What you need to know about galvalume roofs and exterior walls: durability and points to keep in mind.

Updated

Today, we will introduce galvalume steel plate, which has recently become a popular material for exterior walls and roofs. Is it true that galvalume roofs and exterior walls are easy to maintenance? Let's take a look at some points of concern, such as importnant points when using galvalume as an exterior material.

First, let us conclude this article.

  • Galvalume roofs and exterior walls are durable materials, but require regular maintenance.
  • Galvalume roofs and exterior walls have a typical service life of about 20 years. Surface coating or overlaying is necessary when rusting is severe.
  • With maintenance and proper repainting, long-lasting service life can be expected.
  • We recommend a type with integrated insulation. The design of the house should be simple and modern, otherwise it will not match the style.

<Table of Contents>

  1. 1.Galvalume roofs and exterior walls are highly durable materials
    1. 1-1.Galvalume steel roofs and exterior walls need to be repainted in 15-20 years
    2. 1-2.Be careful not to let them rust
  2. 2.Advantages and disadvantages
    1. 2-1.Advantages of galvalume roof and exterior walls
    2. 2-2.Disadvantages of galvalume roof and exterior walls
  3. 3.Points to note for adopting galvalume roof and exterior walls
    1. 3-1.Galvalume color selection
  4. 4.9 examples of galvalume roofs and exterior walls
    1. 4-1.House in Kobe (Architect: Akiyoshi Nakao)
    2. 4-2.House in Asahi-ku (Architect: Akiyoshi Nakao)
    3. 4-3.Silver Tall by the river (Architect: Hironobu Hosaka)
    4. 4-4.Chofu residence - V-Shaped Courtyard (Architect: Manabu Naya)
    5. 4-5.House in Sorahori (Architect: Akiyoshi Nakao)
    6. 4-6.L-Court House (Architect: Noriyuki Tajima)
    7. 4-7.notch house: House incorporating a terrace (Architects: Munenori Matsuo and Haruka Matsuo)
    8. 4-8.Oshima residence (Architect: Yoshihiro Kono)
    9. 4-9.YADOKARI (Architect: Takanori Ihara)
  5. 5.Summary

1. Galvalume roofs and exterior walls are highly durable materials

空掘の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 空掘の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 空掘の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像
空掘の家 ( architect:Akiyoshi Nakao )

Galvalume steel plate refers to an iron alloy plate with a metal plating process.

Often abbreviated as "galva" in the construction industry, this material is becoming increasingly popular because of its aspect, "light weight and high durability" for both roofs and exterior walls.

Galvalume is a plating material that is more durable than ordinary plating, and its components are a combination of aluminum, zinc, and silicon in specific proportions.

The three main characteristics of galvalume are as follows.

  • It won't crack since it is metal.
  • Lightweight and earthquake resistant, so wide variety of floor plan options are available.
  • Modern appearance can be created.

The design also offers a choice of textures and colors unique to metal, making it an easy material to choose for simple, modern house.

First, let's take a look at the maintenance characteristics of galvalume roofs and exterior walls.

1-1. Galvalume steel roofs and exterior walls need to be repainted in 15-20 years

One of the characteristics of galvalume steel is its high durability, but this does not mean that it requires no maintenance at all.

Some say it is maintenance-free, but that is not true.

Generally, maintenance such as rust removal and repainting with specialized paints is recommended as early as about 15 years to an average of about 20 years.

This kind of regular maintenance will bring out the true durability of the galvalume steel sheet.

Depending on the type and grade, and with proper rust removal and special coating, the service life is approximately 40 years or more.

If rusting eventually becomes severe or leaks occur, maintenance can be performed by the "cover method," in which a galvalume steel plate is covered over the top in the same manner, or by re-covering.

In the case of general siding exterior walls and roof tiles, it is not possible to put a layer over the top, so the original material must be removed and replaced with a new one, which requires a lot of time and effort.

