Zincalume steel roofing is a popular choice among commercial and industrial buildings, houses and factories. It has been known to be more cost-effective than similar products while providing stronger constructions.
The metal offers several advantages over other types of roofs available in the market today and one should know them before buying or installing Zincalume steel.
What is Colorbond?
Colorbond steel is a range of corrugated roofing products which are produced using different base metals and coatings to produce different colours.
The metal sheets are heated, then coated in molten aluminium, zinc or chromium to give them their colour. The coating process can take up to 30 minutes per panel. To make the product tougher, an epoxy resin layer can be added to the top of the panels.
This resin is available in white, grey, black, brown and other colours for aesthetic purposes. It generally takes between four hours and two days for finished Colorbond panels to cool down at various stages throughout the manufacturing process before they are ready for shipping.
What is Colorbond Roofing?
Steel roofing or Colorbond steel roofing is the most common form of roofing used in Australia. It is known for its strength and durability, rust resistance, low-maintenance requirements and its ability to be recycled at the end of its life span. Colorbond steel comes in a range of colours and finishes, including grey, white and green, so it can fit almost any style preference.
It is made from multiple layers of thin sheets of steel which are hot-dipped in zinc chromate before being coated with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which adds to both colour and weather resistance: this ensures that Colorbond roofs resist rust and corrosion throughout their lifetime.
The metallic coating on top of the Colorbond panels also ensures the roof doesn’t retain heat, which is a bonus for hot climates.
Why Use Colorbond Steel Roofing?
Colorbond steel roofing is extremely durable and long-lasting, so it can last up to 25-30 years in some cases. The product has been tested for almost 100 years, with many roofs still in place from when they were originally installed in the early 1900s. Colorbond roofs are often used on commercial properties such as warehouses, factories and commercial buildings because of their strength and ability to withstand high winds and heavy rain without denting or rusting too easily. The metal sheets come in a variety of thicknesses which allow them to be suitable for most levels of commercial, residential and industrial buildings.
The natural Colorbond finish can help to improve insulation and energy efficiency in homes and commercial properties by reflecting the sun’s heat and light. The coating on top of the panels also makes them easy to clean; you can wash off dirt, grime and other materials which build up over time. If the panels begin to rust or corrode because of age or wear-and-tear, they can easily be replaced without removing the entire roof.
What is Zincalume?
Zincalume is a metal, looks like steel but is made of an alloy of aluminium and zinc. It has high corrosion resistance properties which are better than the average steel roof would have due to its zinc coating. Zincalume can be used for DIY projects in conjunction with other materials such as roofing felt or rainwater heads/pipes/drains.
What is Zincalume? How does it compare to normal steel? What is it good for?
When looking at the atomic level, steel consists mainly of iron atoms, while Zincalume consists mainly of aluminium and zinc atoms. The main chemical difference shows when exposed to water whereas aluminium forms a protective oxide coating steel does not. If the steel is exposed to water, it will rust and eventually corrode away while aluminium oxide protects Zincalume from corrosion just like regular aluminium does.
Zincalume is a type of metal roof that consists mainly of an alloy of aluminium and zinc and has high corrosion resistance properties compared to regular steel roofs which do not have good weathering, saltwater or harsh conditions-resistant features. It can be used for DIY projects in conjunction with other materials such as roofing felt or rainwater heads/pipes/drains.
Does Colorbond Roof Rust?
Colourbond, also known as Colorbond, is a tradename of AUBE (Austria) Pty Ltd, specialist steel manufacturers which manufacture and market building materials. Colourbond refers to two different types of steel sheet products: Galvanised Steel and Zincalume Steel.
These are both hot-dipped galvanized steels that have been coated with a layer of zinc for corrosion protection. Colourbond’s third member was Aluminium Alloy Alclad, however, this has since been discontinued due to difficulties in installing it and there had been no reported warranty issues regarding any problems with this cladding product.
The use of “colour” in the name reflects the range of colours available at the time of development for this material.
AUBE manufactures and supplies Colourbond Zincalume steel sheeting as un-painted galvanised steel for colour matching. The same material is offered painted as “Colourbond”. These products are referred to as “Zincalume” and “Colorbond” respectively.
Typical Applications Include:
– Roofing, walls & guttering on residential, commercial and industrial buildings;
– External cladding of caravans and mobile homes;
– Decorative internal partitions and ceilings.
The main advantage is that it has a 20-year warranty against rust and peeling – whereas most other metal roofs have what manufacturers call “limited” or 10-year warranties.
What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Using Colorbond?
The major advantage of Colorbond is that the panels are made from recycled steel and as a result, they are a very durable steel product. In addition to this advantage, they come in a variety of colours and looks different from ordinary tin roofs which makes them appealing to homeowners. Another advantage is that they can be used for roofs metal houses and sheds. Major disadvantages of Colorbond include: extreme weather conditions like snow and rain may damage these kinds of roofing making them rust and rot over time requiring maintenance or replacement because of wear and tear.
The coating system may wear out after some time preventing further leakages which cause inconveniences for the homeowner, for instance, increased heating costs during winter due to the absence of insulation.
What is the Advantages and Disadvantages of uUsing Zincalume?
Zincalume roofing is a new metal technology that has been created in Australia and was designed to be able to compete with the leading steel companies. Zincalume was developed using advanced materials and surface treatments, creating a product that is corrosion-resistant, lightweight and can reduce cooling costs by reflecting ultra-violet radiation.
There are many reasons why people choose Zincalume over other products such as Colorbond, but there are also disadvantages to choosing Zincalume. Read on to find out more about this exciting new technology:
Colorbond and Zincalume Comparison
Zincalume uses 60% less energy than Colorbond! This means that while you’re helping the environment by reducing greenhouse emissions, you’re also helping your bank account because it requires less energy to cool your home.
Zincalume provides a 20-year warranty against rust and can withstand corrosion – whereas most other durable metal or steel roofs have what manufacturers call “limited” or 10-year warranties.
If you do not want Zincalume roofing, Zincalume does not come painted which means that you can paint it whatever colour you want! So if black is your favourite colour, go for it! You are also able to choose from four different textures.
One drawback of Zincalume roofing is the price difference between Zincalume and Colorbond- at least $3000 more per kilo compared to Color bond.
In terms of climatic conditions, Zincalume is superior as it performs well at both hot and cold temperatures as well as wet or dry weather. Zincalume might not be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. In comparison, Colorbond only performs at one of those extremes – for example, in very hot climates the Colorbond coating will peel giving you a rusty roof with less protection from the sun.
Another downside to Zincalume roofing is that it requires regular cleaning and maintenance and if you live in an area where there are high winds like cyclones, your Zincalume may not be able to handle them because of excess movement, therefore, requiring replacement after time which can also incur costs.
Many property owners always wonder what roofing would be best in terms of thermal efficiency benefits, advanced technology, high cost, environmental friendly etc. You can check out the frequently asked questions from roof installation specialists. There are several design options available choose a roofing style that works well for you.
