ZINCALUME^® steel vs COLORBOND^® steel: Which Is the Better Choice

When it comes to building a new home or re-roofing your existing home, choosing the right materials is crucial. Not only do you want something that looks good and will last for years to come, but you also need to make sure that it’s going to be affordable in the long term. That’s why there are so many different materials out there for homeowners. However, the biggest challenge in Australia is choosing between ZINCALUME^® steel vs COLORBOND^® steel.

Let’s take a further look at both products to find out which is better for your home.

ZINCALUME^® steel vs COLORBOND^® steel: Which is the better choice for your home?

Both ZINCALUME^® steel and COLORBOND^® steel are great choices for a home. However, there are subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the two that are worth understanding. Generally, if you’re looking for affordability, then ZINCALUME^® steel may be the better choice for your needs. However, if durability is more important than price, COLORBOND^® steel could be your best option.

Below, we’ll break down some key points for both products.

Cost of ZINCALUME^® steel

One of the most common reasons for choosing to install ZINCALUME^® steel vs COLORBOND^® steel is the cost. ZINCALUME^® steel is slightly cheaper than COLORBOND^® steel, and although the difference isn’t severe, if you have a large roof or wall area to cover, you’ll save some dollars in the long run by choosing ZINCALUME^® steel.

Cost of COLORBOND^® steel

The cost of COLORBOND^® steel is slightly higher than ZINCALUME^® steel, but it also depends on the type of COLORBOND^® steel you choose. There are two main types that you can choose from, and your decision may depend on where you live. Steel-reinforced COLORBOND^® steel is more expensive than non-steel reinforced because it has a higher density and strength rating. This makes it harder to dent or scratch.

You can also choose COLORBOND^® steel Ultra which will be more expensive again, however, it is ideal for those living in coastal areas. Sea spray can affect homes within 1km of the ocean, and COLORBOND^® steel Ultra provides additional protection against rust and corrosion.

ZINCALUME^® steel maintenance requirements

The only thing you need to do with ZINCALUME^® steel is clean it with a mild detergent and water. This isn’t something you have to do regularly, but it’s good practice if you notice any stains or discolouration. If you don’t want the hassle of cleaning the roof yourself, you can hire professionals to do this once or twice a year.

COLORBOND^® steel maintenance requirements

COLORBOND^® steel is known for its durability and strength, but that doesn’t mean that it’s completely immune to damage. The good news is that COLORBOND^® steel requires very little maintenance aside from regular washing. If you want to keep your COLORBOND^® steel looking its best, hosing it down (either with a normal hose or pressure system) will keep it mostly free of dirt and grime. You can also clean any visible stains as they appear, and you can get away with some degree of abrasive cleaning products if the stains are bad enough.

ZINCALUME^® steel durability

ZINCALUME^® steel is quite a durable material, and it’s great for Australian conditions. You shouldn’t need to replace your ZINCALUME^® steel panels any time soon, as it’s resistant to corrosion, weathering and fire damage. ZINCALUME^® steel also offers excellent protection against termites.

COLORBOND^® steel durability

While ZINCALUME^® steel is regarded as being very durable, COLORBOND^® steel takes it to another level. It has been specially designed to suit harsh Australian conditions, meaning it won’t rust, corrode, or crack and peel in the sun. Darker colours may be subject to fading, but this only occurs over a long period of time.
The heat-resistant properties of COLORBOND^® steel make it perfect for warm climates, however, cooler climates may be fine with a little heat ingress from ZINCALUME^® steel.

ZINCALUME^® steel appearance and aesthetics

ZINCALUME^® steel is a popular choice for those who want their home to look more traditional. You can get ZINCALUME^® steel in a wide range of colours and textures, namely a smooth or rough finish. A smooth finish makes it easier to paint, but a rough finish can give a unique appearance. It’s all down to personal preference.

COLORBOND^® steel appearance and aesthetics

Much like ZINCALUME^® steel, COLORBOND^® steel is available in a range of colours inspired by Australia’s natural environment. You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect match for your home. It also comes in a smooth or rough finish, so you’ve got texture options too. Ultimately, when it comes to appearance the COLORBOND^® steel vs ZINCALUME^® steel is almost a tie.

Which is better – COLORBOND^® steel or ZINCALUME^® steel?

It’s a tough question to answer because both are quite similar in the key factors that you would ordinarily consider.

Price: ZINCALUME^® steel is slightly cheaper, and although the difference is small, it will appeal to those looking to keep costs down.

Durability: COLORBOND^® steel is the winner here, and it’s one of the most popular roofing materials in Australia for that very reason. With that said, ZINCALUME^® steel is also extremely long-lasting, so neither product will disappoint.

Maintenance: The two products are pretty even here, with very little maintenance required to keep both of them looking great.

Aesthetics: Again, it’s hard to split the two in this category. The COLORBOND^® steel colour range is extremely impressive, but you can also get ZINCALUME^® steel in a range of shades.

Overall, COLORBOND^® steel is probably a marginal winner, but again it depends on your budget, location, the complexity of the roof and good old personal preference.

Looking for quality COLORBOND^® steel and ZINCALUME^® steel products?

Whether you need metal sheeting for a roof, a wall, a fence, or a shed, Clicksteel provides everything you need in a convenient online store. Simply place your order and we’ll get your materials to you fast. To find out more, contact our friendly team today and we’ll be happy to help.