Colorbond steel and Zincalume steel are popular roofing materials used across Australia, allowing you to quickly add a roof to your home that will protect it for years to come. These materials can seem very similar, but there are several differences that you should be aware of before making your decision. Let’s take a look at their differences to see which is right for you.
What are the key differences between Colorbond roofing and Zincalume roofing?
- While both are considered highly durable, Colorbond Steel takes this to another level and is specifically designed for harsh Australian conditions
- Zincalume is not as energy efficient as Colorbond, as it can get quite warm
- Colorbond steel has more choices when it comes to colour & aesthetics offering over 22 standard colours, whereas Zincalume only offers one
- Zincalume is a more affordable option, making it a great choice for homeowners on a budget
Overview of Colorbond Roofing
Colorbond is coated steel created by BlueScope Steel. They use high-quality steel to create a durable and weather-resistant roof that helps to regulate the temperature in your home. The steel is designed to be easy to clean and maintain, lasting for seventy years with an extended warranty.
Colorbond roofing materials & composition
Colorbond steel is high-quality, pre-painted steel that can last up to seventy years. The paint is baked on at a high temperature to give the steel its weather resistance and durability.
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
Learn more about colorbond roofing installation options in Brisbane.
Colorbond roofing durability & longevity
Colorbond roofing is very durable and is designed to last for around seventy years. Before Colorbond steel makes its way to your roof, it has undergone rigorous tests to ensure it can withstand Australian weather. It is tested against corrosion and outdoor exposure, complying with Australian standards AS1397 and AS/NZ 2728.
Colorbond is a popular choice in areas prone to bushfires as it can survive adjacent fires. You don’t need to worry about the roof either, as it comes with an extended warranty, protecting you from surprise costs.
Overview of Zincalume roof
Zincalume steel is made from zinc, aluminium, and silicon and has been a popular option for roofs across Australia since the 1970s. It is designed to last four times longer than galvanised steel and like Colorbond, is also manufactured by BlueScope Steel.
Zincalume undergoes extensive testing to ensure they are resistant to the elements and will last for years.
Zincalume roof materials & composition
Zincalume is a mixture of zinc, aluminium, and silicon, designed to be one of the toughest steel products on the market. The combination of these three materials makes it incredibly durable and suitable for almost any environment.
Zincalume roof colours & profiles
Unfortunately, Zincalume only comes in one colour. You can purchase it in its silver, shiny aluminium colour only. Unlike Colorbond, there are no options to customise the Zincalume roof, which can put some customers off. Over time, the shine on your Zincalume roof can fade, too, which can be noticeable and detract from the appearance of your house.
Learn more about Zincalume roof installation options.
Zincalume roof durability & longevity
Zincalume steel is super durable and will last for years. It can last for four times longer than galvanised steel, making it a fantastic choice if you don’t want to replace your roof again. It is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions without showing signs of damage and is offered as a more long-lasting alternative than galvanised steel.
Its strength makes it perfect for those worried about corrosion, and it is less likely to get scratched or damaged, so you don’t need to worry about cats climbing on your roof or debris from trees hitting it.
How do colorbond roofing costs compare to Zincalume roof costs?
Colorbond sheets cost between $18 and $389 per sheet, making replacing your entire roof very expensive. You can spend between $15,000 and $25,000 on your roof, with labour costs varying depending on where you live.
By contrast, Zincalume is cheaper and costs between $18 and $21 per sheet. You can save money when using Zincalume while also enjoying a durable roof that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Learn more about our Zincalume roofing options in Brisbane.
How energy efficient are both options?
Colorbond is more energy efficient than Zincalume, as it allows your house to remain cool during the summer. When using Colorbond steel on your home, you might find that your energy bills are lower, with Zincalume causing you to spend more on air conditioning to keep your house cool.
Colorbond Roofing energy efficiency
Colorbond steel is very energy efficient, but how energy efficient your roof will be depends on the colour that you choose. Colorbonds’ five light colours are solar reflective, while the other colours (except Night Sky) use solar reflectance technology. With this technology, your roof acts as a thermal insulator, helping to keep the temperature comfortable in your home.
Some users find colorbond roofs can help to cool their homes too, especially if they are reflecting light and heat away. This reduces how often you need to use your air conditioner, saving you money on your energy bills.
Zincalume roof energy efficiency
Zincalume steel radiates heat, making it more likely to heat your home than keep it cool. The shiny colour can heat up quite quickly, causing your home to retain heat. While this can be helpful during the winter, in the summer months, it is not ideal. You might find that you need to run your air conditioning unit more, causing your energy bills to rise.
How much maintenance is required?
Both Colorbond and Zincalume steel require minimal maintenance. They need to be washed every six months, helping to keep your roof clean and free from debris. You need to take more care when cleaning Zincalume than Colorbond, and you might need to be on the roof rather than just hosing it from a distance.
Colorbond roofing maintenance requirements
Colorbond is very easy to maintain, especially if you don’t have much time or don’t want to climb on your roof regularly. They will need to be cleaned every six months, focusing your attention on areas that rainwater does not reach. To clean the roof, you need to use fresh and clean water to hose down the roof, keeping it clean and free from debris.
Zincalume roof maintenance requirements
Zincalume has similar maintenance requirements to Colorbond. You will need to wash the steel every six months to remove any debris or dirt. You should do this with fresh, clean water, but you do need to take extra care when cleaning Zincalume. You must clean in the direction of the grain with a soft cloth or sponge and rinse thoroughly if a mild detergent has been used.
Pressure washers should be avoided to ensure there is no damage to the roof.
Pros & cons for each option
To help you decide which option is right for you, we have outlined the pros and cons of colorbond and Zincalume roofing materials.
Benefits of Colorbond Roofing
- They are environmentally friendly and made from recyclable materials, making them a fine choice for eco-friendly homes
- They feature an extended twenty-five-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about costly repairs or replacements
- They do need much maintenance, making them ideal for busy homes
- They help improve the insulation and thermal efficiency of your home, saving you money on your energy bills
- They can last for seventy years and are durable to corrosion and outdoor exposure
Drawbacks of Colorbond roofing
- Adding to the roof after it is installed can be tricky, and parts of it may need to be cut away to add solar panels, increasing the installation time and costs
- Rainwater can be very loud when falling on the roof, which some users find distracting and interrupts their sleep
Benefits of Zincalume roof
- Zincalume can be more affordable than Colorbond while offering many of the same features
- Zincalume has a super long lifespan, so you don’t need to worry about replacing your home’s roof once this is down
- Zincalume is one of the toughest steel products available, making it very durable and weather-resistant
- Zincalume steel is resistant to corrosion and scratching
Drawbacks of Zincalume roof
- The shiny metal colour makes Zincalume less energy efficient as it naturally radiates heat
- The colour of Zincalume cannot be changed, and it can dull over time, impacting the appearance of your home
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.
