Zincalume Coated Steel represents a significant improvement on the traditional zinc coated galvanised steel. Zincalume coated steel has been formulated to give a significantly longer service life than a galvanised coating. This is of particular value in New Zealand where the prevailing winds carry corrosive salt laden air many kilometres inland.

The Zincalume Steel Coating combines the corrosion protection of aluminium with the sacrificial protection of zinc, giving the advantages of both metals. The resulting alloy coating enhances corrosion resistance, making it ideal for such applications as roofing and cladding.

Zincalume coated steel is produced by a continuous hot dip process similar to that used to manufacture galvanised steel. While both Zincalume steel and galvanised steel products have a steel base, galvanised steel has a coating of 100% zinc, whereas Zincalume coated steel has an alloy coating of 43.5% zinc, 55% aluminium and 1.5% silicon. Zincalume coated steel conforms to AS1397:2001.