What is ZINCALUME® steel? How long has ZINCALUME® steel been available as a product in the Indian market?
Introduced in 1976, it has potentially been available since then in India. A local office was set up about a decade ago, by BlueScope Steel, then BHP Steel. Tata BlueScope has been driving sales of ZINCALUME® steel in India since 2005.
In fact, early this year we launched an improved version of ZINCALUME® steel, which has superior weathering characteristics that keep a building looking better for longer.
Typically, what kind of projects would ZINCALUME® steel be ideal for? Could you cite some examples where it has already been used successfully?
ZINCALUME® steel is used extensively for roofing and cladding by the building and construction industry, for various industrial, commercial, infrastructure as well as residential applications.
The high strength of steel base, combined with the corrosion resistance of the zinc-aluminum alloy coating, makes the product the ideal choice for various applications and end-usages in tropical, marine and industrial environment. In effect, it is suitable for any project across India in any case.
Is it difficult to maintain ZINCALUME® steel? Does it need to be re-coated or repaired every now and then? How does it compare with galvanized steel?
On the contrary, maintenance may just mean a hosing down with water to remove any accumulated dust and grit. With the strict manufacturing process controls and the numerous quality checks that ZINCALUME® steel undergoes, it is designed to withstand the vagaries of nature. There is also a special resin coating that prevents finger marks and scratches during handling and installation.
Our exposure testing site results suggest that for the same coating thickness ZINCALUME® steel lasts about four times longer than galvanized steel. It also has superior aesthetics due to its finer spangle.
Extensive research by BlueScope Steel has delivered consistence enhancements in the performance of ZINCALUME® steel.
How long does it take to install a ZINCALUME® steel roof as compared to other metal roofing systems? Does the installation require especially trained manpower or fitment accessories? What sort of profiles can the product take on?
The high yield strength of ZINCALUME® steel (550MPa) makes it a better option for various roofing applications. Purlins can be spaced wider apart, thereby reducing time and cost. Other than this, the requirements to install a roof made of ZINCALUME® steel are similar to other metal roofing systems. Hence, the skills required for installation and accessories to be used are similar as for any other roof, putting no additional burden on the roof fixer or building owner. ZINCALUME® steel is suitable for all profiles available in the market today, and hence is able to meet a variety of needs, both structural and aesthetic.
Is ZINCALUME® steel considered an affordable roofing material? Have the rising prices of steel affected ZINCALUME® steel and its sales in India?
There are several long-term cost saving factors where we score. Roofing and wall cladding made from ZINCALUME® steel last much longer due to its superior resistance to corrosion. Metal buildings can be completed and commissioned in much shorter time as compared to conventional building materials.
Moreover, considering the way energy costs are going up, it has become increasingly important to consider various options to reduce expenses on environment control in buildings. A lower thermal mass as compared to concrete, combined with higher heat reflectivity makes ZINCALUME® steel the preferred option for energy efficient construction.
Combined with the potential to recycle, these benefits make ZINCALUME® the preferred option over the life cycle of the construction.
Rising international prices of steel have had a cascading effect on ZINCALUME® as well. However, we have tried to keep our prices competitive.
How aware are construction professionals in India today about ZINCALUME® steel? Is the penetration of the product good, in your opinion?
The product penetration over the country is fairly good. ZINCALUME® steel has been successfully used for roofing and wall cladding across market segments.
How does Tata BlueScope Steel promote the awareness of the product among construction professionals in different parts of the country?
Tata BlueScope Steel has taken the initiative to launch a newsletter called The Bodhi Tree to spread awareness about the benefits of metallic coated steel. The newsletter is circulated to all our architects, consultants, builders and roll-former customers.
We also conduct regular seminars through our dedicated team of market development professionals. These activities are further supported by direct interactions with industry professionals as well as advertisement campaigns.
How does roofing and walling made from ZINCALUME® steel complement the environment?
Since roofing profiles are factory-made, buildings from ZINCALUME® steel are ready to assemble at site. Hence the local flora is not disturbed and there is no damage to the environment from mixing and wastages at site.
Use of pre-fabricated components reduces the risk to health of construction workers, as well as incidence of pollution in the neighborhood.
Since it is 100% recyclable, use of ZINCALUME® steel in construction also helps in preserving the environment.
Is ZINCALUME® steel being manufactured in India? How good is the ease of availability in the country?
At present ZINCALUME® steel is being imported from the Asian mills of BlueScope Steel. By the first quarter of 2010, our new manufacturing facility at Jamshedpur will be manufacturing ZINCALUME® steel locally.
The Jamshedpur plant will have a capacity of 250,000 metric tons for metallic coating, and a painting capacity of 150,000 metric tons.
