The Cost to Replace a Roof with Colorbond Roofing

A roof is such an important part of a property, serving essential functions like shielding your home from the elements, allowing for water drainage, and providing thermal insulation. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right kind of roofing materials.

There are a range of factors that contribute to your choice of roofing material. In Australia, our taxing sun makes it particularly important to consider heat resistance. Aesthetics are important too, as having a good-looking roof can raise the value of a home. Finally, cost in terms of materials and labour need to be factored in. 

In this article, we’re going to look at Colorbond roofing and look at why it’s a good choice when you’re weighing up material and labour costs of a roof replacement. We’ll look at the cost to replace your roof with Colorbond roofing and compare it with other roofing materials. Whilst upfront costs for Colorbond roof replacement might seem high, given its longevity and durability in Australian conditions, most would agree it’s a smart and economical choice that’s worth the investment.

Why Choose Colorbond roof installation

Colorbond is considered a premier roofing product in Australia. It’s manufactured using high-tensile steel (stronger than mild steel), and is engineered to withstand Australia’s weather conditions. Covering the steel is a protective paint that is highly durable. Colorbond is relatively lightweight in comparison with other roofing products like roof tiles, and as it’s installed in sheets, it’s easier and faster to install than materials like slate or terracotta tiles, which need to be installed in individual pieces. Finally, Colorbond is available in a range of colours, so it’s a versatile option and suits many different designs.

Colorbond Roofing Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and Durable: It’s comforting to know your roof is going to be strong enough to endure whatever Australia’s weather throws at it. So whether it’s wind, rain, extreme sun or snow, a Colorbond roof is built to hold up. In addition, it’s lightweight, so despite its strength, it won’t weigh down heavily on structures beneath.
• Versatile: Colorbond roofing can be applied to any style of roof, and to any roof pitch. So no matter the architectural style of your home, you can consider Colorbond.
• Energy Efficiency: Colorbond’s coated metal is not only able to reflect solar energy, but also re-emits most of the radiation it has absorbed. This means that during the heat, your home stays markedly cooler. This kind of energy efficiency is really important in the Australian climate, and means you may spend less on cooling your home.
• Durable: Colorbond roofing is tested in the Australian environment to ensure that it is durable. It is resistant to corrosion, rust and fire. This means it’s a viable option in coastal zones, where salt usually causes materials to deteriorate, and may also be used as part of a compliant system in bushfire prone areas.
• Long lasting: If you maintain your Colorbond roof, it can last 50+ years. 
• Easy maintenance: Colorbond roofing requires little more than a hose down with clean, fresh water, and cleaning under eaves. Downpipes and gutters should be regularly checked to ensure debris doesn’t build up that could lead to excess moisture on your roof.
• Visual Appeal: There are over 20 colours to choose from when it comes to Colorbond roofing, including white, a variety of greys, blues, greens, and even red and black. Six colours are available in a matt finish, if that’s your preference. Choosing the right colour can really enhance the appearance of your home.

Cons:

• If you live in a coastal area, or any area that accelerates the corrosion of your roof, then you may need to have your Colorbond roof resurfaced every 10 years or so. However in areas that don’t cause corrosion, recoating may not be required.
• Counterfeit Colorbond roofing is available on the market, so you need to be careful when purchasing. Look out for the COLORBOND® steel branding on the product. Counterfeit versions may use a lesser grade of steel and alternative coatings, so you can’t be sure that your roof will last.
• Metal roofs can be noisier than tiled roofs, however the insulation installed beneath a Colorbond roof usually greatly reduces the noise. (Also, some people enjoy the sound of rain on a metal roof.)

Factors That Affect the Cost of Replacing a Roof with Colorbond

When it comes to the average roof replacement cost using Colorbond, several factors can influence the total cost:

1. Roof Size: Obviously, the more expansive your roof, the more roofing material you’ll need. The Cost of Colorbond roof sheets is typically priced per square metre.
2. Type of Colorbond: There are a few options of Colorbond roofing available, including powder-coated Colorbond, double-sided Colorbond, and Colorbond ultra. Each is progressively more expensive per square metre.
3. Labour Costs: It’s important to factor in the price of labour. In metropolitan areas, having your roof replaced may be a little more expensive than in a rural zone. Also, getting workers who specialise in installing Colorbond roofing may cost a little more, however you know they will do a proper job, and therefore the cost usually outweighs the risk of using inexperienced contractors.
4. Roof Pitch and Design Complexity: If you have a more complex home design, with skylights, roof valleys and multiple roof levels, then obviously installing roofing will take longer than it would a standard roof. 
5. New or Replacement Roof: The Colorbond roofing replacement cost will likely be higher than installing a new Colorbond roof. A new roof is usually faster to install than a replacement roof. This is because there are usually no structural issues to contend with. With Colorbond roof replacement, elements beneath the roof may need replacing, so it can take more time and cost more.
6. Extras: If you are installing insulation beneath your Colorbond roof, and guttering etc. is being installed, then you also need to factor in those costs.