In the case of galvalume, if maintenance can be performed by simply applying the sheet over the top, the construction cost and time can be reduced.

1-2. Be careful not to let them rust

Here are some points that you should take care of daily to prevent rusting, which is one of the disadvantages of galvalume steel sheets.

  • Need to wash sand, leaves, and other dirt with daily care (no high-pressure washers).
  • Do not stand shovels or other metal objects (to prevent rusting).
  • Do not apply a strong impact.

First of all, due to the nature of the material, galvalume do not rust with water alone.

However, if sand dust, fallen leaves, etc. are left for a long period of time, they can become charged with static electricity and cause corrosion.

Therefore, we recommend a simple cleaning that washes away dust every few months to a year.

At this time, however, do not use high-pressure washers or deck brushes to wash the surface strongly; use water only to wash away sand and dust on the surface.

The key point to watch out for is "rusting" due to the fact that it is metal.

A shovel that is half rusted or an iron pipe that is half rusted can be left standing, and rust can start to form from there.

Also, because galvalume is a thin metal sheet, it can be deformed by bumping into things, so be careful of such scratches and dents.

Paint will peel away from the scratched or dented areas, causing rust.

Keep in mind that metal is very different from other exterior walls, and there are some points to be aware of that are unique to metal.

2. Advantages and disadvantages

As with other roofing and exterior wall materials, there are advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you understand those before adopting a product.

2-1. Advantages of galvalume roof and exterior walls

First, here are the advantages of galvalume.

  • Lightweight and earthquake resistant
  • Galvalume steel plate with integrated heat insulator has high heat insulation performance
  • Longer maintenance cycle and more resistant to fading than other exterior materials
  • The design of the house is finished in a modern and western style design

The greatest advantage of galvalume steel is that it is lightweight.

The house is composed of enclosed exterior walls and roof, which is an important element of the house itself and plays a major role in its earthquake resistance.

A light roof and exterior walls require less energy when shaken sideways in an earthquake, and the Building Standard Law also requires more bearing walls and pillars when heavy materials (e.g., Japanese roof tiles) are used for the roof than for a light roof.

Specifically, the "wall mass factor" in the earthquake resistance standard requires a wall mass of 33 (house with heavy roof) and of 29 (house with light roof) on the first floor.

A heavy roof must be supported by approximately 1.1 times as many walls or columns, affecting the availability of the floor plan.

Galvalume (especially the roof) also serve to reduce the overall weight of the house and increase its earthquake resistance, while at the same time easing the constraints of the floor plan.

The second point is a common misconception: because it is metal, its thermal insulation performance is low.

Although not always possible depending on the construction method, both roofs and exterior walls have a ventilation layer behind the exterior wall material and moisture-proof sheets to allow moisture to escape.

Insulation is provided inside that ventilation layer, but insulation calculations do not vary depending on the type of exterior wall.

The reason is that the calculation is done inside the ventilation layer, and is not affected by the type of exterior wall material as long as it is well insulated.

type of exterior walls thermal conductivity (W/m.K)
Dan siding(Asahi Tostem) 0.03(0.02)
ALC(lightweight concrete) 0.15
ceramic siding 0.17
mortal 1.30

Source: Asahi Tostem

Rather, there are types of galvalume steel plate that are combined with foam insulation on the back, and galvalume steel plate with integrated insulation have better insulation performance than other exterior walls.

It is true that the surface does get hot to the touch in mid-summer, but the same is true of other exterior wall materials and there is no need to worry.

The third point, maintainability, was introduced in "1. Galvalume roofs and exterior walls are highly durable materials," so I will skip it.

川沿いのシルバートール (建築家 : 保坂 裕信) の作品画像 川沿いのシルバートール (建築家 : 保坂 裕信) の作品画像 川沿いのシルバートール (建築家 : 保坂 裕信) の作品画像
川沿いのシルバートール ( architect:Hironobu Hosaka )

The fourth feature of galvalume roofs and exterior walls is their modern design, which is not often designed into other types of exterior walls.

