Colorbond and concrete tiles are both popular roofing choices, each offering strong thermal insulation, durability, and a wide range of colours. In this guide, we’ll explore how they compare in terms of cost, maintenance, and overall benefits. While concrete tiles provide reliable protection, many homeowners find that Colorbond’s lighter weight, lower maintenance requirements, and design versatility make it a standout choice. Ultimately, understanding the key differences will help you decide which option best meets your needs.
What are the key differences between Colorbond roofing and concrete tiles?
- Colorbond roofs are more expensive than concrete tile roofs
- Colorbond metal roofs have less soundproofing than concrete tile roofs
- Colorbond roofs don’t last as long as concrete tile roofs, which can last up to a hundred years
- Colorbond roofs come with a longer warranty than concrete tile roofs, reassuring you that you won’t have to pay any unexpected costs
- Colorbond roofs are easier to maintain, only needing to be cleaned twice a year
- Colorbond roofs come in a wider variety of colours than concrete tile roofs
- Colorbond is better equipped to handle harsh Australian weather conditions
Overview of Colorbond Roofing
Colorbond roofing is pre-painted steel, created by BlueScope Steel. It is made using high-quality steel, which is coated in a layer of specially designed paint. The paint is baked onto the steel at a high temperature to increase its durability and make it weather resistant. The material is easy to clean and maintain and does an excellent job of retaining heat, saving you money on your energy bills.
Colorbond roofing materials & composition
Colorbond is made with steel which is covered in a layer of specially designed paint. The paint provides fantastic durability and helps the steel last for longer. It reduces the maintenance required, too, and helps to keep the heat in your home, reducing the cost of your energy bills.
Colorbond roofing colours & profiles
Colorbond roofing is available in a variety of classic and contemporary colours, which we have listed below.
Classic colours
- Classic cream
- Cottage green
- Deep ocean
- Manor red
- Night sky
- Pale eucalypt
- Woodland grey
- Paperbark
Contemporary colours
- Surfmist
- Evening haze
- Shale grey
- Dune
- Windspray
- Gully
- Wallaby
- Jasper
- Basalt
- Monument
- Ironstone
Colorbond roofing durability & longevity
Colorbond roofs are extremely durable and are designed to last for years. They have been tested against corrosion and outdoor exposure, compiling with Australian standards AS1397 and AS/NZ 2728 to reassure you that they are safe and will work well.
You can use them in bushfire zones, and they are designed to last for up to seventy years. You also get an impressive twenty-five-year warranty on Colorbond roofs, so you don’t need to worry about unexpected repair costs.
Overview of concrete tiles
Concrete roof tiles are a traditional method of covering a roof. The durable tiles will last for years, protecting your home from rain, wind, and hail. Concrete tiles do require some maintenance but are considered more low maintenance than other roofing materials. The tiles are a reasonably priced option and can be purchased in a variety of colours and styles.
concrete tile materials & composition
Concrete tiles are made from concrete, making them incredibly durable and helping to keep your home dry. They are made by mixing sand, cement, and water before being moulded under high pressure to create their shape.
Concrete tiles are considered relatively low maintenance compared to other tile materials and are thick enough to block sound, too, helping to keep your home peaceful.
concrete tile colours & profiles
Concrete tiles are available in several neutral and bright colours, including blue, green, grey, and beige. You can find them to mimic other tiles’ appearances, too, like wood and slate.
Concrete tile roofs can be purchased as flat or curved tiles. Concrete tiles are most commonly flat, offering a sleek look to your home. However, you can sometimes find decorative concrete tiles that offer interlocking or shingle designs.
concrete tiles’ durability & longevity
Concrete tile roofs can last for over one hundred years, making them incredibly durable. Their sturdy design has made them a popular choice across Australia for generations, and it is easy to see why. The tiles can withstand heavy winds, rain, and even hail, making them perfect to use in any weather conditions.
Over time, the tiles can crack or become loose, so you might need to repair or replace some, but you can expect the majority of the tiles to remain undisturbed.