How much is Colorbond Roofing?

Typically, the Colorbond roof cost per square metre ranges between $20-$50 AUD per square metre. (There is some variation on Colorbond pricing, depending on which type of roofing you choose and the finish.) 

Colorbond roof installation costs (labour costs) range from $50 to $80 per square metre. Obviously, as we mentioned earlier, complex roof designs and replacement roofs will add to installation time.

So, for an average-sized roof of 200 square metres, the Colorbond roof replacement cost in Australia ranges between $14,000 and $26,000.

The cost of installing guttering and insulation may come as part of the price, or may be additional, depending on the contractor you choose.

Cost Comparison: Colorbond Roofing vs. Other Roofing Materials

If you’re still not certain that Colorbond roofing is the right choice for your home, you might like to consider how it compares with other materials, cost-wise. Here are some comparisons:

1. Terracotta Roof Tiles: These are durable and visually pleasing, however are heavier and more challenging to install than Colorbond. When considering Colorbond vs tile roofing cost, tiles come out as more expensive, costing between $80 and $120 per square metre.
2. Cement Roof Tiles: Cheaper than terracotta, these tiles are still more expensive than Colorbond. Prices range from $40 to $70 PSM.
3. Slate Roof Tiles: Slate is a unique, high-end option, costing between $150 and $300 PSM.
4. Wood Shingles: These are less common in Australia, but can be sourced. They offer a rustic, natural appearance, however require regular maintenance. They cost around $80 to $130 PSM.
5. Insulated Panels (SIPs): These panels combine roofing material with insulation in one. They’re energy efficient, however more expensive than Colorbond roofing. They cost about $80 to $110 PSM, depending on panel thickness.

Additional Costs Related to Roof Replacement

When you replace a roof with Colorbond, it’s not only the roofing you need to consider when estimating costs. Additional expenses may apply. These include:

• Safe roof removal and disposal: If you are getting a roof replacement, the old roof will need to be removed, and those materials will need to be disposed of. Removal may cost anything between $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the material being removed and the size of your roof. Disposal costs will vary according to the material used for your previous roof, and its volume.

When a roof is removed and replaced, it’s really important it’s done safely. At Harley & Sons, we’re very mindful of safety, and use guard rails and scaffolding when required. This kind of infrastructure can add to roof replacement costs, however it helps ensure a compliant job as far as OH&S is concerned, and aids in a faster installation.

• New roof battens: When replacing old roofs, it’s important to ensure that the roof battens will support a Colorbond roof. Generally speaking, older battens can’t be relied upon to hold a modern Colorbond roofing system during extreme winds. New battens are usually required. (At Harley & Sons, our policy is to always install new metal roof battens into trusses to secure the roof to the home’s structure.)

• Insulation: If you want to install insulation as part of your roof replacement (a wise idea from an energy efficiency perspective), you need to add this cost to your overall estimate. Per square metre, you should expect to pay $50 to $80 for insulation. (Harley & Sons can lay a 50mm thick blanket beneath your new Colorbond roof).
• Guttering: A roof replacement will often require new guttering. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 per linear metre to your final bill.

Colorbond Roofing – a Cost-Effective Long-Term Investment

Unlike other roofing materials, Colorbond requires little in the way of regular upkeep, and is tested to withstand Australia’s harshest environmental conditions. It resists rusting in coastal areas, and is a viable roofing solution for homes in bushfire zones. In addition, Colorbond offers an energy efficient solution, reflecting the sun’s rays and re-emitting any absorbed heat.

Colorbond roofing can look visually appealing on a range of homes and commercial buildings, and is available in a wide range of colours. Whilst the cost of Colorbond roofing may seem high, it lasts a very long time (50+ years), so you shouldn’t need to worry about another roof replacement any time soon. Don’t forget to factor in Colorbond roof labour costs for installation and extras like guttering and insulation when you make your roofing material decision.