Houses with galvalume can be color coordinated with not only colors such as black and silver, but also blue and red.

It is also attracting attention as a fashionable exterior wall and roof that matches a variety of exteriors, including American style and stylish exteriors.

Depending on the manufacturer and series, there are also siding exterior wall-like type and wood wall-like types for those who see advantages in maintenance, etc. but are concerned about the appearance of metal.

2-2. Disadvantages of galvalume roofs and exterior walls

So far, we have introduced the good points of galvalume steel sheets.

The disadvantages of choosing galvalume roof and exterior walls for new construction or remodeling should also be properly kept in mind.

Here is a list of points of disadvantage.

  • Not suitable for salt-affected areas (near the coast) or areas with high dust levels
  • Price is higher than siding exterior walls and slate roofs. However, please consider the running cost of maintenance when considering installation.
  • Dented or scratched by impact (rust develops from scratches)
  • Surface design tends to be monotonous (no problem if the goal is simple design)

First point is that there are certain areas that should be avoided depending on the building area. That is salt-affected areas near the coast.

Specifically, if the building is constructed within approximately 1 km from the coast, it will inevitably be affected by salt damage, causing rusting quickly. Although recent products have improved surface treatment technologies such as fluorine treatment, it is still recommended to refrain from using them in salt-affected areas. Colorful American-style houses along the seashore may look nice, but it is safer to use other materials when practicality is considered. Also, place with a lot of sand and dust has a high risk of rusting, so we recommend that you avoid using galvalume.

Second point is the initial cost.

Although it is difficult to make a general statement because it depends on the strengths and weaknesses of each construction company and the prices of its suppliers, prices tend to be higher than those of slate roofs and siding exterior walls, which are the most common type of wooden structures. Slate roofs cost approximately 4,500 yen and up per square meter, while galvalume steel roofs cost approximately 6,000 yen and up per square meter. For exterior walls, siding (ceramic) is approximately 4,000 yen per square meter and up, while galvalume is approximately 5,000 yen per square meter and up, with both roofs and exterior walls being 20-30% more expensive. Of course, this varies depending on the manufacturer, series, etc. If you are concerned about this, please consult with an architect when you consult with us.

Third point, which is the rust generated from scratches, is explained in 1-2. Be careful not to scratch the surface by bumping or standing on it.

The fourth and final point to be considered is design.

Although we have introduced the exterior wall as a perfect example of a modern simple exterior, it can be very monotonous if the overall design and design of the house is not taken into consideration. But it will depends on the design, so if you want a good-looking exterior you should consult with an architect who specializes in design.

3. Points to note for adopting galvalume roof and exterior walls

The following is a summary of points to keep in mind when selecting galvalume steel sheets.

  • Recommend choosing integrated insulation.
  • The design of the house should be simple. Be careful not to make the design monotonous and add a sense of liveliness through unevenness and window placement.
  • Leave construction and maintenance to the specialist contractors (highly specialized in handling sheet metal)
  • The choice of exterior wall color is important to match the style of the house. Blue (blue to indigo), red (wine red), stainless steel, and black colors are popular.

When using galvalume, we recommend the type with integrated urethane foam insulation. Although usual "galva" is already set with insulation, it is still important to check it just in case.

Also, many people prefer the exterior design of the house with a simple design and colors that are typical of galvalume steel sheet metal exterior walls, but because there are no shades of color and the unevenness is constant, the exterior design should be discussed with an architect who can take design into consideration.

And while this is not a problem for new construction, it is safer to have a specialist galvanized contractor perform the work, especially for remodeling.

Since the material is vulnerable to scratches and dents and has a special coating, we recommend hiring a specialist who is familiar with the material.

Also, if you consult with an architect, we can install galvalume steel sheet at a local company that can handle it, so please feel free to consult with us for both new construction and renovation.

3-1. Galvalume steel plate color selection

The choice of color is also important in selecting galvalume.

