An alloy consisting of 55% aluminium, 43.4% zinc and 1.6% silicone protects the inner steel core from perforation due to exposure to the elements and prolongs the life of Zincal metal roofing.
One of the fastest growing types of metal roofing available is that which uses a coating alloy
of aluminium and zinc with a specific formulation patented by Bethlehem Steel some 40
years ago, which is being increasingly used in projects all over the globe for both its
durability and proven performance in field service. It is widely referred to as 55%Al-Zn
coating technology.
In America and abroad, this product has been sold commercially since 1972 under the name
Galvalume®. Bethlehem Steel later licensed other major steel companies to produce and
sell the product under patent. All products worldwide use the same coating alloy and
technology, and benefit from global testing and performance trials.
In Africa, the Safal Group is the sole licensor of this coating technology, and sells its coated
steel under the registered name of Zincal®
55% Al-Zn global production on the rise despite Covid-19
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic during 2020, annual licensed 55%Al-Zn production rose by
2.1% in that year to reach almost 9,1 million metric tons, and a cumulative worldwide total
of over 180 million metric tons since inception
What is this coating alloy made up of?
A carbon steel base sheet is continuously hot-dipped to coat it with an alloy consisting of
55% aluminium, 43.4% zinc and 1.6% silicone. This alloy prolongs the life of the inner steel
core by protecting it from perforation due to exposure to the elements.
The specific percentages of metals in its formulation allows for the best characteristics of
both aluminium and zinc metals to perform in optimal synergy for lasting durability.
Sourcing your 55%Al-Zn coated steel from a licensed supplier is the only assurance for
obtaining this length of service life.
The Safal Group – the first, and still the largest manufacturer of 55% Al-Zn in Africa
The Safal Group was the first and remains the foremost producer of 55%Al-Zn coated steel
on the continent. The Group has three steel coating plants: in South Africa (Safal Steel in
Cato Ridge), Tanzania (ALAF in Dar es Salaam), and Kenya (Mabati Rolling Mills in
Mombasa).
Safal Steel sells its metallic coated product under the brand name Zincal®. Colour-coated Zincal® is sold as Colorplus® in a range of colours that are both durable and beautiful.
Test sites are located in many areas of Eastern and Southern Africa, proving that the service
life Zincal®, Colorplus® and Optima® provide the lasting value and performance for which
they are known and trusted by millions of building owners, professionals and specifiers
throughout the continent.
