Frequently Asked Questions
COLORBOND® steel Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the price of COLORBOND® steel? Can you give me a quote for my house or project?
Prices will vary depending on the manufacturer you choose. BlueScope Steel makes COLORBOND® steel as flat sheet rolled into coils. It's our rollformer customers who turn this 'raw' material into the various profiles and products you're familiar with. Please use our supplier locator to find a rollformer in your area who will be able to help you with information on pricing of their products.
- What warranty can I get?
There are generally two types of warranty available to BlueScope Steel customers. Material Warranties cover the materials (such as COLORBOND® steel) that certain steel products are made from. Performance Warranties are offered by some manufacturers of these end products to assure users they will perform as expected when installed. (You should talk to your supplier about details of any Performance Warranties they may offer.)
Material Warranties are available against corrosion to perforation by weathering in the natural elements and for COLORBOND® steel also against flake and peel. For more details, such as whether a warranty is available for your desired application, the applicable terms and conditions or how to apply for the warranties, please talk to your supplier or go to our relevant product section of this website.
- What other building materials can I use alongside COLORBOND® steel? What metals are OK to use in contact with COLORBOND® steel and what should I avoid?
Do not allow any metals other than aluminium, galvanised steel, ZINCALUME® steel or zinc to come into direct contact with COLORBOND® steel. Any direct contact between any other metals (eg. copper and lead) and COLORBOND® steel can result in corrosion. Especially take note of the following:
- Copper pipes and lead flashing should not come in direct contact with either ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel. If the building design is such that water will flow from lead flashing onto ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel, then the flashing should be painted.
- Water from copper pipes should not be directed onto COLORBOND® steel or ZINCALUME® steel.
- Stainless steel fixings and fixings containing copper should also not be used with ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel.
- Fasteners conforming to AS3566 Class 3 or 4 are acceptable depending on the location of the product.
If you have any questions, ask your supplier or contact us.
This information is intended as a guide only. For more information, on our Corrosion Technical Bulletins, Download Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB 12 - Dissimilar Metals (283 KB)
- How can I get a colour sample of the COLORBOND® steel colours I am interested in?
Australian residents can order COLORBOND® steel swatches, stickers and brochures from our On-line Order Form, or contact your local supplier.
- If I cut, drill or scratch COLORBOND® steel or ZINCALUME® steel, will it cause the exposed steel at the cut edge or scratch to rust?
BlueScope Steel recommend 'cold cutting' coated steel products. If this recommendation is followed, these products will 'self heal', that is, the zinc in the surrounding coating will protect the newly exposed edge. How does this happen? In the presence of moisture, a reaction occurs between the zinc and the steel which results in galvanic protection of the exposed steel, thereby inhibiting corrosion. The degree of protection depends on the thickness of the coating (the amount of zinc), and this is taken into account when Building Standards are formulated.
- What fasteners should I use with COLORBOND® steel?
Please view our page Choose fasteners for cladding.
- Do you have CAD drawings of profiles and products available?
A whole range of products are manufactured by a number of rollformers using our COLORBOND®, ZINCALUME®, GALVASPAN® and DECKFORM® steels. You can find technical details and CAD files for the major rollformers from SteelSelect.com. SteelSelect.com provides technical information on a wide range of steel building products from major manufacturers such as Stramit, Metroll, Steeline, Fielders and BlueScope Lysaght. Products include roofing, walling, purlins, girts and structural decking made from COLORBOND®, ZINCALUME®, GALVASPAN® and DECKFORM® steels.
- What are the BCA and BASIX (solar absorbance) ratings for different colours?
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) has classified roof colour into light and dark on the basis of their solar absorbance. The lighter complying colours qualify for a Deemed to Satisfy insulation concession. The New South Wales Building and Sustainability Index (BASIX) has also classified colour into light medium and dark on the basis of their solar absorbance. The lighter and medium colours have insulation and or roof space ventilation concessions. For more Information see classification of COLORBOND® steel colours for BCA and NSW BASIX.
