First introduced to the Australian market in 1976, Zincalume is almost four times as durable as galvanised steel. So, if you’re currently in the market for new flashing, it’s hard to go wrong with Zincalume.
Popular flashing materials are Colorbond steel or Zincalume, which are excellent choices for your home or commercial building. As noted in this technical guide by BlueScope Steel, Zincalume steel is composed of 43.5% zinc, 55.0% aluminium, and 1.5% silicone, with improved performance compared to other metallic-coated steel.
Still need some convincing? Let’s dive into the top five benefits of Zincalume steel, its technical properties, and why you should invest in Zincalume flashing.
What is Zincalume Steel?
After almost 20 years of testing and development by innovative research teams in New South Wales, Zincalume metal roofing was introduced to customers in 2013.
Zincalume Steel is coated with hot-dipped aluminium, zinc, and magnesium alloy. Its Activate Technology slows the corrosion rate, resulting in more effective, longer-lasting protection, with a minimum yield strength of 250MPa with great ductility.
Zincalume metal sheets are either formed or fabricated into roofing, walling, structural sections, garage doors, roll forming to a minimum internal diameter of 0t, and other manufactured items.
All Zincalume Steel products conform to Australian Standards AS/NZS 1365:1996 (R2016) and AS 1397:2021, ISO 9001:2015 Quality System Certified, and are backed by BlueScope warranties for your peace of mind.
Steel Base Properties
- Yield Strength, MPa (longitudinal tensile): Guaranteed minimum of 250
- Tensile Strength, MPa (longitudinal tensile): Guaranteed minimum of 350
- Elongation on 80mm (under 60mm) %: Guaranteed minimum of 22.
- 180-degree Transverse Bend: Guaranteed minimum of 0t
Chemical Composition of Steel Base
- Carbon-C: Guaranteed maximum of 0.12%
- Manganese-Mn: Guaranteed maximum of 0.50%
- Phosphorus-P: Guaranteed maximum of 0.040%
- Sulfur-S: Guaranteed maximum of 0.035%
Fire Hazard Properties
- Determining ignitability, flame propagation, heat release, and smoke release according to AS/NZS 1530.3:1999 (R2016). The ignitability index was 0, the spread of flame index was 0, the heat involved index was 0, and the smoke-developed index was 2, out of 1-10.
- NCC non-combustible material concessions according to NCC 2022; AS/NZS 1530.3:1999 (R2016). The National Construction Code (Building Code of Australia 2022) range result was that Zincalume may be used wherever a non-combustible material is required.
- In the combustibility test for materials (steel substrate), according to the NCC 2022 AS/NZS 1530.1-1994 (R2016) range, the steel substrate was not deemed combustible.
Metal coating adhesion at 180-degree bend test: Coating class AM1225 equates to a 0t result. T = the diameter of the mandrel in terms of the thickness of the product.
Dimensional capabilities: a thickness range of 1.20mm and a maximum width of 1000mm. With this in mind, not every combination of width and thickness is available. Supply conditions are subject to dimensional restrictions and BlueScope sales confirmation.
Do you need to replace or restore your old flashing? Roofing Options supplies and delivers roofing to Reservoir, Lalor, Broadmeadows, and surrounding properties across Melbourne.
Benefits of Zincalume Flashing
Let’s examine the key benefits of Zincalume steel flashing and why it’s an excellent decision for your home or commercial property.
1. Durable and thermal-efficient
Stronger than galvanised steel, Zincalume is the perfect steel choice for flashing. Its combination of zinc, aluminium, and silicon makes it one of the strongest roofing options.
Zincalume steel has multiple layers: a resin coating and passivation, its base steel, which is 55% aluminium-zinc alloy coated and meets AZ150 / AZ200 standards, and the final bottom layer is passivation and resin coating.
Due to its sealing technology, Zincalume can handle rough weather conditions (such as hail damage or powerful winds) and prevent leaks during heavy rainfall. It also offers resistance to corrosion, rust, and scratching and isn’t easily damaged.
