Colorbond steel roofing comes in more than one shape. The profile you choose affects how your roof looks, how it handles water, what pitch it can be installed at, and whether it suits a residential home or a commercial building.
If you’re planning a roof replacement or a new build in South-East Queensland, understanding the differences between Colorbond roofing profiles will save you time and prevent costly mistakes. The wrong profile on the wrong pitch can lead to leaks. The wrong profile on the wrong building can look out of place for decades.
A.M.J Metal Roofing has installed over 7,000 Colorbond roofs across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, and Toowoomba. We work with every major Colorbond roofing profile and can recommend the right one for your project based on roof pitch, building type, location, and budget.
Call 1300 12 ROOF (1300 127 663) for a free onsite assessment and quote, or request a quote online.
What Is a Colorbond Roofing Profile?
A roofing profile is the shape pressed into a flat steel sheet to give it strength and water-carrying capacity. Without that shape, a flat sheet of steel would flex, pool water, and fail under wind load.
Different profiles use different rib shapes, heights, and spacings. Some have the familiar rounded corrugations that have been on Australian roofs for over a century. Others have sharp trapezoidal ribs, flat pans, or concealed fixing systems where no screw heads are visible on the finished roof.
Every genuine Colorbond roofing profile is made from BlueScope steel and manufactured through Lysaght (BlueScope’s roll-forming division) or authorised partners. The steel itself is protected by five layers: a steel base, an aluminium-zinc alloy coating (Activate technology), a pre-treatment layer, a primer, and a baked-on topcoat. That multi-layered protection system is what gives Colorbond its resistance to rust, chipping, peeling, and UV fade under Australian conditions.
All Colorbond roofing profiles are available in the full 22-colour Colorbond palette, with six colours offered in a Matt finish. Lighter colours in the range incorporate Thermatech solar reflectance technology, which reflects more of the sun’s heat on sunny days and can reduce cooling energy use by up to 20%.
The Main Colorbond Roof Sheet Profiles
Custom Orb (Corrugated)
Custom Orb is the original Australian corrugated roofing profile. Its sinusoidal wave pattern (the classic rounded peaks and troughs) has been a fixture on Australian homes, sheds, and rural buildings for generations.
Specifications:
- Cover width: 762mm (overall width 850mm)
- Rib height: 16mm
- BMT options: 0.42mm (standard residential), 0.48mm (heavier duty)
- Minimum roof pitch: 5 degrees
- Fixing method: Exposed fix (hex head screws through the crest)
Custom Orb works on both traditional and contemporary homes. It suits heritage restorations, Queenslander-style houses, rural properties, and modern builds where a corrugated aesthetic is desired. The profile can be laid flat or sprung curved, which makes it suitable for bullnose verandahs and curved roof sections (using Custom Blue Orb for machine curving).
Custom Orb doubles as wall cladding. Many homeowners carry the same corrugated profile from roof to walls for a cohesive look across the building exterior.
The 5-degree minimum pitch is the main limitation. If your roof has sections below 5 degrees, you’ll need a different profile for those areas.
Trimdek (Trapezoidal)
Trimdek is one of the most widely used Colorbond roofing profiles across both residential and commercial projects in Australia. Its bold trapezoidal ribs with subtle fluting in the pans give it a structured appearance with clean lines.
Specifications:
- Cover width: 762mm
- Rib height: 29mm
- BMT options: 0.42mm, 0.48mm
- Minimum roof pitch: 2 degrees
- Fixing method: Exposed fix (screws through the crest)
The higher rib profile compared to Custom Orb gives Trimdek greater spanning capacity, meaning it can cover longer distances between support battens without flexing. That spanning ability makes it popular on modern homes with wider roof sections, patios, carports, sheds, and light commercial buildings.
Trimdek can be installed on roof pitches as low as 2 degrees, which opens it up for low-pitch and near-flat roof designs that are becoming common on contemporary homes in Brisbane and across SEQ. It also works for wall cladding applications where a bolder, more geometric look is preferred over the softer corrugated profile.
Spandek (Square Corrugated)
Spandek has a similar trapezoidal shape to Trimdek but with narrower pans and higher, more rigid, square-shaped ribs. The result is a stronger, more impact-resistant profile that carries water efficiently.
Specifications:
- Cover width: 740mm
- Rib height: 29mm
- BMT options: 0.42mm, 0.48mm
- Minimum roof pitch: 2 degrees (with provisions; older documentation states 3 degrees)
- Fixing method: Exposed fix
Spandek is often specified on commercial buildings, industrial roofs, and residential properties where strength and water-carrying capacity are priorities. The bold rib pattern gives it a modern, structured appearance.