- How can I prevent condensation forming on my roof?
Condensation forms under/on roof sheeting when the sheeting becomes colder than the air in contact with it. Water vapour carried in the air then condenses on the colder surface of the roof sheet. To minimise the risk of water damage to ceilings or corrosion related to condensation under steel roof sheeting, a vapour barrier should be provided under the sheeting to prevent contact between the moist air in the building and the roof sheeting.
Reflective foil laminates (sarking) which are commonly used to provide heat insulation under roof sheeting can serve a dual function as a vapour barrier, by thoroughly sealing the foil overlaps with moisture impervious adhesive tape.
The laps should be about 100 mm and kept in close contact when positioning the laminate so the tape can be readily applied.
The laminate must be allowed to drape between the roof supports so that the cold temperature of the roof sheeting will not be transmitted to the laminate by contact. If this were to happen condensation could form on the underside of the laminate and may drip into the ceiling space.
Ventilation of the ceiling cavity may assist in the reduction of condensation however it has been shown that ventilation will not completely eliminate the condensation cycle. In certain marine situations ventilation may also carry salts into the roof cavity which will, in the presence of condensation, lead to accelerated corrosion attack.
For more information, please Download Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB 11 - Condensation and Insulation.
- What do I need to be aware of when installing COLORBOND® steel? How can I safely cut products made from COLORBOND® steel?
When sheets need to be cut on site the most suitable technique is with nibblers or power saws with metal cutting blades (tin snips can be used although they are difficult to use on profiled sheeting). The use of cutting discs and grinding wheels is not recommended as they generate very hot particles which can damage the coating.
BlueScope Steel recommends the use of cold cutting saw with appropriate blades.
Don't forget to clean up each day. Offcuts and other metal scraps, such as pop rivet stems and fasteners, if left on COLORBOND® steel, may cause rust stains which detract from the finished appearance. Swarf (steel debris produced by drilling and cutting etc) should be swept or hosed from the job each day.
Care should be taken if hosing off a roof into gutters already installed. The swarf should not be left to sit in the gutters. Maximum care should be taken when attempting to detach swarf which has become stuck. This can be done, but no action which is likely to remove the paint or metal coatings should be attempted. For critical applications, inspection of the job should be made after two weeks when rain or condensation will have caused any remaining swarf to rust, and will highlight affected areas for a more thorough cleanup.
Sheets should not be dragged across others as scratching will result. Spray packs should not be used to repair any scratches. The paint fades differently. Small scratches are best left alone. If the damage is severe it is best to replace the panel.
Never use black lead pencils for marking galvanised, ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel. Black lead pencils are made from graphite which will react with the coating on these products resulting in corrosion of the coating. The answer is to use any colour pencil but black and clean off any markings as soon as possible.
This information is intended as a guide only. For detailed assistance with your particular application, please contact us.
- How do I fix a scratch on COLORBOND® steel?
Our recommendation is not to touch up. Minor scratching will not affect the life of the sheet and is rarely obvious to a casual observer. Should damage be substantial, replace the sheet. We particularly recommend against the use of spray cans, as these can result in overspraying of surrounding areas. The problem might not be immediately obvious, but since overspray paint weathers at a different rate to the oven dried paint on COLORBOND® steel you'll eventually be left with an unsightly blemish on the sheet.
- How do I insulate a roof made from COLORBOND® steel?
View our page How To Insulate Steel Roofs.
- Do you have a low gloss or low reflectivity COLORBOND® steel? I have been told I can only use material with certain reflectivity value limits.
COLORBOND® steel is not available in a low gloss finish. When addressing this question, it's important to understand that all materials are reflective to some degree. Reflectivity limits tend to restrict the opportunity to use light colours, which is at odds with good thermal efficiency design principles. Building owners should therefore be encouraged, rather than discouraged, to use products made from lighter COLORBOND® steel colours.
Notwithstanding, we recognise these choices can occasionally cause concern to neighbours. But if homes and buildings are designed appropriately and considered on a case by case basis, there is room to use materials that ensure the building is thermally efficient and, at the same time, nobody is inconvenienced.
