Colorbond vs Tile Roof (+ Colorbond vs Concrete): Best Roofing Material
There’s no protecting your home from the elements without choosing the right roofing. But that’s exactly where the trouble lies: EVERYBODY struggles to decide what the best material for the roof is.
That’s fine. The many options also mean you can refine your choice and make sure it suits your plan and circumstances.
So, what exactly do we look for in a roofing material? The three most important factors are reliable quality, budget, and the right aesthetics.
For Aussie homes, the choice mostly comes down to two main options – Colorbond roofing and tile roofing.
So the debate begins.
What is Colorbond Roofing?
Most of us know what tiled roofing is. Two of the most popular roof tiles in Australia are terracotta or clay roof tiles and concrete roof tiles.
But what exactly is a Colorbond roof?
Colorbond steel roofing isn’t a new concept. It has been manufactured on our continent since the 1960s. It was developed by BlueScope Steel, in collaboration with CSIRO. While BlueScope was a special-grade steel manufacturer, CSIRO provided the paint coat technology.
So why is it exactly THE Aussie roofing choice?
The materials specs for manufacturing Colorbond steel are based on Australian Standards AS1397 and AS/NZS 2728. The final product is an extremely durable sheet, specifically designed to withstand harsh Australian conditions. This makes it the right product not just for roofs, but also for sheds, garages, water tanks, and fences.
Looking deeper, we find that Colorbond steel is made of five different layers of coating over the base steel.
- The first layer is a metallic coating – a special aluminium/zinc/magnesium alloy that enhances corrosion resistance.
- The second one is a thin layer of primer to help the finish adhere to the surface.
- Next, a special paint layer is baked on the surface to provide better UV protection.
- The topcoat is that of an exterior-grade paint which prevents damages like chipping and blistering. It also protects the inner layers from water intrusion.
The special manufacturing process makes Colorbond steel more robust and durable than ordinary galvanised steel roofing.
Now, you may have heard of Zincalume roofing and are wondering if that could be another option.
Good question. For those who are wondering what Zincalume is, it’s steel coated with a mixture of 55% aluminium, 43% zinc and 1.6% silicon. This makes it last longer than your plain galvanised steel.
Now, Zincalume is super tough and is less expensive than Colorbond. The coating is highly resistant to corrosion and damage, and the material can last for years if not decades. If you are on a budget, it can be an excellent option.
However, it does not come in as many colour options as Colorbond. Which means, you won’t have nearly as many ways to tailor it to your home’s exterior.
Besides, the shiny metal colour of Zincalume can get dull over time. The outer coating also allows a Colorbond roof to reflect solar radiation more effectively, making it a more energy-efficient option than Zincalume.
Long story short, if visual appeal is an important aspect for you – and we all care about how our homes look – then you can’t go wrong with Colorbond.
For commercial properties or warehouses where low cost outweighs the looks, Zincalume can be an excellent option.
Pros of Colorbond Steel
Now that you know how Colorbond steel is made, let’s take a quick look at some of its advantages.
Durability
The durability of the material is outright incredible. The manufacturer’s warranty varies based on the application but BlueScope offers a 20-year warranty on Colorbond in most cases. However, the material can last for as long as 50 years. Plus, it can withstand a wide variety of Australian climates.
Water Resistant
Thanks to the multiple coatings, the material is highly water resistant. So it allows the roof to shed water easily, reducing the chances of pooling.
Flexible Design Options
Colorbond is available in over 20 colours and various shapes. This makes it easy for designers to match the roof with the exterior of your home.
And if you change your mind about the colour, it’s also possible to paint it. Albeit you’ll likely need a professional to make sure it turns out well.
Easy Maintenance
A Colorbond roof hardly needs any special maintenance. A periodic hosing down should be good enough for removing debris. Thanks to the excellent durability of the paint, there is no need for frequent repainting.
Affordability
Affordability is another strong aspect of a Colorbond roof. The material cost can range between $50-$120 per square metre, which makes it an economical option.
Colorbond vs Concrete and Terracotta Roof Tiles
Time to go for a direct comparison between tiles vs Colorbond roofs over the various important parameters. To find the best roofing solution, you need to carefully consider each of these aspects.
Cost Comparison
The cost of tile roofing varies, depending on your choice of materials. Here are the approximate costs for each type as of this writing (late February 2025).
- Concrete tiles – $40 to $60 per square meter
- Terracotta tiles – $80 to $115 per square meter
- Slate tiles – $200-$500 per square meter
In comparison, the cost spectrum of Colorbond roofing is on the higher side – roughly between $55 to $100 per square metre based on the category.