On the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, where heavy rainfall events are common during storm season, Spandek’s water-carrying capability makes it a solid choice for both roofing and walling on exposed buildings.
Klip-Lok 700 (Concealed Fix)
Klip-Lok is the flagship concealed-fix Colorbond roofing profile. Instead of screws driven through the face of the sheet, Klip-Lok uses engineered clips fastened to the roof frame. The sheets then interlock over those clips, creating an uninterrupted roofline with no visible fasteners.
Specifications:
- Cover width: 700mm
- Rib height: 43mm
- BMT options: 0.42mm, 0.48mm
- Minimum roof pitch: 1 degree
- Fixing method: Concealed fix (clip system)
The concealed fixing system gives Klip-Lok several advantages. Water resistance is superior because there are no screw penetrations through the sheet face. The sheets can expand and contract with temperature changes without stressing the fixings, which makes Klip-Lok suitable for long-run installations stretching hundreds of metres on commercial roofs. The 1-degree minimum pitch makes it viable on almost any roof geometry.
Klip-Lok is the most expensive of the standard Colorbond roofing profiles, but it’s the go-to choice for modern architectural homes, large commercial buildings, and any project where a sleek, screw-free roofline is the priority. The tall 43mm ribs create strong shadow lines that suit contemporary designs.
Mini Orb (Decorative/Walling)
Mini Orb is a scaled-down version of the corrugated Custom Orb profile. It’s not a primary roofing profile for large roof areas but is used extensively for walling, feature walls, soffits, ceilings, screens, fencing, and small awnings.
Specifications:
- Cover width: varies by region
- BMT options: 0.42mm, 0.48mm
- Fixing method: Valley fix to steel or timber supports
- Not suitable for foot traffic
Mini Orb is popular on contemporary homes as an accent cladding material. Architects and builders use it to create contrasting surfaces against larger-profile roofing or flat cladding. Corrugations can run vertically or horizontally depending on the design intent.
If you’re replacing a roof and updating the exterior look of your home at the same time, combining a Colorbond roof profile with Mini Orb walling creates a coordinated finish using the same material and colour range.
Colorbond Roofing Profiles: Specifications at a Glance
| Profile | Cover Width | Rib Height | Min. Pitch | Fixing | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Orb | 762mm | 16mm | 5° | Exposed | Residential homes, heritage, rural |
| Trimdek | 762mm | 29mm | 2° | Exposed | Modern homes, patios, commercial |
| Spandek | 740mm | 29mm | 2°–3° | Exposed | Commercial, industrial, high-rainfall areas |
| Klip-Lok 700 | 700mm | 43mm | 1° | Concealed | Architectural homes, large commercial |
| Mini Orb | Varies | Small | N/A (walling) | Valley fix | Feature walls, soffits, screens |
How to Choose the Right Profile for Your Roof
Roof Pitch
Pitch is the single most important factor in profile selection. If your roof pitch is below 5 degrees, Custom Orb is not an option. Trimdek and Spandek work down to 2 degrees. Klip-Lok handles pitches as low as 1 degree.
Before specifying a profile, your roofer should measure the actual pitch of every roof section. Mixed-pitch roofs may need different profiles on different sections, or a single low-pitch-compatible profile across the whole roof.
Building Style
Custom Orb suits heritage homes, Queenslanders, and rural builds where a traditional corrugated look is part of the character. Trimdek and Spandek suit modern suburban homes and commercial buildings where clean, geometric lines are preferred. Klip-Lok is the natural choice for contemporary architectural designs where the roof is a feature element.
There’s no rule against mixing profiles. A Klip-Lok main roof with Custom Orb on a verandah or carport is a combination seen on modern homes throughout Brisbane.
Spanning Requirements
On larger roofs with wider batten spacing, Trimdek and Spandek outperform Custom Orb because their taller ribs resist deflection over longer spans. Klip-Lok, with its 43mm rib height, handles the longest spans of any standard profile. If your roof design calls for wide support spacings, a taller-ribbed profile is the right move.
Weather Exposure
For coastal properties on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast where salt spray and heavy rainfall are constant factors, profile selection should be paired with the right Colorbond product. Colorbond Ultra steel is built for severe marine environments, with enhanced corrosion resistance through BlueScope’s Activate technology. Any of the standard profiles can be manufactured from Colorbond Ultra steel.
Our Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison explains the differences between the two most common metal roofing materials and where each performs best.
