Has your home been stuck with boring (and not so durable) roofing, such as old tiles or wood? It might be time for a change to something stronger, and Colorbond sheets always do the trick.
As a building product that has been popular in Australia for over 50 years, Colorbond (made by BlueScope) is a respected roofing supplier and manufacturer that designs and tests Colorbond for the Aussie environment. For builders, contractors, homeowners, and DIY enthusiasts, this blog will be your ultimate guide to the specifications of Colorbond steel roof sheets, why they are so long-lasting, and why you should pick them above all other materials. After all, you want the best for your home.
What is Colorbond Steel?
Created with performance, strength, compliance, and sustainability in mind, Colorbond steel is available in a number of finishes, including:
- Colorbond steel in a Classic finish, which provides a low-sheen aesthetic for homeowners.
- Colorbond steel in a Matt finishes with a subtle, higher-end look designed to diffuse reflected light for a soft, tactile look.
- Colorbond steel in a Metallic finish, which has a longer-lasting lustre/finishes with a subtle, higher-end look designed to diffuse the reflection of the sun.
Ideal for applications such as walling, roofing, fencing, garage doors, sheds, insulated panels, patios, and pergolas, Colorbond is ideal for many homeowners hoping to upgrade older materials.Conforming to relevant Australian Standards (AS 1397:2021 and AS/NZS 2728:2013), Colorbond is backed by BlueScope warranties for peace of mind.
Benefits of Colorbond Steel
Strong, durable, and beautiful to look at, there are many benefits to choosing Colorbond sheets for your home. Let’s take a look.
Exceptional Durability
With Colorbond, you’ll never need to worry about rust, corrosion, chipping, flaking, or blistering metal again.
Colorbond steel is constructed of five protective layers and coated in industry-leading corrosion-resistant Activate technology. This topcoat and primer are further enhanced with pre-treatment and a baked-on metallic coating. What are some of the main reasons Colorbond is so strong?
- Corrosion resistance. Treated to resist corrosion, Colorbond prevents rust, wear, and works just as well on humid days or against heavy rainfall.
- Longevity. Lasting more than 50 years on average, Colorbond steel doesn’t need replacements over the lifetime of your home.
- Impact resistance. Colorbond steel can withstand hail and debris without denting or breaking.
The colour of Colorbond is also bonded to the metal, so it won’t crack, leak, or require a re-paint the same way tiles do! It is also waterproof, so water can easily run off the side of your roof, reducing leakage and water damage.
Since Colorbond is so lightweight, unlike tiles, it puts minimal weight strain on the support structures of your roof.
Aesthetic Appeal
Available in many different profiles for residential and commercial properties, you can get really creative with Colorbond steel roofing due to:
- Various profiles, including traditional corrugated or modern panels. Adapt Colorbond to traditional or contemporary home designs.
- A designer look. Sleek and modern, architects and designers can add a contemporary tough to any home with Colorbond steel.
- Exciting colour options. With over 20 to choose from, you can pick the perfect shade to blend with your home exterior.
Able to span a larger distance than roof tiles, you need fewer supporting beams inside the house, resulting in a more flexible floor plan. Let’s look at some of the beautiful range of colours you can choose from.
- Pale tones such as Dover White, Classic Cream, Evening Haze, Shale Grey, Dune, and more. These are naturally inspired for contemporary or heritage buildings.
- Mid-tones like Bluegum, Basalt, Wallaby, Pale Eucalypt, Woodland Grey, and Gully are earthy and blend with any landscape.
- Deep tones like Manor Red, Jasper, Deep Ocean, and Cottage Green are popular for urban or rural properties due to their simple visual appeal, strength, and matching of most steel profiles.
Putting together a Colorbond roof also takes significantly less time than laying down tiles, saving you money and time for the long term. If you would like to learn more about whether Colorbond is right for your property, check out our product catalogue for a closer look at product specifications.
Lightweight and Easy Installation
Installing any kind of roof can be stressful, but Colorbond is an easy install for home builders, building owners and professional tradespeople alike. What’s involved in the installation process? Even if you don’t plan on installing it yourself, it doesn’t nearly take as much time as tiling.
- The roof is measured so the correct amount of steel sheeting is used.