For more information Download Technical Bulletin TB 28 - Building Materials and Reflectivity (233 kb).
- What is the Fire Rating of COLORBOND® steel?
COLORBOND® steel does not have a Fire Rating.
Information about the Early Fire Hazard ratings for COLORBOND® steel can be found in its Product Datasheet.
Download COLORBOND® steel Datasheet (207 kb)
Download COLORBOND® Ultra steel Datasheet (207 kb)
Download COLORBOND® Stainless steel Datasheet (207 kb) - How do I know I am getting genuine COLORBOND® steel, ZINCALUME® steel or GALVASPAN® steel?
Where it's appropriate to place branding, products manufactured from COLORBOND® steel, ZINCALUME® steel and GALVASPAN® steel can be identified by our "branding". Fencing made from COLORBOND® steel will be laser engraved with the COLORBOND® steel logo.
Look for the brand that identifies the long lasting guaranteed performance of genuine BlueScope Steel.
- I am building close to the beach. Do I need a special grade of COLORBOND® steel for my roof?
While standard COLORBOND® steel will suit most home designs and most locations, we also make specialist grades suited to more demanding environments, like those by the sea or in areas prone to industrial or chemical fumes and fallout, see our information on the Effect of Location and the Warranties offered for the various grades of COLORBOND® steel.
- Can I walk on my roof made from COLORBOND® steel?
Normally it's OK to walk on a roof made from COLORBOND® steel. However safety precautions should be taken, including the wearing of soft rubber soled shoes and any necessary precautions for working at heights. You should also take into account the manufacturer's recommendations about where to place your feet on the profile to prevent deformation.
Some roofs are designed to be 'non trafficable' (meaning they're not designed to be walked on). This should be noted on designs, plans and is sometimes signposted.
If you are unsure whether a roof is trafficable, treat it as non trafficable until you can confirm otherwise.
- If I valley fix my roof sheeting, will I get a warranty?
BlueScope Steel warranties require adherence to manufacturers instructions. These usually state roofs must be crest fixed. Contact your roof sheeting supplier to obtain their specific recommendations.
- Where can I see your products on display?
A number of builders have display homes across Australia featuring COLORBOND® steel. You can find your closest from our display home locator.
- What is Thermatech® technology and how does it work?
COLORBOND® steel incorporating Thermatech® technology provides a new level of thermal protection for houses & commercial buildings constructed in Australia. This leading edge technology works by absorbing less heat from the sun and therefore providing less heat in the roof space. This provides greater thermal comfort in buildings specified with COLORBOND® steel.
By absorbing less heat from the sun it has a lower surface temperature. For more information view our page on Thermatech® technology.
Advantages of COLORBOND® steel incorporating Thermatech® technology are;
- When used in roofing applications, it improves the thermal performance of COLORBOND® steel across the entire colour range.
- Average reduction of solar absorptance across all colours is 5%
- Greatest improvement from reduced solar absorptance is in the dark colour range.
- Under BASIX colour classification - Sandbank® & Dune® move from a "medium" colour to a "light" despite no change to the actual colour.
- Similarly Wilderness®, Manor Red® & Jasper® move from a "dark" to a "medium" classification.
- In some parts of Australia this means real savings in the amount of insulation that is required to meet building regulations, eg under deemed-to-satisfy rules
- medium to light under BASIX = reflective foil at roof is not required.
- light colours under BCA = drop of R0.5 for roof insulation.
- very light colours under BCA = drop of up to R1.0 for roof insulation.
TRUECORE® steel Frequently Asked Questions
- Are steel frames electrically safe?
Yes! When installed correctly, steel frames are safe because the frames are earthed. When exposed to a live wire, the earthing will create a short and trip the residual current safety switch reducing the chance of electrocution. All new housing is required to be fitted with residual current safety switches. At times, steel framing can actually be safer than the alternatives because of these safety features.
- Can I build on piers or a concrete slab?