The thermal performance of Zincalume is superior to that of identically weathered galvanised steel. Compared to fibre cement or asbestos, the performance of Zincalume is comprehensive from the first installation day. Effective in keeping heat out from buildings, you can expect great thermal comfort during summer and winter over conventional roofs.
2. Custom-made flexibility
Zincalume steel makes your flashing sturdy and flexible enough to be custom-made. You can colour Zincalume steel however you like to fit any roofing structure design you have in mind!
Manufactured from 1200mm wide Colorbond, Zincalume, and Galvanised steel, Zincalume flashings are available in a wide range of BlueScope’s Colorbond colours. Custom flashings come in a variety of forms, including Barge Flashing, Apron Flashing, Valance Gutters, Window Flashing, Valley Flashing, Misc Flashing, Parapet Flashing, Ridge Flashing, and Soaker Flashing, or a Box Gutter style.
3. Environmentally friendly
Need a sustainable alternative? Designed to help the environment, a Zincalume steel sheet reduces the amount of materials used for coating, reducing the environmental impact of using steel products. With no welding or wastage during construction, there is no damage done to local flora and fauna
Long-lasting and durable, Zincalume barely needs replacing. It is completely recyclable and reusable and can be used for residential and commercial structures (including sheds, barns, and garages!).
Find out more about other roofing types with SUNLITE polycarbonate roofing, the ultimate twin-wall solution!
4. Complement your roof with Colorbond
Building structures are often restricted in design to allow them to function, but colour is where you can make them your own. Colour is the most personal design element, and a Zincalume metal roof can be complemented by a range of Colorbond colour options.
- The Classic range of Woodland Grey, Classic Cream, Paperbark, and Night Sky are enduring colours.
- Contemporary options such as Ironstone offer a more modern palette.
- The Colorbond Matt range of Dune, Basalt, Shale Grey, Monument, and Surft Mist gives contemporary colours a soft, subtle, sophisticated twist.
5. Easy annual maintenance
A Zincalume steel sheet is simple to maintain, and the service life is extended with regular washing.
Mechanical washing is recommended every six months and more often if contaminants build up (such as debris, leaves, and twigs) or every three months if based in a coastal area. Wash the surface with a mild solution of pure soap or non-abrasive dishwashing detergent in warm water! Use a sponge, soft cloth, or soft bristle nylon brush (never scourers or steel wool) to wash gently. Rinse with fresh potable water immediately after cleaning to remove traces of detergent.
Always inspect your roof for damages or failing fasteners and repair them. For example, Class 4 fasteners should be used for outside conditions when using Zincalume-coated materials. If you would like to learn more about keeping your roof in good condition, read how to maintain polycarbonate roof panels, a comprehensive guide!
BlueScope Steel does not recommend the use of hard, mineral-rich ground waters in the maintenance of Zincalume. Never use abrasive or solvent cleaners such as turps, petrol, kerosene, paint thinners, or sugar soap on Zincalume steel surfaces.
Are you looking for reliable roofing materials with energy efficiency, protective coatings, galvanised steel, walling sheets, proper installation advice, or Colorbond Ultra? Roofing Options supplies and delivers roofing to Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Berwick, Officer, and surrounding areas across Melbourne.
Roofing Options for Zincalume Steel: Give Us a Call!
Want to discuss all things roofing? The Roofing Options team answers your questions, offers specialist advice and quotes, and can help you with your Zincalume flashing needs.
Whether you’re a contractor, building or DIY enthusiast, we provide Colorbond fascia for Melbourne homes, steel roof sheets, panels, custom made flashings, gutters & metal fascia, Laserlite 2000 and 3000, downpipes, and a full range of DIY kits to transform your property’s exterior.
Contact us today with an online enquiry or visit our Cranbourne, Coburg, and Campbellfield stores.