While most common siding and mortar exterior walls have subdued colors such as white, brown, and gray, galvalume is characterized by colorful choices.

Especially on exterior walls, the colorful and stylish colors unique to metal exterior walls are popular.

Blue (blue to indigo), red (wine red), black, and stainless steel colors unique to galvalume are popular.

Among them, stainless steel color and black colors are steadfastly popular, as they easily match modern-style houses.

In the modern style, blue (blue to indigo) and red (burgundy) colors are used when the style is more westernized, and blue-gray and gray colors are also used in craft styles.

4. 9 examples of galvalume roofs and exterior walls

Here are the examples of a house using galvalume.

4-1. House in Kobe (Architect: Akiyoshi Nakao)

神戸の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 神戸の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 神戸の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像
神戸の家 ( architect:Akiyoshi Nakao )

The house has horizontal, black galvalume exterior walls.

Using steel plates with smart lines in horizontal roofing creates a stylish appearance that looks like a matte steel plate finish.

4-2. House in Asahi-ku (Architect: Akiyoshi Nakao)

旭区の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 旭区の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 旭区の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像
旭区の家 ( architect:Akiyoshi Nakao )

This design house has one wall visible from the street side, which is also finished with a black horizontal galvalume wall.

Not a single window is installed, and the entrance is also out-set sliding door for a smart fit.

Unlike its black appearance, the interior has a simple and bright color scheme, with the south facade coordinated with white galvalume.

4-3. Silver Tall by the river (Architect: Hironobu Hosaka)

川沿いのシルバートール (建築家 : 保坂 裕信) の作品画像 川沿いのシルバートール (建築家 : 保坂 裕信) の作品画像 川沿いのシルバートール (建築家 : 保坂 裕信) の作品画像
川沿いのシルバートール ( architect:Hironobu Hosaka )

It is a three-story building with a square design.

The futuristic impression of the galvanized steel sheet wrapped in silver color makes the modern design stand out from the rest.

The entrance door is also clad in galvalume and has a stylish unified design.

4-4. Chofu residence - V-Shaped Courtyard (Architect: Manabu Naya)

調布の住宅 〜V字の中庭〜 (建築家 : 納谷 学) の作品画像 調布の住宅 〜V字の中庭〜 (建築家 : 納谷 学) の作品画像 調布の住宅 〜V字の中庭〜 (建築家 : 納谷 学) の作品画像
調布の住宅 〜V字の中庭〜 ( architect:Manabu Naya )

The building's straight exterior along the road surface gives it a stylish impression.

Galvalume is continuous from the outside of the room and is used for the ceiling.

House in Sorahori (Architect: Akiyoshi Nakao)

空掘の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 空掘の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 空掘の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像
空掘の家 ( architect:Akiyoshi Nakao )

This is an example of a 40-year-old used house that was purchased and remodeled.

The black vertical galvalume roof creates the impression that the building is not more than 40 years old, while at the same time providing durability for long-lasting living.

L-Court House (Architect: Noriyuki Tajima)

L-Court House (建築家 : 田島 則行) の作品画像 L-Court House (建築家 : 田島 則行) の作品画像 L-Court House (建築家 : 田島 則行) の作品画像
L-Court House ( architect:Noriyuki Tajima )

This is an example of a house composed in a simple style for both the exterior and interior.

While the silver-colored galvalume steel sheet on the front creates an impressive appearance, the design is not monotonous by incorporating wood grain around the entrance.

4-7. notch house: House incorporating a terrace (Architects: Munenori Matsuo and Haruka Matsuo)

notch house テラスを取り込んだ家 (建築家 : 松尾宗則 ・ 松尾遥) の作品画像 notch house テラスを取り込んだ家 (建築家 : 松尾宗則 ・ 松尾遥) の作品画像 notch house テラスを取り込んだ家 (建築家 : 松尾宗則 ・ 松尾遥) の作品画像
notch house テラスを取り込んだ家 ( architect:Munenori Matsuo & Haruka Matsuo )

This is an example of the use of black-colored galvalume steel sheet for all exterior walls.