Budget
Custom Orb is the most economical profile per square metre. Trimdek and Spandek sit in the mid range. Klip-Lok is the most expensive due to the concealed clip system and higher material cost. The price difference between profiles is modest compared to the total cost of a roof replacement, but it’s worth factoring in.
BMT Thickness: 0.42mm vs 0.48mm
Every Colorbond roofing profile is available in at least two base metal thicknesses: 0.42mm and 0.48mm BMT (base metal thickness, measured before paint and coatings are applied).
0.42mm BMT
The standard for residential roofing across Australia. It provides adequate strength for homes, sheds, carports, patios, and garages. The lighter gauge keeps material costs down and is easier to handle during installation.
0.48mm BMT
This is the heavier option, specified for larger residential roofs, commercial buildings, properties in cyclone-rated regions, and roofs that will carry mounted equipment (solar panels, air conditioning units, satellite dishes, and antenna mounts). The thicker steel is more resistant to denting from foot traffic during maintenance and withstands higher wind loads.
For most residential re-roofs in Brisbane and SEQ, 0.42mm BMT is the appropriate specification. If your home has solar panels installed or planned, or if the roof is in an exposed position, your roofer may recommend 0.48mm. A.M.J advises on the correct BMT during every free roof inspection.
Colorbond Colours and Thermal Efficiency
Profile selection and colour selection are two separate decisions, but they interact. All 22 core Colorbond colours are available across all standard profiles. Six colours are offered in a Matt finish for a softer, contemporary look.
Where the colour decision affects performance is in thermal efficiency. Lighter Colorbond colours (Surfmist, Dover White, Southerly) reflect more solar radiation than darker colours (Monument, Night Sky, Woodland Grey). Most Colorbond colours include Thermatech solar reflectance technology, which can reduce cooling energy use by up to 20% compared to a non-reflective roof of the same colour.
In South-East Queensland, where air conditioning runs through the warmer months, choosing a lighter roof colour on any profile delivers measurable energy savings over the life of the roof. Pairing a lighter colour with roof insulation underneath the Colorbond sheets maximises thermal performance.
The most popular Colorbond roof colours in the Brisbane region include Woodland Grey, Monument, Shale Grey, Basalt, Surfmist, and Pale Eucalypt. A.M.J can supply colour sample chips during the quoting process so you can see how the colour looks against your walls and surroundings before committing.
Roofing and Walling: Using the Same Profile Across Your Build
Most Colorbond roofing profiles double as walling profiles. Custom Orb, Trimdek, Spandek, and Mini Orb are all used for wall cladding on residential and commercial buildings throughout Australia.
Coordinating roof and wall profiles creates a unified exterior. A common approach on modern homes is to run the same Colorbond profile and colour across the roof, fascia, gutter, and a feature wall section, then use a contrasting profile (like Mini Orb) on a different wall plane for visual interest.
For homes undergoing a full exterior refresh during a roof replacement, wall cladding can be quoted and installed as part of the same project. Using the same Colorbond colour and batch across roof and walls ensures a consistent finish without colour variation.
Colorbond Ultra: When Standard Colorbond Isn’t Enough
For homes and buildings in severe marine environments (within 200 metres of breaking surf), standard Colorbond may not deliver the corrosion resistance needed for a full warranty lifespan.
Colorbond Ultra steel incorporates BlueScope’s Activate technology with enhanced corrosion protection built for demanding coastal and industrial environments. It conforms to Australian Standards AS 1397:2021 and AS/NZS 2728:2013, and is backed by BlueScope warranties.
Colorbond Ultra is available across all major roofing profiles. On the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, where many homes sit within a few kilometres of the ocean, A.M.J regularly specifies Colorbond Ultra to ensure the roof performs for its full expected lifespan.
Why Choose A.M.J Metal Roofing for Your Colorbond Roof?
A.M.J Metal Roofing works with every Colorbond roofing profile manufactured by Lysaght and supplies genuine BlueScope steel on every project. Our experience across 7,000+ re-roof projects means we’ve installed every profile on every type of building, from single-storey brick homes in Ipswich and weatherboard Queenslanders in inner Brisbane through to multi-level commercial buildings on the Gold Coast.