At first glance, tiles seem to be a cheaper option when comparing Colorbond roof vs tile roof cost. But look closer and you’ll find other factors at play.
When you compare the weight of tile vs Colorbond roofing, tiles are much heavier and need a robust support structure. So, you will need additional reinforcements, which will drive up the installation costs.
Tiles are brittle and require careful handling to prevent cracking. Plus, to ensure proper tile alignment, more attention to detail is needed during installation. So, the labour charges for laying tiles are on the higher side.
Colorbond steel, being lighter, can be installed easily without elaborate structural support. Also, the installation is quick, reducing the time and effort. All these factors bring down the overall cost. In the long run, Colorbond roofing is usually the more cost-effective option.
Durability and Maintenance
When it comes to robustness and durability, the Colorbond roof vs tiled roof debate gets hotter. Both materials offer excellent durability and are long-lasting, making the choice tougher.
Colorbond metal roofs can withstand extreme conditions and are specially tested against corrosion. They are backed by a solid warranty and can last up to 50 years.
On the other hand, tiled roofs offer excellent resistance to extreme temperatures and heavy rain and can last for 60 years if maintained well. Besides, tiles have an extremely low moisture absorption rate, which prevents mould growth. Plus, they resist insect damage effectively.
When it comes to the maintenance needs of Colorbond roofs vs concrete tile roofs, metal is the winner. The maintenance and repair needs of Colorbond roofing are on the lower side.
Tiled roofs need to be checked for cracks – especially after extreme weather conditions. No, they won’t break from a hailstorm, but in case you live near a golf course, a stray ball might do the damage.
Tiles can also shift from an impact, resulting in gaps. Also, the underlayment may require replacement after 20-25 years.
In all, if you don’t mind the occasional maintenance, tiles are a better long-term solution.
Thermal Efficiency
Comparing Colorbond vs tile roofs in terms of energy efficiency isn’t so difficult. It depends on the physical properties of the materials.
Concrete and clay tiles have good thermal mass, which means they can absorb and store heat. During the day, they will absorb heat and release it slowly as the temperatures drop in the evening. This will help keep your home warmer in the evenings, especially during colder months.
However, on hot summer days, the material can store excess heat. In hot climates, pairing tiles with a layer of insulation and proper ventilation will make them more energy efficient.
Colorbond roofing comes with a reflective coating with a special solar reflectance technology (more in their video ad below) that reflects sunlight to keep your home cool in summer. Perfect for cutting down your power bills.
Remember, the solar absorptance of the Colorbond material will vary, depending on its colour. Light shades are better for reducing indoor heat and reducing cooling electricity requirements. Overall, Colorbond is a better choice in areas prone to heatwaves.
Note, that clay and concrete can be recycled at the end of their life cycle. Likewise, the steel used in Colorbond roofs can also be recycled to ensure sustainability. Both materials are eco-friendly options and can mitigate your home’s carbon footprint by reducing energy bills.
Looks
While it is a matter of personal preferences, there is no denying that the right aesthetics increase the appeal of your home. Additionally, it will add value to the property.
Tile roofing has a classic and timeless appeal and looks great on most Aussie homes. But you get limited colour and design options. If you are looking to add a touch of sophistication to your home, tiles can be a better option.
With more colour options, Colorbond is more versatile and matches well with the sleek look of a modern home. They come in multiple profiles like ribbed, corrugated, or a simple flat finish, which provides more versatility.
Noise
The high density and thickness of tile materials make them excellent acoustic insulators. This not only reduces rain noise but also the noise from aircraft and traffic. Moreover, they will not creak or groan from extreme temperature fluctuations. If indoor noise reduction is a priority for you, go with tiles.
At the end of the day, Colorbond is still metal. So, expect more noise during heavy rainfall. If the sound of rain on the roof isn’t relaxing for you, adding some noise insulation to the metal roof is a good idea.
FAQs: Colorbond vs Tile Roof
Is tiles or Colorbond better?
Both roofing options have their own pros and cons. Tile is the more expensive option and needs more maintenance. But it offers great aesthetics and lasts longer. Colorbond is more economical to install and offers great durability.
Is Colorbond roof worth it?
Absolutely. It is a durable and weather-resistant roofing solution that works great in Australian conditions.
Is Colorbond lighter than tiles?
When you compare Colorbond roofing vs tile roofing, Colorbond is much lighter. That makes it easier to install without the need for additional support structures.
Is Colorbond roof aluminium or steel?
Colorbond is made from a special-grade steel. It is coated with a special coating that is primarily zinc and aluminium.
