COLORBOND® steel General Information

Install Roofing FAQs

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What is cladding and how does it relate to roofing and walling?

Cladding is a collective term for any sheeting that covers a building, whether it be on the roof of the building, or on the walls. Roof cladding is made from thicker steel and is rolled to a profile capable of supporting roof traffic*. In most cases, thes...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
Can I use COLORBOND® steel as a retaining wall, or garden bed?

In Concrete ZINCALUME® steel (and COLORBOND® steel manufactured with a ZINCALUME® steel substrate), are NOT recommended for immersion in wet cement as rapid corrosion and degradation of the coating alloy will occur. The recommended product fo...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
Can I use COLORBOND® steel directly on steel beams?

The use of uncoated steel supports for ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel is discouraged as the possibility of corrosion of the overlying sheeting may be greatly enhanced. Where heavy steel sections such as hot rolled steel angles are necessary ...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
Can I use COLORBOND® steel as formwork, or cover it with concrete?

Please download:  Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB 16 - Immersion (Nov 2003, 289 KB)...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
What causes my roof to creak and how can I stop it?

Temperature variations can cause pierce fixed metal roof sheeting to expand and contract, sometimes resulting in roof noise. This is more likely during rapid changes in the temperature caused by such things as heat from the morning sun, afternoon cooling,...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
What fasteners should I use with COLORBOND® steel?

For details of which fasteners to use in which location please view Technical Bulletin TB 16 - Fasteners for Roofing and Walling Products - Selection Guide.   ...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
What sealants (silicone) can I use with COLORBOND® steel?

Neutral Cure silicone rubber sealants are the only sealants recommended for use with COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel. Look for the words "Neutral Cure" on the sealant cartridge to make sure.  View Technical Bulletin TB 09 - Sealant...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
What other building materials can I use alongside COLORBOND® steel? What metals ...

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 co...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
What fasteners can I use with COLORBOND® Coolmax® steel?

Appropriate fasteners matched to Whitehaven® are available in the market. If you require further assistance refer to SteelDirect 1800 022 999.

Updated On: 17/02/2012
Why not just use additional insulation instead of using COLORBOND® Coolmax® stee...

Adding more insulation is quite different from using COLORBOND® Coolmax® steel, which functions purely to stop heat getting in by keeping the roof cool. Insulation helps stop heat getting in and out of a roof. For a building that is mainly o...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
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 corrosi...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
What do I need to be aware of when installing COLORBOND® steel? How can I safely...

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 re...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
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.

Updated On: 17/02/2012
Can roof sheeting be installed with the coloured side down?

No. The coating on the underside of the sheet has a different film thickness and UV absorbance capabilities which are not designed for prolonged exposure to weather. At the same time, roofing profiles are designed to be used one side up and may leak if in...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
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 man...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
If I cut, drill or scratch COLORBOND® steel or ZINCALUME® steel, will it cause t...

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...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
My roof, fence or gutter has rust like spots on it. What are these and how can I...

You're probably looking at swarf stains. Swarf is the term given to the steel debris arising from cutting or piercing operations, and mostly comprises of fine steel particles mixed with abrasive, however, in this context swarf may also be taken to include...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
I am installing a chimney. How can I make sure it doesn't affect my roof made fr...

Please download: Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB 14 - Exhaust From Wood and Oil Fired Burners...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
How do I store steel sheeting prior to installation?

If not required for immediate use, sheets or bundles should be neatly stacked clear of the ground. If left in the open, they should be protected from rain and moisture with tarpaulins or similar covers. On no account should steel sheeting be allowed to ge...

Updated On: 17/02/2012
Can I install a steel roof myself?

In some states of Australia, steel roofing falls under the category of plumbing, which can only be performed by a licensed contractor. Please refer to your local authority for advice relevant to your state.

Updated On: 17/02/2012

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