Either. Steel framing can be fixed directly to a concrete slab, or to steel flooring systems on brick, concrete, or steel piers.
- Do I need to take chemical or physical termite protection if I use a steel frame?
The Building Code of Australia specifies chemical and physical termite barriers only where structural members are subject to termite attack. A steel frame is resistant to termite attack and a house built with a steel frame without a termite barrier is a reasonably safe option for an owner. The safest possible options are a steel frame plus non-structural fixtures of termite-resistant materials, or a steel frame plus a termite barrier. Visit the National Association for Steel Framed Housing's (NASH) Termite Information Site.
- I have heard that steel frames are made of thin steel. How do I know they will be strong enough?
The properties of steel are known and consistent, and conform to Australian standards or their equivalent. Steel framing components are designed around those properties. Most modern systems use high tensile steel components and appropriate jointing methods, and are engineered to pass strict performance tests.
- If I use a steel frame how much flexibility do I have with design?
Steel frame manufacturers and fabricators can produce almost any one or two storey home design seen in the Australian market today. Furthermore, it is possible to produce designs in steel that are difficult to replicate using other materials. By taking advantage of this feature a home owner can often build with less expense than by using more conventional materials.
- Is a steel frame safe when exposed to a live electric wire? What about lightning?
Correctly installed steel frames are safe because they are earthed and it is a requirement that all new housing be fitted with circuit breaking safety devices. Lightning has less effect on a steel framed home as the steel creates a positive earth allowing the energy to conduct straight to the ground.
- Is steel framing expensive?
Innovative frame technology now means steel frames for standard house designs can be priced competitively with other quality framing systems.
- Is steel framing suitable for cyclonic areas?
Yes. Steel is used extensively in these areas because of its inherent strength. It is recommended that you consult with your local steel framing fabricators for details.
- Should lead flashing and copper pipes be isolated from a steel frame?
Yes! These materials should be isolated because in the presence of water these materials will develop galvanic cells which will result in rapid destruction of the protective metal coating of the steel frame. Copper pipes are easily isolated from the frame by using nylon grommets or face fixed to the studs using plastic clips. Both of these systems also resist water hammer noise.
- Steel expands or contracts as the temperature changes. Is this a problem?
Whether a steel frame is mechanically jointed or welded, in a properly constructed and insulated home, thermally induced movement and noise is no more likely than with other materials. Steel framing expands and contracts at rates not too dissimilar from other materials, which means it is unlikely that there will be noise or cornice cracking problems.
- What are the advantages of building with framing made from TRUECORE® steel?
Some advantages for Builders, Home Owners and Designers, can be found at The Advantages of Building with Framing made from TRUECORE® steel.
- What warranty can I get?
There are generally two types of warranty available to BlueScope Steel customers. Material Warranties cover the materials (such as COLORBOND® steel) that certain steel products are made from. Performance Warranties are offered by some manufacturers of these end products to assure users they will perform as expected when installed. (You should talk to your supplier about details of any Performance Warranties they may offer.)
Material Warranties are available against corrosion to perforation by weathering in the natural elements and for COLORBOND® steel also against flake and peel. For more details, such as whether a warranty is available for your desired application, the applicable terms and conditions or how to apply for the warranties, please talk to your supplier or go to our relevant product section of this website.
- Why should I build in steel?
Steel is the product to use to protect the long-term investment of the home owner. It is lightweight and strong, won't burn, is termite and borer proof and won't shrink, warp or twist - so the home is maintained for the future.
- Why won't a frame made from TRUECORE® steel rust?
Frames made from TRUECORE® steel have a protective zinc/aluminium coating. Used in roofing applications where it is exposed to the elements it has excellent durability, so in the less exposed internal building frame it gives longer service when installed to specification. At drill holes and cut edges, the galvanic action of the coating protects the exposed steel edge against corrosion.
- Will the house framing system I choose be approved by councils and lending authorities?
Yes. Your supplier/fabricator can provide engineers' details of compliance to satisfy council requirements.
