COLORBOND steel is not only strong but very lightweight when compared to alternative roofing materials - and that eases the load on the entire frame and foundations of the house.
On a typical suburban home a COLORBOND steel roof weighs just over a tonne, where the alternative weighs around ten tonnes - thats like parking a truck on the roof. The benefits of a lightweight roof for the rest of the house below are what one would expect: less settling and cracking when the house is new, and much less to worry about in years to come.

Not only does lightweight COLORBOND steel mean less strain on the rest of the house, it also means the roof does not develop wavy, saggy lines under its own weight, as other materials can. Lightweight COLORBOND steel may also save money on roof framing. But lightweight roofing material means more than just a better roof for an existing house design - it also allows wider spans.

Also, as wider spans need fewer internal load bearing walls, a steel roof allows for variations on a floorplan without re-engineering the structure of the home. For comfortable, plan living, plus a flexible floor plan, a steel roof is a top way to achieve more space below.

Three things happen when the sun's energy hits a roof surface: some is reflected, some is absorbed by the roof, and some is transmitted into the dwelling. Steel reflects a large proportion of heat, easing the heat of the day, and absorbs very little, allowing the house to cool more quickly in the evening.

A COLORBOND steel roof with reflective foil sarking and 50 mm of fibreglass insulation transfers as little as one third the heat radiated by similarly installed alternative roofing materials.

Even Greater Comfort

In addition to installing a roof of COLORBOND steel, extra comfort can be gained by the use of some simple design principles.

First, site your home to capture the maximum amount of winter sunlight and warmth. If possible, place windows on the northern and southern walls rather than east and west to absorb warm morning and afternoon sun. And position windows and doors to catch cool evening breezes.

Think about shading windows facing east and west with deciduous trees which allow warmth to enter in winter yet provide shade during summer months.

Use wide eave-overhangs to exclude summer sun from any north facing windows and, wherever possible, face blank walls to winter winds. And never overlook the importance of insulation. Install the appropriate insulation in roofs, walls, windows and, in cold climates, floors. Whatever the climate, whatever the weather, COLORBOND steel is the most energy efficient roofing material money can buy.

Duribility

COLORBOND prepainted steel has been developed to withstand the rigours of the Australian environment. Added to the natural strength and durability of steel is the latest technology in protective alloy coating and long-lasting bonded paint finishes. That's why BHP confidently backs its COLORBOND prepainted steel with warranties of up to 25 years. COLORBOND steel has its paint finish baked onto ZINCALUME zinc/aluminium alloy-coated steel - a long lasting base for a long lasting colour finish. A COLORBOND steel roof will keep its good looks and remain secure and weathertight long after alternatives are likely to need refinishing or repairs.

1. A zinc/aluminium alloy is coated onto the structural steel base.
2. A conversion layer is chemically applied to enhance coating adhesion.
3. An epoxy primer is baked onto the surface.
4. A durable, exterior grade top-coat is baked on.