Colorbond Roofing vs Traditional Roofing: What’s Better for Melbourne Homes?

So you are building a new home in Melbourne, and thinking about which roof to choose. After some research, you find the classic tile roofs that bring the timeless appeal. They look really nice, but you just can’t help to wonder what those metal-looking ones do. The truth is, Melbourne’s weather is a big deal; it turns cold, hot, windy, stormy, or even hailing in just a day. So, manufacturers came out with different roofing materials to protect your new home, but the ultimate question is: What’s the best pick for you? 

In this article, we will guide you through the vibrant world of roofing and help you find the best choice for your home! 

Comparing Durability: Colorbond vs Older Metal Roofs

It’s guaranteed that you will encounter harsh weather conditions during the summer and winter months in Melbourne. Your roof tangos with heatwaves, freezing rain, and drastic temperature changes. The traditional old-school corrugated iron ones can withstand them well, but they rust, fade, or need patching over time. 

Colorbond, however, is a fairly new material that does the same job but lasts longer. Though it looks similar to the older metal ones, Colorbond uses a five-layer system that includes corrosion protection, a baked-on colour finish, and a tougher base. The result: a lifespan of over 30 years and fewer repairs. 

So, points for the Colorbond, and next round: Colorbond vs tile.

Energy Efficiency in Melbourne: Colorbond vs Tile Roofs

Durability is one thing, but thermal insulation is another. If your roof can’t keep the room hot in winter or cold in summer, you are spending more on heating and cooling. 

Tile roofs (like terracotta or concrete ones) are a common choice among homeowners. They are heavy and absorb heat during the day and release it during the night. What that means is you are in good hands during winter, but not so much in Melbourne’s hot, hot summer. Tile absorbs sunlight, heats up your roof’s temperature, and radiates the heat into the room. Meaning making your house hotter in the summer. 

Colorbond, on the other hand, works differently from tiles. Rather than absorbing, it reflects the light and bounces away the heat through its coated finishes. Meanwhile, its layered material insulates the heat inside the room, keeping the temperature neutral throughout the day. The result: Cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Interestingly, some Colorbond finishes are even more sunlight-reflective, so if you want to save energy bills and keep the room cool, look for Colorbond with Thermatch® technology.

In short, Colorbond keeps slightly less heat in the winter as it insulates, not radiates, but it helps your room stay cool during the summer. So, Colorbond scores half a point.

Roof Design Considerations: Installing Colorbond

At this point, you should have felt the advantages of choosing Colorbond for your roof, and there are many more to discover. Another strength Colorbond holds is its flexibility when it comes to design. As it’s lightweight, strong, and covers the roof fully, you can cut from a big piece of Colorbond into sheets to fit the roof’s specific shapes. Those sheets are long and have fewer joins, meaning there is way less space for water to leak in compared to the tiles. And the modular design makes the installation process swift, further cutting costs for manual labor. In conclusion, keep your home from water leaks and save money on the installation process. 

Metal vs Tile Roofing in Australia’s Harsh Climate

We have compared Colorbond with older metal roofs in longevity, and with tiles in cooling; now let’s compare it with tiles in durability against Melbourne’s weather. 

Though looks are subjective, legend says the tiles look great. But looks don’t define strength because tiles get brittle over time. They crack and shift during strong winds and hail, making them less durable against the weather. Colorbond, on the other hand, holds the pressure through the whole piece and faces the stress head-on. Think of falling to the ground with a helmet on, the impact is spread across the whole piece and saves you from serious injury. Colorbond by design is similar. And to give you extra peace of mind, the layer material adds resistance to corrosion, fire, and pests.

Colour Choices: Making Your Roof Part of Your Home’s Look

Roofing isn’t just functional, it also plays a big role in how your home looks from the street. One of the best things about Colorbond is the range of colours you can choose from.

There are more than 20 designer colours available, from deep charcoals to soft greys, earthy reds, and clean whites. Whether your home is modern, coastal, country-style, or somewhere in between, there’s a shade that’ll match.

And because the colour is baked on, it doesn’t fade or chip the way some older painted roofs can. You can also match your roof colour with gutters, fascia covers, and downpipes, for a clean, finished look.

Insulation Benefits: Why More Melbourne Homes Are Going Colorbond

We touched on this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: Colorbond isn’t just tough, it helps keep your home comfortable too.

When installed properly (with insulation under the roof and ceiling batts), Colorbond helps reduce how much heat gets into your home in summer and keeps warmth in during winter.

It also works really well with ventilation systems like ridge vents or whirlybirds, which help hot air escape from your roof space. All of this adds up to better comfort and energy savings, which is why more Melbourne homeowners are making the switch.

And when it’s installed by licensed experts like Harley & Sons, you also get the bonus of their workmanship guarantee, so you know the job’s done right.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Choice for Your Roof?

So when it comes to Colorbond roofing vs traditional roofing, what’s the verdict?

If you’re after something long-lasting, low-maintenance, energy-efficient and great-looking — Colorbond is hard to beat. While tiles and older metals still have their place, Colorbond gives you a more modern, flexible option that’s built for Melbourne’s conditions.

That said, every home is different. What works for a beachside property might not be right for a bushland home. That’s where speaking with someone who understands local roofs, like the team at Harley & Sons, can make all the difference

FAQs: Colorbond Roofing vs Traditional Metal Roofing

What are the benefits of using Colorbond steel for roofing?

Colorbond steel offers a variety of colours and is designed to withstand the harsh Australian climate. This roofing option is non-combustible and provides minimal maintenance, making it a sleek and practical choice for homeowners.

How does Colorbond roofing compare to traditional metal roofing in terms of upkeep?

While traditional metal roofing may require more frequent upkeep, Colorbond roofing is engineered for durability and longevity, requiring only minimal maintenance. Its UV resistance helps deflect heat, reducing the need for air conditioning in your home.

Can a roofing company help me choose between Colorbond and traditional tiles?

Yes, a professional roofing company can provide expert advice on the different types of roofing available, including Colorbond and traditional tiles. They can assess your needs and recommend the best roofing solutions for your new roof, considering factors like climate and aesthetics.