Due to its extreme longevity and effective performance against various types of weather conditions (including high winds), metal roofing is growing in popularity in Australia. Each type of roofing material has its pros and cons, colorbond roofing is no exception. But very few roofing options last as long or are as resilient. If you’re in the market for a new roof and wondering if roof sheeting is right for you, here are some insights to help you understand why Colorbond roofing may be a very smart option.

How to tell if your roof needs repairing

Before investing in a new roof, it’s best to first look for signs that your current roof is in need of repair. Most roofing materials last for a number of years, however, they will weaken over time. If you are unsure if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, look for these things:

From the inside:

• Light coming through the ceiling
• Rails or dark spots on the ceiling that may indicate water damage

From the outside:

• Loose material around chimneys, pipes or vents
• Water damage around gutters and downpipes
• Signs of wear around your roof valleys
• Shingles that are curled, torn, or damaged
• Shingle granules that are accumulating around your gutters
• Signs of rot or moisture

It’s important to inspect your roof twice a year and after a major storm. It’s also advisable to have a professional come and inspect your roof every two years. They can help spot any weak points or draw your attention to any damaged areas.

What is a roof replacement?

When it’s time for your roof to be fixed, it’s advisable to opt for a full roof replacement instead of reroofing. Re-roofing is the process of placing a new layer of shingles over the existing ones. This can only be done once. While re-roofing is acceptable for a roof that has minimal wear, a full roof replacement will strip your roof of all existing roofing materials (down to the deck), replacing them with new material.

If your roof is shingled, and already has two layers, you will need to do a roof replacement as no more than two layers of shingles can be placed on a roof.

While many homes have shingle or tile roofs, a more popular method to consider when performing a roof replacement is Colorbond roofing.

What is Colorbond roofing?

Colorbond roofing is a coated steel roofing material. Its popularity continues to grow with businesses and homeowners for a variety of reasons, including:

• Low maintenance
• Wide range of colour options
• Sleek, modern appearance
• Extremely long-lasting (a lifespan of 70 years)
• Lightweight construction
• Affordability
• Ability to stand up to high winds
• Reduce heating and cooling costs

There are a few things to consider when deciding on Colorbond roofing. As it is metal, for example, it’s a bit noisier than a shingle or tile option. It’s best to lay an acoustic blanket before the roofing is put on. While the colours of the roof are bonded to the metal, with the strong Australian sun, a Colorbond roof will have to be refinished around the ten-year mark. Also, if you install central air after the roof has been put on, you’ll need to cut into it for the air conditioning unit to be installed.

The benefits of Colorbond roofing

Steel roofing has a variety of benefits for homeowners, making the versatile and long-lasting building material a smart investment.

Environmentally friendly and locally produced

Colorbond steel is completely recyclable, so when the time comes to replace your metal roofing, the materials won’t end up in a landfill. Colorbond is also lightweight and that makes it easy to transport. It’s delivered pre-cut to your home, meaning there will be less waste created during the installation process as well. The best part is that Colorbond is Australian made– locally produced, not shipped in from overseas. By investing in Colorbond, you’re investing in an Australian business and local jobs.

An excellent insulator

Colorbond insulates your home well against both heat and cold as it’s a highly thermally efficient material. The metal roofing radiates less heat into your home and cools quicker at night (compared to tiled roofs). Colorbond also has a Thermatech product line that optimises the solar reflective properties of your roof. Due to better insulation, you may notice your energy bills shrink as well.

A sturdy building material that stands the test of time

As a lightweight material, Colorbond places less structural weight strain and puts less stress on the roof than tiles, which are much heavier and can add pressure to your home’s foundation. The material stands up well against high winds, inclimate weather and strong Australian sun. It’s also perfect for all types of buildings no matter the pitch (from very little to extremely steep). The material requires virtually no maintenance and resists chipping, peeling or cracking. The roof is less prone to leaks, is non-combustible, and termite resistant as well.

Prevents water pooling

Unlike a tiled roof, steel roofing materials like Colorbond help ensure water run off easily the surface. The ridges of Colorbond sheeting are specially designed to wick away rainwater, ensuring less chance of leaks inside your home. In comparison, a tiled roof that is improperly installed with cracked tiles can lead to pooling water and water damage to the underlying roof surface.

A wide range of colours and styles

Not only does Colorbond come in a variety of long-lasting shades and colours to complement the existing structure, the sheeting is available in a range of profiles to suit your home’s overall design. With a lightweight construction, Colorbond also offers impressive spanning capabilities. This means you will require less columns throughout your home to hold up your roof, giving you more freedom to explore versatile open floor concept designs.

Colorbond roofing prices

Colorbond is one of the world’s more popular roofing materials, and, with its wide range of colours and profiles, offers strength and longevity, offering customers more than just a metal roof.

The pricing of Colorbond is quite reasonable, with costs around $18-$36.50 per sheet. While basic corrugated roofing will cost $18/sheet, the most durable Colorbond Ultra will cost $36.50/sheet.

As a rule of thumb expect to pay:

• $18 for basic corrugated roofing (which is best suited for sheds rather than houses)
• $24.00 for double-sided Colorbond (best for pergolas or other structures where both sides of the metal sheeting are exposed)
• $21.50 for a powder-coated Colorbond sheet (generally the most popular choice)
• $36.50 for Colorbond Ultra sheets (recommended for coastal properties affected by salt and corrosion)

Generally, the cost of replacing a roof with Colorbond ranges from $9,000-$30,000:

• Small homes (200-300 square metres) range between $9,000-$13,000
• Mid-size homes (150-200 square metres) range between $13,000-$18,000
• Large homes (200-300 square metres) range between $18,000 and $26,000
• Extra-large homes (300-400 square metres) range between $26,000 and $30,000

This pricing is a guide only.

What to look for when choosing a roof repair specialist

When you’re ready to install a new roof on your home, make sure you take the time to find a knowledgeable roof contractor that can handle the job. Look for:

A local contractor

You want a business that’s established in the community and has a good reputation. If you have any problems with a warranty in years to come, you’ll want to know the same contractor will still be in business and available to honour it.

A contractor that’s insured

Ask contractors if they have worker’s compensation and liability insurance, and ask to see the certificates. Take the time to call the insurance carrier to confirm the validity of the documentation.

Referrals

Pick a contractor based on referrals by asking friends and family, looking for referral signs on nearby properties, or by doing some online preliminary research. Avoid door knockers who offer free roof inspections, then get you to try and sign a letter of intent.

Job details in writing

Ask a contractor to outline the details of the job in writing, laying out the details surrounding the work including the payment terms, the size of the team, how long the job will take and the date of completion. It’s advisable not to pay until the work is complete and you are satisfied with the results.

Good communication

Choose a contractor that will be up-front with you and communicates well. That means looking for someone who returns calls promptly, sends documentation when you ask for it, and follows through on requests. If they aren’t giving you what you need before an agreement is in place, it may be a sign of what to expect once you’ve committed to work with them.

When your home is ready for a new roof, consider Colorbond metal roofing. With a lifespan of up to 70 years and a wide range of colour options and styles, Colorbond will ensure your home stays protected while looking its best for years to come.