The base colors are unified in wood-tone, black, and white. This modern house combines the simplicity of galvalume with the gentleness of wood.

4-8. Oshima residence (Architect: Yoshihiro Kono)

大島の住宅 (建築家 : 鴻野 吉宏) の作品画像 大島の住宅 (建築家 : 鴻野 吉宏) の作品画像 大島の住宅 (建築家 : 鴻野 吉宏) の作品画像
大島の住宅 ( architect:Yoshihiro Kono )

It is a design house with very large windows and a great sense of openness.

The overall style is natural with a wood base, but accented with black galvalume.

The design is impressive in that the exterior walls are directly connected to the interior walls, and galvalume is also used as accents on the interior walls.

4-9 YADOKARI (Architect: Takanori Ihara)

YADOKARI (建築家 : 伊原 孝則) の作品画像 YADOKARI (建築家 : 伊原 孝則) の作品画像 YADOKARI (建築家 : 伊原 孝則) の作品画像
YADOKARI ( architect:Takanori Ihara )

This is an example of a design house with impressive leaning lines that are not bound by straight vertical and horizontal lines.

Black galvalume exterior walls and roof are used on the front and side to rear elevations from the front road, enhancing the design as a modern residence.

Galvalume is applied diagonally to the rear and sides of the house to create a geometric impression.

5. Summary

We will summarize once again regarding "galvalume roofs and exterior walls," based on the contents of the text.

  • Galvalume roofing and exterior walls are durable materials, but require maintenance such as washing with water once or several times a year.
  • It is susceptible to scratches and dents, and should be handled with delicacy.
  • Galvalume roofs and exterior walls have a typical service life of around 20 years. If rusting is severe, rust removal, repainting, or overlaying is necessary.
  • Insulation-integrated types are recommended. Although some types of surface design resemble siding exterior walls, they look better if they are stylishly put together with a design that is typical of metal exterior walls.

We have introduced exterior examples of galvalume, but when using galvalume, it is important to coordinate them with the overall design of the house as well.

Galvalume is very popular these days, and we encourage you to consult with japanese-architects.com's architects for a stylish finish!

- How to get started -

You're not sure how to get started with your house building? Contact us for free and start planning your ideal home.

We, japanese-architects.com, are a group of English-speaking professionals in Japan who can provide you complete support throughout the process.

japanese-architects.com offers you comprehensive service



It was extremely reassuring to have a group of professionals from all areas - architect, real estate, local builder and financing advisors - come together and form a strong team to work on our dream home. 

Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

K. Y. | age: 30s


We will be your partner with the comprehensive support for everything you need to build a house in Japan. Get in touch with us for free and talk to a professional to get started.

No fee, no risk. Just your name and email.

- What We Offer -

A Japan-based platform of premier architects and local professionals for you

Network of Architects

Network of architects
japanese-architects.com offers a wide range of Japan-based architects with proven track record and designing skills.

English Professionals

English professionals
Thorough support in communication and project management by local professionals.

Full Support

Full support
Finding land, getting a mortgage, considering financial plans - everything you need in a building process.

Not a house? See for Business Clients for more building types.



  • Great experience - japanese-architects.com's professionals were very helpful, knowledgeable about the market and the communication was wonderful.

    The architects that were introduced were excellent - they had different styles which really helped us choose the ideal architect for us. 

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    Brock Worbets / Noa Worbets | age: 40s


  • It’s been a nice experience since I knew japanese-architects.com. Professional advice and warm help on every part of work we had. Big thanks to Megumi-san.

    The communication and interpretation support was very helpful, especially for the people who cannnot speak fluent Japanese. 

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    David H. | age: 40s


  • Overall, I found the japanese-architects.com platform to be of high quality and japanese-architects.com staff to be polite, engaging and practical. japanese-architects.com has become an indispensable part of my house building process.

