles). This material is only available in a limited number of profiles (mostly standing seam or simple shingle styles).

For this type of construction, the most commonly used thickness is 24 gauge (.024) steel, which is the most commonly used gauge for this type of construction.

Based on the material, the weight per square foot (100 square feet) ranges between 100 and 150 lbs per square foot.

Approximately 35% of the total weight is made up of recycled materials and components.