A Guide to Understanding the GI Sheet Supply Chain in the Philippines

The construction industry in the Philippines is currently booming. Understanding basic building materials helps anyone working on a project. This article guides you on GI sheets in the Philippines. It covers what they are, why quality matters, and how to choose them.

What Are GI Sheets? A Foundation for Building

Explaining Galvanized Iron and Its Purpose

A Galvanized Iron (GI) sheet is a steel sheet with a protective zinc coating. This zinc layer is the material’s main feature. Its job is to protect the steel underneath from rust and corrosion. This process greatly increases the product’s lifespan and strength. Because of this protection, people commonly use GI sheets for roofing and wall cladding. This usage is seen across many residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Not all metallic-coated sheets perform at the same level.

Identifying the Common Types of GI Sheets

Standard GI Sheets (Zinc-Coated)

The standard GI sheet has a coating made mostly of zinc. This is the classic and most common type of galvanized steel. High-quality sheets have excellent lock-forming quality. This means you can bend them during installation. The protective coating will not crack or peel away.

Advanced Al-Zn Sheets (Galvalume)

The Aluminum-Zinc (Al-Zn) alloy coated sheet is a more modern option. People often know this alternative by the trademarked name GALVALUME®. This product gives better protection against corrosion. Its coating is a specific mixture of 55% Aluminum, 43.5% Zinc, and 1.5% Silicon. This specific makeup provides distinct advantages over traditional zinc coatings. The Al-Zn alloy protects against rust three to six times longer than regular GI sheets. This ensures a much longer service life for the roof. Also, the high aluminum content makes the sheet better at reflecting the sun’s heat. This keeps buildings cooler. The material also maintains its bright, silvery look for a longer period. The many types of materials caused confusion in the market. This led the government to set clear public safety standards.

Why Quality and Regulation Are Important

The Need for Durability in the Philippine Climate

The Philippines is constantly hit by tropical cyclones. Approximately 20 to 25 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine area of responsibility every year. This climate situation directly led the government to strictly follow standards. The DTI stated that confirming the strength of construction materials is needed. This ensures the materials can withstand frequent storms. Strong, rust-resistant GI sheets protect lives and property. The government recognized this need and set up rules to guarantee minimum safety and performance standards.

Understanding the Government’s DTI Regulations

The Philippine government uses the DTI and the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) to implement important regulations. This protects buyers and supports national building goals. The main regulation is Department Administrative Order (DAO) 20-10, series of 2020. This rule created a new technical regulation for certifying hot-dip metallic-coated steel sheets. The goal is to protect consumers from poor-quality products. It also gives fair conditions for local makers and importers.

The PS Mark: Your Sign of a Certified Product

DAO 20-10 requires all makers and importers of roofing GI sheets to get a Philippine Standard (PS) Safety Certification Mark License. The PS mark gives buyers a simple sign of quality. Seeing the PS mark confirms the product has been certified by the DTI. This certification means the product meets the necessary quality and safety standards.

The 0.4 mm Rule: Setting a Minimum Standard for Roofing

The regulation’s most important part is the minimum thickness requirement. The rule mandates a minimum Total Coated Thickness (TCT) of 0.4 mm. This applies to all galvanized steel sheets used for roofing. This rule was designed to prevent the use of very thin, substandard sheets. These thin sheets could easily fail during storms, risking public safety. Any material thinner than 0.4 mm TCT must have a clear label. This label must state “NOT FOR ROOFING USE”.

How to Choose the Right GI Sheets for Your Project

Matching Thickness to Your Needs

Durability is very important when selecting GI sheets. The government has set a required minimum standard for safety. The DTI requires a minimum Total Coated Thickness (TCT) of 0.4 mm for all roofing applications in the Philippines. This rule is absolute. Guides suggesting thinner materials for certain wind speeds are not legally allowed for roofing. These guides may show the principle of matching strength to weather. However, they must not be used to choose a roofing material thinner than the 0.4 mm legal minimum. Choosing a TCT greater than 0.4 mm provides extra security.

Navigating Local Market Challenges

The Philippine market has specific challenges for buyers. Local prices are very sensitive to global events. This is because the industry relies on imported raw materials. The Philippines’ geography creates the “archipelagic challenge.” Moving heavy materials across its many islands is complicated and expensive. Domestic shipping rates are often similar to or higher than international rates. The final price for the same GI sheet can differ significantly between regions. A good purchase comes from understanding all these factors.

Key Takeaway

Choosing the correct materials is necessary for the long life and safety of any construction project in the Philippines. Making a choice about GI sheets in the Philippines involves more than comparing prices. It requires understanding the product, the regulations, and the market itself. Buyers should always confirm the DTI’s PS Mark. This is a promise of certified quality. They must also strictly follow the 0.4 mm minimum Total Coated Thickness (TCT) standard for all roofing. Other important factors are the material type and the supplier’s reputation. Local market realities like high logistics costs also influence regional pricing for GI sheets in the Philippines.