What sets A.M.J apart:
- 7,000+ re-roof projects completed across Brisbane and South-East Queensland
- 4.8-star Google rating from verified homeowners
- QBCC Licence 120 2330 | NSW Licence 266396C
- 50+ years combined experience across our team
- 10-year written workmanship warranty on full roof replacements
- BlueScope Steel manufacturer warranty up to 45 years on eligible Colorbond products
- Free onsite roof inspections with profile and colour recommendations included
We recommend the right Colorbond roofing profile based on your roof’s pitch, your building’s style, your location, and your budget. No upselling to a profile you don’t need, and no compromises on one that doesn’t suit your roof geometry.
Need help choosing the right Colorbond profile? Call 1300 12 ROOF (1300 127 663) or request your free quote online.
FAQs About Colorbond Roofing Profiles
What are the most common Colorbond roofing profiles in Australia?
The four most widely installed Colorbond roofing profiles are Custom Orb (corrugated), Trimdek (trapezoidal), Spandek (square corrugated), and Klip-Lok 700 (concealed fix). Custom Orb is the most popular on residential homes. Trimdek is the most common across commercial and light industrial buildings. Klip-Lok is specified on architectural homes and large commercial roofs where a screw-free finish is required.
What is the difference between corrugated and Trimdek Colorbond roofing?
Corrugated Colorbond (Custom Orb) has rounded, sinusoidal waves with a 16mm rib height and requires a minimum roof pitch of 5 degrees. Trimdek has taller trapezoidal ribs (29mm) with subtle fluting and can be installed on pitches as low as 2 degrees. Trimdek spans wider batten spacings and handles water more efficiently on lower-pitched roofs. Corrugated suits traditional and heritage-style homes, while Trimdek leans toward modern and commercial builds.
What is the minimum roof pitch for Colorbond roofing?
It depends on the profile. Custom Orb requires a minimum of 5 degrees. Trimdek and Spandek can go as low as 2 degrees. Klip-Lok 700 can be installed on roofs with a pitch as low as 1 degree. Installing a profile below its rated minimum pitch risks water pooling and leaks, so accurate pitch measurement before profile selection is critical.
What is Colorbond Klip-Lok and why is it more expensive?
Klip-Lok 700 is a concealed-fix roofing profile. Instead of screws driven through the sheet face, it uses engineered clips fixed to the roof frame. The sheets interlock over the clips, creating a roof surface with no visible fasteners. This system provides superior water resistance, accommodates thermal expansion on long-run sheets, and produces clean lines with no screw heads. The clip system and higher material specification make it the most expensive standard Colorbond profile, but it’s the preferred choice for architectural homes and large commercial roofs.
Can Colorbond roofing profiles be used for wall cladding?
Yes. Custom Orb, Trimdek, Spandek, and Mini Orb are all used for walling applications on residential and commercial buildings. Mini Orb is built as a decorative walling and feature profile, while the others serve dual roofing and walling functions. Using the same profile and colour on your roof and walls creates a coordinated exterior finish.
What BMT thickness should I choose for my Colorbond roof?
For most residential homes in South-East Queensland, 0.42mm BMT is the standard specification. It provides adequate strength for standard roof loads and wind conditions. 0.48mm BMT is recommended for larger roofs, commercial applications, homes in cyclone-rated areas, and roofs carrying mounted equipment like solar panels or air conditioning units. Your roofer should recommend the right thickness based on your specific roof and location.
What is Colorbond Ultra and when do I need it?
Colorbond Ultra is a Colorbond steel product with enhanced corrosion resistance, built for homes and buildings in severe marine environments. It uses BlueScope’s Activate technology with additional protective layers. If your property is on or near the coast (Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or bayside Brisbane), Colorbond Ultra may be required to achieve full warranty coverage and ensure the roof performs for its expected lifespan. A.M.J specifies Colorbond Ultra on coastal projects where standard Colorbond would be at risk of premature corrosion.
How long do Colorbond roofs last?
Colorbond steel has been tested to last up to 70 years under Australian conditions, and the steel base has been rated to last as long as 100 years when installed correctly in less demanding environments. The actual lifespan depends on the product (standard Colorbond vs Colorbond Ultra), the environment (coastal vs inland), the profile and installation quality, and whether the roof is maintained with periodic inspections and cleaning. BlueScope offers manufacturer warranties of up to 45 years on eligible Colorbond products, and A.M.J backs every full roof replacement with a 10-year written workmanship warranty.
Does the colour of my Colorbond roof affect energy efficiency?
Yes. Lighter Colorbond colours reflect more solar radiation and absorb less heat than darker colours. Most Colorbond colours include Thermatech solar reflectance technology, which can reduce cooling energy costs by up to 20%. In Queensland’s climate, where air conditioning runs for five to six months a year, a lighter roof colour paired with roof insulation underneath
