Colorbond vs Zincalume – Which Is Best For Your Roof?

Your roof is an essential part of your home. Done professionally, it seals your house, protects it from water leaks and increases your property value. Most importantly, your roof brings your home to life for many years to come.

At Heritage Plumbing, we know the value of your roof and what it means for your home. Since we began roof plumbing in Melbourne almost a decade ago, we have witnessed every issue that can occur in roofing.

From our years of experience in roof plumbing, we know that it’s important to choose the right product for your unique property needs. While there are many roofing materials available, COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® are two of the most popular.

Designed by a specialist steel company, these two durable forms of roofing have become some of the most attractive in today’s market. When it comes to deciding which product to use, understanding how they differ and the advantages and disadvantages of each can help.

To help you choose the best option for your roof, here’s everything you need to know about Colorbond and Zincalume.

What is Colorbond® Roofing?

Secure, durable and energy smart, Colorbond steel is a popular roofing material. Created in the mid-nineteenth century, Colorbond was the solution to corrugated roofs. While corrugated roofs were robust, they corroded easily so needed regular painting. In response, Colorbond steel was created as a better alternative.

Since its introduction in Australia in 1966, Colorbond has become one of the most attractive roofing options. As a pre-painted steel material with a Zincalume core, Colorbond is strong yet lightweight. Manufactured by BlueScope Steel Limited, strict design, manufacturing and testing procedures are followed to ensure it is built to last.

With its long lifespan, Colorbond steel is used on roofs across Australia. Available in a wide range of colours, the product is thermally efficient, highly resistant to corrosion and easy to maintain. Offering exceptional benefits, it’s no wonder that Colorbond steel has become a popular roofing material.

What is Zincalume® Roofing?

Tough, reliable and durable, Zincalume steel is another popular roofing material. Made from zinc, aluminium and silicon, this product lasts four times longer than galvanised steel. Since its introduction in Australia in the 1970s, it has been used in many properties across the country.

Also manufactured by BlueScope Steel Limited, Zincalume steel undergoes extensive testing. Over the last 17 years, more than 5,000 Zincalume steel panels have been tested in real-world conditions. The panels’ resistance to all elements proves that Zincalume is one of the toughest steel materials available.

Zincalume steel also offers long-lasting performance. Like Colorbond, it is thermally efficient, highly resistant to corrosion and easy to maintain. As one of the most durable and economic forms of roofing, it is a popular choice for Australian roofs.

What is The Difference Between Colorbond® And Zincalume® Roofing?

Since your roof is a long-term investment, it’s important to choose the best option for your home. While Colorbond and Zincalume are both strong, durable and long-lasting, there is a key difference that you should consider.

The key difference between Colorbond and Zincalume is, in fact, colour. While Colorbond is available in 22 colours, Zincalume comes in one standard aluminium colour. This difference can impact the look and appeal of your home.

Colorbond’s wide range of colours has been designed to suit all styles. Inspired by Australia, the colours are grouped into contemporary, classic, matt and ultra palettes. Whether you prefer cool, warm, light, dark, subtle or bold shades, Colorbond has colours to match your home’s theme or help you create it.

On the other hand, Zincalume steel comes in one standard aluminium colour. Since it does not have a layer of custom paint, its colour cannot be tailored to your home’s theme. Its shiny metal look also dulls over time, which may detract from your home’s appeal.

When it comes to choosing the best roofing option for your home, you need to decide whether colour is important. The fact that one product can come in colours to suit your home and the other cannot is a factor that you should consider.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Colorbond®

To help you decide whether it is the best option for your roof, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of Colorbond roofing in Melbourne.

Advantages of Colorbond®

Resistant in All Weather Conditions

Tested in Australian conditions, Colorbond roofing is weather-resistant. Whether it is extreme heat, cold, rain or wind, this product can withstand it all. It is even compliant for use in bushfire prone areas. Undergoing extensive corrosion, durability and exposure testing, Colorbond steel is strong and secure, no matter the weather.

Durability

Colorbond roofing is incredibly durable. With its ACTIVATE® technology and five layers of protection that comply with Australian Standards (AS1397 and AS/NZS 2728), this roofing material is built to last. Each layer offers added strength, protection and technology that increases the product’s durability.

