Should You Expect Rust with Colorbond Roofing? A very common question asked of our estimators.
Repairing and maintaining your roof can be costly, which is why many property owners are looking for less expensive and more durable roofing materials. Modern roofing systems are designed to last for many years without needing extensive maintenance.
What Is Colorbond Roofing?
Metal roofs are not new; copper roofs were used centuries ago by the Romans, Indians, and other cultures. Tile roofs like terracotta or concrete have long been the go-to choice for roofing, but metal roofing is gaining ground thanks to its advantages over these more traditional materials.
One of the best-performing roofing materials on the market is Colorbond, a steel roof bonded with a paint finish. It was developed by BlueScope Steel, a leader in the Australian roofing industry. It has been adapted to the needs of an Aussie home. Compared to other roofing, it is more lightweight, easy to maintain, weather-resistant, and cost-effective.
In terms of longevity, Colorbond roofing can last for over 50 years with minimal maintenance. This long lifespan is what keeps overall costs down, from installation through to any future roof restoration.
How Is Metal Roofing So Weather-Resistant?
Adding a protective zinc coating to metal roofs was first done in France in 1837, producing a durable material well suited to covering train sheds, factories, and other large buildings. Zinc technology is continuously being improved, with BlueScope Steel investing millions of dollars into ongoing research.
Original Colorbond steel had a zinc and aluminium coating under the paint layer, offering the needed protection against oxidation. The newest steel products used in construction work have magnesium compounds in the Zincalume layer, contributing to the durability of the material.
Although Colorbond is one of the most durable roofing materials available, the manufacturer recommends setting realistic expectations if you live in marine or industrial areas, where salt spray or chemical fumes may affect the integrity of the steel. Colorbond steel can corrode faster if exposed to moisture for a long time, or to certain chemicals.
Even in coastal locations within 5km of the ocean, a well-maintained Colorbond roof can still reach the end of a healthy 50-year lifespan.
Does Colorbond Roofing Rust?
Here’s the straightforward answer: water must get through many layers of corrosion-resistant coating before it affects the base layer.
Getting the Colorbond steel in contact with any metals other than aluminium, galvanised steel, or zinc will contribute to the corrosion of the material. When designing your roof, make sure water from lead or copper pipes doesn’t drain directly over the Colorbond steel.
Another amazing property of Colorbond steel is its ability to “heal” itself. If you need to drill or cut the Colorbond steel, only use cold cutting. This will allow the zinc in the coating to cover the exposed metal at the edge, protecting it from rust and corrosion. In BlueScope Steel, the Zincalume coating is thick enough to provide long-term protection.
Long story short: if you are careful to buy the original Colorbond steel, hire experienced contractors, like our company City2Surf Roofing, your Colorbond roof will be safe from rust for a long time. Call 1300 296 842 or contact us online today; we are happy to help!