- The roof is cleaned and prepared before the new roof is installed
- The Colorbond roofing sheets are cut to size and shape using specialised cutting tools
- Sheets are installed from the highest point and work downward
- Ridge capping is installed at the peak of the roof
- Flashings are installed at the edges of the roof and around any openings, such as vents or chimneys
- Gutters and downpipes are installed to complete the job
Options you could choose from include Corrugated 0.42 Steel Roofing or Cliplock 0.42 Steel Roofing, also called Klip-Lok. And if you’re still not convinced, have a read of the reasons to invest in Colorbond corrugated steel roofing!
Weather Resistance
Have you been looking for material longevity and value for money? Colorbond metal roofing is found on properties across Australia, so it is suitable for humid, colder climates and harsh weather conditions. Why is Colorbond steel so resilient to UV rays, dampness, and harsh elements?
- Colorbond can repel rain and moisture as its interlocking profile stops water from penetrating, keeping the structure dry and stopping leaks. If you live near seawater, Colorbond still isn’t as likely to degenerate.
- Colorbond is storm and wind proof due to a strong steel structure and interlocking layout. You won’t need to stress after a night of strong winds.
- Since Colorbond roofing is sturdy, it can support the weight of accumulated snow.
- Impact, resistant Colorbond steel can handle hailstone strikes without suffering damage, leaks, repairs, or replacements.
- The pre-painted steel design of Colorbond steel reflects solar radiation, lowering heat absorption and maintaining a cooler interior.
Colorbond steel by BlueScope also has exceptional fire performance as it is non-combustible. Roofing is compliant with extreme BAL-FZ (Bushfire Attack Level – Flame Zone) as stated in AS 3959:2018. Learn more information on BlueScope Product solutions for bushfire areas on the BlueScope Australia website.
Tiles are heavier, have a lower level of corrosion resistance, moderate impact resistance, and last 30 to 50 years instead. It’s a good idea to speak to a roofing professional to figure out what might work best for you.
Energy Efficiency
Why is Colorbond steel so worth the investment for energy efficiency?
- Thermal insulation. Paired with the correct insulation (always double check with a roofing expert!) Colorbond steel has powerful heat reflection properties, so you can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while potentially reducing your energy bills. 21 of the core Classic colours in the range (except Night Sky) with the 6 Matt colours feature this technology.
- Reflective properties. Colorbond reflects the heat of the sun, keeping your spaces cooler during the summer months. You’re more likely to save money on air conditioning.
- CORSTRIP film: Some Colorbond products are delivered with CORSTRIP film (or other low-density polyethylene (LDPE) strippable film) to protect the product from damage during roll forming, storage, transportation, or installation.
For example, concrete tiling and asphalt shingles need a higher amount of insulation.
Environmental Considerations
Do you prefer to use environmentally friendly materials? Colorbond steel roofing is a sustainable choice for everyone. 100% recyclable, Colorbond steel is better for the environment and doesn’t just become unused metal. It can be used without reprocessing, saving on energy and resource use.
Are you planning to build in Australian marine and industrial environments? Colorbond Ultra steel gives you extra assurance by giving homes specialist protection from coastal air.
If you need more information before planning a renovation, make sure to read Colorbond vs. tile roofs and how to select the right roofing supplies.
Whether you require roofing supplies in Broadmeadows, Lalor, Coburg, Reservoir, Preston, Thornbury, or anywhere across Melbourne, we have everything you need to get started on your next project.
Colorbond Steel Roofing: Call Roofing Options
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been on the hunt for a metal roofing material that offers better thermal efficiency, need your tiled roof replaced, or have general questions on the installation costs of steel roofs; Roofing Options has your back.
Supplying high-quality Colorbond roofing supplies, sheets, panels, custom made flashings, downpipes & accessories, and a complete range of DIY kits, we only supply trusted brands and manufacturers. We also have Laserlite 2000 & 3000, Ampelite Polycarbonate Roofing, Suntuf EZ Glaze, Sunlite Twinwall,
As experts with roofing supplies for all Australian homeowners, feel free to browse our online catalogue and make an order, contact us by phone, or pick up materials from our Coburg, Campbellfield, or Cranbourne stores. We’re always happy to help.
