Should You Expect Rust with Colorbond Roofing? A very common question asked to our estimators.
Repairing and maintaining your roof can add significant costs, which is why many property owners are looking for less costly 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 a new thing; copper roofs were used centuries ago by the Romans, Indians and other cultures. Although tile roofs like terracotta or concrete are still regarded as the first choice in terms of roofing products. However metal roofing is gaining ground because it has numerous advantages over more traditional roofing.
One of the best performing roofing materials on the market is Colorbond. Colorbond is technically a steel roof that is bonded with a paint finish. Developed by the company BlueScope Steel, a leader on the Australian roofing market. 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 minimum maintenance. Its long life is what contributes to a lower cost overall, with low cost of roof restoration and the roofing installed.
How Is Metal roofing So Weather-Resistant?
Adding a protective zinc coating to metal roofs was first done in France, in 1837. This led to a convenient material to cover 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 aluminum 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 out there, the producer recommends setting realistic expectations in case 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.
At the end of its lifespan, having survived 50 years, within 5km of the ocean.
Does Colorbond Roofing Rust?
So here is the big question: does Colorbond roofing rust? 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 aluminum, galvanised steel or zinc will contribute to the corrosion of the material. When designing your Colorbond steel, make sure that water coming from lead or copper pipes will not drain over the Colorbond.
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.
Contact us for more information or a obligation free roofing quote:
Call 1300 296 842 or Contact us online today, we are happy to help!