How do Colorbond roofing costs compare to concrete tiles costs?
Colorbond roofs are very expensive, costing between $15,000 and $25,000 depending on the size of your roof and how many sheets are needed. In comparison, it can cost between $4,000 and $6,000 to replace your roof with concrete tiles. The lower cost makes it an excellent option for those on a budget who want a watertight roof.
The cost of concrete roofs can increase depending on the tiles you choose, with decorative and textured tiles costing you more than pain tiles.
Find out more about our Colorbond roofing services In Brisbane.
How energy efficient are both options?
Colorbond and concrete tiles are both energy efficient, helping you to save money when it comes to heating and keeping your home cool.
Colorbond Roofing energy efficiency
Colorbond roofs are very energy efficient and designed to retain the heat in your home. How energy efficient your colorbond roof is will vary on the colour that you choose. The five light colours of colorbond are solar reflective, with all other colours except Night Sky having solar reflectance technology, helping to keep your home cool during the summer.
concrete tiles’ energy efficiency
Concrete tiles are also energy efficient. They are designed to have great thermal insulation. Not only do they stop too much heat from escaping your home in the winter, but they help to keep your home cool during the summer. Doing so means that you spend less on your energy bills, helping you to save money.
How much maintenance is required?
Concrete roof tiles will require more maintenance than Colorbond, including regular inspections to prevent cracks or loose tiles from becoming a problem. The inspections can be done by yourself or a professional if you do not have the means you access your roof.
Colorbond roofs require maintenance every six months, making them much easier for busy homeowners to maintain.
Colorbond roofing maintenance requirements
Colorbond roofs are extremely low maintenance, so you never have to worry about spending your weekends on a ladder. It’s recommended that you clean your colorbond roof once every six months. All you need to do is hose it down with clean water, cleaning any areas that rainwater does not reach.
concrete tile maintenance requirements
Concrete tiles do require more maintenance than Colorbond. You will need to regularly inspect your roof regularly to ensure that all the tiles are intact. Even the smallest of movements in your tiles or cracks can cause water to leak into your roof, causing problems for your entire home. If you spot any issues on your roof, you will need to repair them immediately to prevent further damage.
Roof repairs should be done by a professional to ensure they are repaired correctly. You don’t want to make a leak worse!
Pros & cons for each option
Below, we have detailed the pros and cons of Colorbond and concrete tiles so you can see which roof is a better option for your home.
Benefits of Colorbond Roofing
- Colorbond is made from recyclable materials and is environmentally friendly
- Colorbond is backed by an extended warranty, providing peace of mind to worried homeowners
- Colorbond roofs require very little maintenance, making them easy to care for
- Colorbond roofs can last for seventy years, so you won’t need to worry about replacing it
- Colorbond roofs improve your home’s insulation and are thermally efficient, saving money on your energy bills
Drawbacks of Colorbond roofing
- The sound of rain on your roof can be quite loud, disrupting you at night. You can choose to add insulation but at an additional cost
- The roof needs to be cut into should you want to add any solar panels or air conditioners after it has been installed, delaying the installation time and increasing costs
Benefits of concrete tiles
- Concrete roof tiles offer fantastic sound insulation, so you can sleep without the rain and wind disturbing you
- Concrete tiles are termite resistant, so there is no need to worry about insects in your roof
- Concrete tiles offer fantastic thermal insulation, keeping your home cool during hot Australian summers
- Concrete tiles are fully recyclable, making them easy to dispose of when needed
- Concrete tiles can last for a hundred years, provided it is cared for properly
- Concrete roof tiles can withstand harsh weather like wind, rain, and hail
Drawbacks of concrete tiles
- You need an expert to lay the tiles, ensuring there are no gaps that can cause leaks, which increases the installation costs
- You will need to inspect the roof regularly
- You might need to repair and replace some tiles as they can break over time
Talk with a roofing expert about installation options
Want to learn more about different roofing options? Get in touch with our team of metal roofing experts in Brisbane to request a free quote.