    Without their support, it would have been exceedingly difficult to find an architect and to manage the complex process of purchasing the land, designing a new home and managing the construction process. 

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    A. M. | age: 60s


  • japanese-architects.com advisors' communication overall was extremely thorough; responsive, clear points and informative details.

    The team has very rich and useful resources, including general process guides, examples of architectures and easy-to-understand explanations by the advisors. 

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    Matt M. | age: 30s


  • Very satisfied with japanese-architects.com's architect recommendation and the architect was a good fit for us with regards to architectural style, personality and communication.

    We highly recommend japanese-architects.com's service. 

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    T. Van | age: 40s


  • We had an excellent experience with japanese-architects.com. The support we received was honest and personalized. We also greatly appreciated how quickly japanese-architects.com got back to us whenever we had a request or a question.  

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    Matteo Gri | age: 30s


  • The japanese-architects.com website offers valuable information on the design styles of different architects and facilitates the overall selection process.

    The discussion with the japanese-architects.com staff was valuable in communicating my preferences, and japanese-architects.com's recommendation proved to be an excellent fit.
    I am extremely happy with the selected architect. 

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    Akiko M. | from Canada


  • japanese-architects.com staff's support was very good overall. Very convenient service for foreigners like me. 

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    Kevin Eeckman | age: 40s


  • japanese-architects.com's professionals offered polite and sincere support throughout the process. They were friendly, easy to talk to, and very pleasant.

    The staffs have a lot of knowledge and experience, and their English support was very helpful. 

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    N. V. | age: 40s


  • It was extremely reassuring to have a group of professionals from all areas - architect, real estate, local builder and financing advisors - come together and form a strong team to work on our dream home.

    japanese-architects.com staffs gave us objective opinions and feedbacks as our independent advisor which was very beneficial. 

    Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

    Kaori Y. | age: 30s

Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Zero Star
4.88 - out of 5.00

- How We Can Help -

Do you want to build a house in Japan?
Do you want to build a house in Japan?
  • We will provide full local support in building your house in Japan
  • We can connect you with necessary professionals - architects, property agents, banks and more
  • Covering all areas in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Okinawa, Niseko and Hokkaido.
Do you want to meet a Japanese architect?
Do you want to meet a Japanese architect?
  • We will introduce you to skilled and experienced architects in Japan
  • We can make a tailored recommendation of architects based on your needs
  • Wide range of architect coverage - from local professionals to English-speaking architects



The discussion with the japanese-architects.com staff was valuable in communicating my preferences, and japanese-architects.com's recommendation proved to be an excellent fit.
I am extremely happy with the selected architect. 

Akiko M. | from Canada

Do you want to work with a Japanese architect in other countries?
Do you want to work with a Japanese architect in countries outside of Japan?
  • No problem. We can connect you with a Japanese architect who can take projects in foreign countries
  • Japanese modern architecture is popular around the world and we can help you be a part of the culture
Do you want to purchase a property?
Do you want to purchase a property?
  • We can also support you with your property purchase, including land or built homes.
  • For those people who are not familiar or comfortable with the purchase process and having communication with local stakeholders in Japanese, we will be the bridge between you and the counter party and support the project management.
  • If you require our support only in property purchases, without any house building, we may ask for a small fee. Contact us and ask for the details.
Do you just want to know how it works?
Do you just want to know how it works?
  • Of course. We can tell you an overview of the general process to build a house in Japan
  • We can also provide consultation on house cost simulation of your own case in building a house.
  • You can ask your questions over a video call or via email. Contact us for free
Do you have a preference of taste?
Do you have a preference of taste?
  • You will be able to see and enjoy the beautiful designs by finding your favourite architects or finding your favourite houses / architectures from our wide range of portfolios of Japanese architectures
  • If you like certain architects or works, we can either connect you with the person or recommend a related / similar architect
  • Get inspirations from the beautiful architectures designed by Japanese architects