According to the latest industry figures, approximately 75% of residential builds in Australia feature metal roofing (Source: Australian Roofers). When you look at all of the benefits, it’s easy to see why.
Made from BlueScope steel, COLORBOND roofing is strong, beautiful and durable. It is available in a range of colours and profiles, giving homeowners plenty of options for both new builds and replacement roofs.
However, choosing COLORBOND roofing involves more than picking a colour. The profile and fixing system can affect the appearance, installation and suitability of the finished roof. Two terms you may come across are Cliplock and pierced-fix roofing.
So, what’s the difference, and which option is right for your property?
Benefits of COLORBOND Roofing
In the world of steel roofing, COLORBOND continues to be a genuine standout.
Here’s why:
Durability
Strong, durable, and proven to withstand Aussie weather conditions. The zinc/aluminium alloy coating on Zincalume® provides superior resistance to corrosion, while the polyester primer and an exterior grade paint that’s baked on to resist cracking, chipping and peeling.
Lightweight Design
COLORBOND® metal roof sheet comes in a variety of colours and also it weighs very light. These are purely lightweight compared to clay or concrete tiles. Less strain on the building, reducing the possibility of structural problems and damage.
Thermatech®
Thermatech® technology helps to improve the overall insulation, keeping temperatures inside cooler during summer and warmer in winter.
Straightforward Installation
Easily installed so any flashing can also be installed quickly, without any significant hassle.
Easy To Maintain
Because Colorbond steel roofing is sturdy and durable, it requires very low maintenance to retain its long life performance and looks.
Customisation
With 20 designer metal colours as well as standard colours to choose from, you’ll find the ideal products to compliment both traditional and ultra-modern architecture.
Cliplock and Pierced-Fix: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference is how the roofing sheets are secured to the structure beneath them.
Cliplock roofing uses a concealed fixing system. What this means is that the sheets are designed to work with concealed clips, meaning the primary fixings aren’t exposed across the visible roof surface. Roofing Options describes Cliplock, also known as Klip-Lok, as a higher-rib profile with long, straight lines and a minimum roof pitch of 1 degree.
Pierced-fix roofing uses visible fasteners to secure the roofing sheets. In this instance, profiled COLORBOND sheets are positioned over the prepared roof structure and secured with suitable roofing fasteners, with the type, location and spacing the fixings also impacting the finished roof’s performance.
Essentially, this means that Cliplock and pierced-fix aren’t simply two different ways of installing exactly the same sheet.
How Do They Both Work?
Cliplock Roofing
Cliplock roofing is designed around concealed fixing clips. Rather than having the main fixings visible across the face of the roof, the sheets connect with the clip system to create a clean, continuous appearance.
Roofing Options identifies Cliplock as particularly suited to low-pitched roof lines, including residential applications, as well as larger industrial and commercial buildings. Its reference material lists a 42.5 mm rib height and a minimum roof pitch of 1 degree for the Cliplock 0.42 profile.
The installation still involves preparing the supporting structure, selecting the appropriate accessories and accounting for factors such as roof drainage and thermal movement. Roofing Options specifically recommends following manufacturer instructions and allowing for expansion as the steel responds to changes in temperature.
Pierced-Fix Roofing
Pierced-fix roofing takes a more direct approach. The roofing sheets are positioned over the prepared roof structure and secured using appropriate fasteners, with the fixings forming part of the visible roof surface.
The installation guide points out that fixing type, location and spacing all matter. Incorrect positioning or over-tightening can damage the roofing material or affect its performance, so the installation needs to follow the requirements of the selected roofing system and substrate.
The profile itself matters too. Roofing Options notes that factors including roof design, pitch, appearance, structural requirements and local weather conditions should be considered when selecting between different COLORBOND profiles.
How Does This Impact Installation?
The choice between concealed and exposed fixing changes some aspects of the installation, but both systems still depend on careful preparation and correct detailing.
Before the sheets go down, the roof structure needs to be assessed and prepared. On a replacement project, this can include checking the existing battens, trusses and other supporting components, with structural problems addressed before the new roofing is installed.
The selected roof profile then determines the appropriate fixing approach. Roof sheets need to be correctly aligned, overlaps need to account for water flow and weather conditions, and suitable flashings and cappings need to be installed around areas such as ridges, valleys and roof penetrations.
Cliplock has some additional considerations because of its concealed fixing system. Roofing Options recommends using the appropriate accessories, following manufacturer instructions and allowing for thermal expansion as the steel expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Order COLORBOND Roofing in Melbourne
From builders to homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts, we’re the premier destination for COLORBOND roofing supplies in Melbourne.
Roofing Options has everything you need to transform your property exterior, and that includes Colorbond steel and the entire range of colours! We supply Colorbond roofing supplies, sheets, panels, custom flashing, downpipes, and a full range of DIY kits.
Explore the collection online or reach out to us directly to chat with an expert. Also, feel free to visit our Campbellfield or Clyde North stores for an up-close-and-personal viewing of the entire COLORBOND range.
FAQs
Is Cliplock roofing better than pierced-fix roofing?
Neither is automatically better. Cliplock provides a concealed fixing system and is particularly suited to low-pitched roofs, while pierced-fix profiles may be more appropriate for other roof designs, so the property’s pitch, structure, appearance and local conditions all need to be considered.
Can Cliplock roofing be used on a low-pitched roof?
Yes. The Cliplock 0.42 profile supplied by Roofing Options has a minimum roof pitch of 1 degree, making it suitable for low-pitched roof designs where other profiles may not be appropriate. The exact requirements still depend on the roof design and the manufacturer’s installation specifications.
Are the fixings visible on a Cliplock roof?
The primary fixings are concealed beneath the roofing sheets rather than being exposed across the visible roof surface. That gives Cliplock its clean, uninterrupted appearance, with the sheets secured using clips underneath rather than screws passing through the face of the roofing.
Does COLORBOND roofing need much maintenance?
COLORBOND roofing is relatively low maintenance, but it isn’t completely maintenance-free. Keeping gutters clear, removing accumulated debris and periodically checking the roof, flashings and drainage areas helps keep the roofing in good condition.
Is there anything else to consider before choosing a COLORBOND roof profile?
Start with the roof itself rather than the colour chart. Roof pitch, structural requirements, drainage, weather exposure and the appearance you want all influence which profile and fixing system will work best, particularly when deciding between a concealed-fix option such as Cliplock and a pierced-fix profile.
