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.

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.