"Galvalume usually holds up better against rust in my experience."
Yeah, agreed on galvalume. Ever notice how some suppliers seem to change manufacturers every other month? Makes it tricky to know what you're getting sometimes. Have you tried checking out any local metal roofing distributors directly? I've had pretty good luck going straight to the source—plus, you can usually bug them with a million questions and they won't mind... too much.
Definitely agree on galvalume holding up better—especially in coastal or humid areas. I've seen standard galvanized sheets start showing rust spots within just a few years, while galvalume tends to stay clean way longer.
And yeah, supplier inconsistency is a real headache. One month you're getting top-notch stuff, next month it's like they're sourcing from a completely different planet. I've found that smaller, local distributors often have more consistent quality control. Plus, they're usually more transparent about their sourcing, which helps if you're particular about specs or coatings.
Another thing worth mentioning—always double-check the warranty details. Some manufacturers offer pretty solid corrosion warranties on galvalume products, but the fine print can vary a lot. Had a client once who assumed all galvalume warranties were the same... learned the hard way that's definitely not true.
Good points about warranties—I've seen that happen more times than I'd like. One thing I'd add is to always request a sample piece before committing to a large order. Even if you've used the supplier before, quality can fluctuate, and a quick visual inspection or even a basic scratch test can save you headaches later.
Also, don't overlook agricultural supply stores or farm co-ops. Sounds odd maybe, but I've found some surprisingly good-quality metal roofing sheets there. They're usually priced competitively too, since farmers won't put up with overpriced junk for long.
And yeah, galvalume is generally superior in coastal areas, but I've had decent luck with galvanized sheets when they're properly coated and installed correctly (good ventilation underneath is key). Still wouldn't recommend them over galvalume near saltwater though... learned that lesson myself after Hurricane Irma rolled through.
"Also, don't overlook agricultural supply stores or farm co-ops. Sounds odd maybe, but I've found some surprisingly good-quality metal roofing sheets there."
Totally agree about farm co-ops—picked up some sheets there last summer and they're holding up great. One thing though, have you checked out local salvage yards? Sometimes they get unused surplus from bigger projects and sell it cheap. Quality can vary, sure, but I've snagged some top-notch galvalume panels for way less than retail. Worth a look if you're on a tight budget...
Farm co-ops definitely have their charm—I've pulled some surprisingly sturdy panels from there myself. Salvage yards can be a goldmine too, but you've gotta have a keen eye and patience to sort through the junk. Last year, I spent a good hour digging through stacks of mismatched sheets, only to find the perfect batch hiding at the bottom (typical luck, right?).
One thing I'd add though: don't underestimate local metal fabrication shops. Sometimes they'll have leftover custom orders or slightly mis-cut sheets that clients didn't take. They're usually happy to offload these at a discount rather than scrap them. Quality-wise, they're often as good as retail, just with a few quirky dimensions here and there. But hey, if you're flexible with sizing or handy with a grinder, it's a win-win.
Just my two cents...and maybe a sore back from all that digging through salvage piles.
