Insulation
Q. What insulation is needed with a steel roof?
A. Almost 75 per cent of all heat entering an uninsulated house comes
through the roof, so the choice of roofing material and insulation is
critical. A properly insulated COLORBOND steel roof can help keep your
home much cooler in hot weather.
For best effect it should have reflective foil sarking laid over the supports with 50 mm of fibreglass on top of the foil and the roofing laid direct on top of the fibreglass. To simplify installation, the fibreglass blanket is available with the foil attached.
Both parts of the insulation serve particular purposes:
- Foil forms a vapour barrier to prevent condensation from forming on the
underside of the steel roof and as insulation to reduce heat flow inward on
hot days.
- Fibreglass helps reduce heat flow inwards during summer and retains
heat inside the building during winter. It also reduces the sound of rain on
the roof and dampens any sound vibration in the sheeting.
- Positioning a house to maximise the effect of sun and breezes in summer
and winter can give substantial benefits with any roofing material.
However, properly insulated steel maximises the effect by reducing heat
flow through the roof.
For best effect it should have reflective foil sarking laid over the supports with 50 mm of fibreglass on top of the foil and the roofing laid direct on top of the fibreglass. To simplify installation, the fibreglass blanket is available with the foil attached.
Maintenance
Q. Does a steel roof need any special maintenance?
A. No. ZINCALUME steel and COLORBOND steel are highly durable
materials requiring little maintenance. Routine washing with water is
usually enough to keep their appearance for many years, so roofs that
are washed by rain require no washing.
Unwashed areas such as soffit linings, garage doors and walls shielded by eaves should be washed about every six months. Around the house, these jobs can be done while washing the car or watering the garden. COLORBOND steel fences can also be given a quick wash down with the garden hose.
Q. Can I match gutters and downpipes with my COLORBOND steel roof?
A. Yes, leading roll formers make a wide range of rainwater goods and
other products from ZINCALUME steel and COLORBOND steel to
complement their roofing profiles. For example, bullnose verandahs
can give a heritage feel in matching corrugated profile, and translucent
sheeting is available in all of the main roofing profiles. Roller doors,
fences and backyard sheds can all be matched to a COLORBOND steel
roof colour, and the same colours can be powder-coated or painted on
other materials.
Replacing Home Guttering
Elimate the possibility of receiving fatal electric shocks. Any home that has an overhead electrical system connection should undergo a safety check of the point of attachment before work commences.
Cleaning Leaves Out of Guttering
To ensure safe removal of debris, use a dry wooden stick or wooden broom handle to push the leaves at least a metre away from the point of attachment. This method should be used for removing objects lodged in the guttering near the electrical wires.
Note: The stick or broom handle must never touch any part of the wires or connections.
Noise
Q. Will rain make a lot of noise on a steel roof?
A. No, an insulating blanket placed directly under a COLORBOND steel
roof dampens sound vibrations to reduce noise - making for a peaceful
environment inside. Noise generated by rain or hail can be tailored to
your personal preference. For many people, the sound of rain on a "tin
roof" is a fond memory to be reclaimed from their childhood.
Q. Does a steel roof make creaking or groaning noises with temperature
changes?
A. Not if installed properly. Normal foil insulation prevents these noises,
which can occur when temperature changes cause the steel to expand
or contract. Because these noises are caused by the steel rubbing on
the frame, they are easily eliminated by inserting foil or foil-and-blanket
insulation between the steel sheets and the supports. Foil also
provides heat insulation, while foil-and-blanket insulation has the extra
benefit of dampening the sound of rain.
Cost Efficiency
Q. Will COLORBOND steel roofing save me money?
A. Often it can, particularly in the long term. Its thermal efficiency can greatly
reduce cooling costs in summer and, properly insulated, can also
reduce winter heating costs. Because COLORBOND steel roofing is
oven-baked to resist chipping, cracking, peeling or fading, its
maintenance costs are very low. Being light in weight, it reduces the risk
of cracking and pressure on the foundations, and can save money on
roof framing. Warranties of up to 25 years on genuine COLORBOND
steel set the mind at ease, reflecting the long life and durability of a
modern steel roof.
|