Sheet steel having a thin aluminum coating on the surface to enhance the steel’s capability to withstand weathering. Aluminized steel is really a more recent development, becoming commercially available within the 1950's. Similar to the galvanizing procedure, aluminum is metallurgically bonded to the steel surface, providing excellent heat reflectivity and corrosion protection. Nevertheless, unlike zinc, aluminum lacks the "sacrificial protection" property discussed earlier. Consequently, scratches or exposed edges are likely to rust sooner compared to galvanized steel. For this reason, extra care is needed in the handling and installation of aluminized steel panels to steer clear of damage to the protective surface.