Colour And Design Range

Colorbond’s wide range of colours and designs let you customise your roof to your home. Available in 22 contemporary, classic, matt or ultra shades, there is a colour to suit every theme. Colorbond is also available in a variety of designs, including corrugated, panel and weatherboard. These options allow you to match your roof to your unique property needs.

Energy Efficient

This roofing material improves your home’s energy efficiency. Featuring Thermatech® technology that reflects the sun’s rays, it helps keep your home cool, so you use your air conditioner less. What’s more, choosing the highly energy-efficient lighter roof colours may qualify for a roof insulation concession.

Low Maintenance And Long Life

Colorbond roofing’s durability means that it is easy to maintain and long-lasting. Simply washing it with water every so often is enough to maintain its look. If maintained properly, your Colorbond roof can last at least 30 years.

Disadvantages Of Colorbond®

Colorbond Roofing Cost

The main disadvantage of Colorbond roofing in Melbourne is its cost. Aside from installation and labour costs, the Colorbond roofing cost can be higher than other options.

The Colorbond roofing cost varies depending on the type of roof sheets you need. For example, Colorbond roof sheets with enhanced durability cost more than basic corrugated sheets. Typically, it costs between $18 to $40 per sheet.

While the Colorbond roofing cost needs to be considered, it is important to remember this product’s superior quality and long life. With its low maintenance, you will also save more in the long run. Your roof needs to keep your home safe and secure, so investing in Colorbond steel ensures this protection for many years.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Zincalume®

To help you decide whether it is the best option for your roof, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of Zincalume roofing.

Advantages of Zincalume®

Toughness

Zincalume is one of the toughest steel products available. Its zinc, aluminium and silicon components make it exceptionally durable. Highly resistant to corrosion and scratching, this roofing material is not easily damaged.

Long Lifespan

Its incredible toughness also gives it a long lifespan. Developed after extensive research into improving galvanised steel, Zincalume’s components ensure long-lasting performance. In fact, Zincalume steel lasts four times longer than galvanised steel.

More Affordable

Zincalume roofing is an affordable option that still delivers results. Strong, lightweight, non-combustible and resistant in all weather conditions, it offers many benefits at a lower price compared to some roofing materials.

Disadvantages Of Zincalume®

Standard Aluminium Colour

Zincalume’s standard aluminium colour is a significant disadvantage. Since it does not have a layer of custom paint, this product only comes in one colour. This means that the material cannot be tailored to your home’s theme. Prone to dull over time, its shiny metal colour can also detract from the look and appeal of your home.

Less Energy Efficient

Due to its shiny metal colour, Zincalume steel is less energy efficient than some roofing materials. The steel sheeting is so shiny that it naturally radiates heat. As a result, your home can also become less energy efficient.

Which is The Best Option For Your Roof?

As two of the most popular roofing materials, COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® differ in many ways. When it comes to deciding which option is best for your roof, you should consider your unique property needs and the advantages and disadvantages of each product.

While both roofing materials are incredibly durable, if you are seeking superior quality, you can’t go wrong with Colorbond steel. Even though the initial outlay is higher than Zincalume’s, Colorbond’s customisable colour, low maintenance and long life make it a great investment for the long run. Choosing Colorbond roofing will not only add value to your property but bring your home to life for many years to come.

If you are looking for Colorbond roofing installation or Colorbond roof replacement in Melbourne, we provide a fully comprehensive range of services tailored to your property. At Heritage Plumbing, we understand how important your home is to you, which is why we take the time to get to know your requirements.

When it comes to Colorbond roofing in Melbourne, we provide the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety and service. If you are looking for a roof plumber in Melbourne, our team can assess your needs and give you a roofing quote.

For a no-obligation discussion on Colorbond roofing installation, Colorbond roof replacement or roof plumbing, contact us today on (03) 9498 0458.

Do you have any questions about the differences between Colorbond and Zincalume? Want to know more about these steel roofing options? Leave a comment below and our friendly team will be happy to help.

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