Vitrafix Zinc‑Al‑Mag Top Hats are manufactured from steel protected by a Zinc–Aluminium–Magnesium (Zn‑Al‑Mg) coating, a next‑generation metallic alloy designed to outperform traditional galvanised zinc coatings. Known for its strong and stable corrosion resistance in demanding environments, Zn‑Al‑Mg technology was first commercialised in Japan in the late 1990s and has since gained global adoption across construction, infrastructure, agriculture and automotive manufacturing. Its proven performance in coastal, industrial and high‑humidity conditions continues to drive its use worldwide.
When used on sub‑framing components such as Vitrafix Zinc‑Al‑Mag Top Hats, the Zn‑Al‑Mg coating delivers long‑term durability, consistent performance and dependable compliance for facade systems. This combination of advanced coating technology and purpose‑built profiling helps support reliable outcomes throughout the life of the building.
The process forms a homogeneous, single-layer coating in which aluminium and magnesium are evenly dispersed throughout the zinc matrix. The blend leverages each element’s protective qualities.
Check out the complete comparison guide of Zinc-Al-Mag Top Hats vs Galvanised Steel Top Hats.
These properties are critical in facade sub‑framing applications, where components are regularly exposed to concealed moisture, condensation cycles, coastal winds and airborne pollutants.
One of the most notable advantages of Zn‑Al‑Mg coatings is their exceptional cut‑edge protection. When steel is cut, bent or pierced, aluminium‑magnesium corrosion products migrate across the exposed area, limiting undercutting and helping maintain structural integrity over time.
This enhanced stability contributes to longer service life. Independent engineering assessments place Vitrafix Zinc-Al-Mag Top Hats at approximately 27.8 years in C4 corrosivity zones, with strong performance even in more aggressive conditions.
These benefits contribute to a lower whole‑of‑life environmental footprint, reduced embodied carbon and improved long‑term value for facade projects by:
Vitrafix Zinc-Al-Mag Top Hats are tested in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1397 for coating mass and durability, ensuring their suitability for local conditions and compliance with national building regulations.
Zn-Al-Mg-coated steel integrates seamlessly into non-combustible, CodeMark-certified facade systems, supporting compliance with fire safety requirements, AS1530.1, and other critical building codes. Rigorous third-party assessments and engineering analysis confirm its long-term reliability, enabling designers and specifiers to confidently select Zinc-Al-Mag coated sub-framing for compliant and future-proof facade solutions.
Vitrafix Zinc‑Al‑Mag Top Hats form part of the Vitrafix accessories range and integrate seamlessly into Fairview’s fully tested wall systems. Suitable for both new builds and rectification projects, they can be used across commercial, residential and industrial sectors.
Vitrafix Zinc‑Al‑Mag Top Hats can be installed as a direct replacement for standard galvanised top hats, offering reliable, long‑term performance in all typical facade applications.
Where they provide a distinct advantage is in aggressive environments. The enhanced corrosion resistance of the underlying Zn-Al-Mg coating delivers a significant improvement over conventional galvanised steel when exposed to salt, wet‑dry cycles, and airborne industrial pollutants. This added stability helps particularly on projects where environmental exposure is a critical design factor.
