A Guide to Installing a Metal/Colorbond Roof

Metal roofing is popular amongst Australians for its durability and resistance to natural elements. In a fire-prone climate, metal roofing stands out from above the rest for its non-combustible nature and ability to withstand extreme conditions with minimal damage. Also, you can expect your metal roof to last over 50 years without heavy maintenance. Convinced? In this guide, we run through the list of things you need to know before installing a new metal roof.

What is Colorbond Roofing?

Colorbond is one of the most recognisable types of coated steel roofing material that has been extremely popular over the last few decades in Australia. Colorbond have been constantly envolving in technological advancements to ensure it lives up to the reputation of being long-lasting and resistant to weather conditions. Additionally, when you choose to use Colorbond for your roof, you will have a wide range of colours to choose from to suit your home’s style and your home’s surroundings. Colorbond is not only used for residential purposes but also industrial and commercial properties.

At Roof Ranger, we highly recommend Colorbond roofing for your home if you choose to install a metal roof.

Some other benefits of Colorbond Roofing include:

• Available in a range of shapes to suit your home
• Heat reflective – keeps your home cool while reducing the cost of electricity
• Available for a range of purposes, not just roofing
• Designed as a complete roofing system – meaning you will be able to match the colour of your roof to the gutters and choose complementary colours as accent pieces for your home.
• Affordable

What You Need to Know Before Installing a Metal Roof

Leave it with the professionals

Even if you are handy, we highly recommend that you have a professional roofer complete a metal roof installation as the installation must be compliant with the Australian Standard AS 1562. Failure to do so will result in an incorrect installation and the roof may not withstand the weather conditions or maintain its durable nature.

Additional to the correct installation, leaving with the professionals will ensure that you will not be at risk of falling or exposed to other fatal consequences. According to Safe Work Australia, 58% of fatalities were a result of falls from roofs and ladders, half of which were a height of less than 4 metres. Professional, licensed roofers will have the knowledge, correct equipment and policies in place so they will be able to carry out the job at height.

You will still need to complete regular maintenance on your roof

Though we have stated that metal roofing, requires little maintenance, it does not mean that you do not have to care for your roof at all. That is why we recommend that you have consistent and regular maintenance/inspections carried out by a professional roofer to ensure that your metal roof is in tip-top shape.

One of the most common problems that metal roofs may experience is leaking. Incorrect installation or aged metal roofs may have exposed seams between the two metal sheets. Rusting and corrosion can be another contributing factor to a leak. A professional will be able to lay down the correction foundation and protective coating required to ensure that your metal roof has the highest chance of withstanding the elements.

Installing a Metal Roof

Below are the general steps of how a professional roofer will install a metal roof. Again, we strongly advise that you do not complete a DIY installation for your property.

Installing a metal roof is far simpler and faster than other roofing materials such as tiles as it takes roughly less than two days to install.

Preparation

The necessary supports are installed to support the roof cladding. Next, a layer of sarking is laid to prevent condensation, prolonging the life of your roof by reducing the chance of rust. After that, a layer of wool with a foil back is laid to reduce noise and provide a level of insulation.

Laying the Metal Roofing

The metal roofing material comes in the form of sheets and is surprisingly, light enough to be carried by several sets of hands. Once laid across the designated area, the professionals will mark up with chalk the excess metal to cut to ensure that the roof is shaped correctly.

Attaching the Sheets

After the sheets are aligned in a way that they are overlapping to the exact amount, the installer will in most cases, drill down into the crest of the corrugation (the highest point of the rolled sheet).

Clean Up

Any remaining dust, metal off-cuts and debris are fully cleaned off the roof to prevent any potential damage.

Where to find a professional roofer to install, restore or maintain your metal roof?

We suggest that you research carefully when looking for a professional roofer to carry out the job. Things to look for will be experience, licences, latest tools and tech, reliability and honest pricing.

When it comes to your home and your roof, you do not want to leave it in unexperienced or incapable hands.

If you are needing a roofing restoration, maintenance or replacement, Roof Ranger is one of Sydney’s most experienced family-owned and operated roofing companies. We are proud to be a licensed, honest and no-fuss experienced team of tradesmen who are passionate about taking away the stress that comes with roofing problems and repairs. Need a roofing professional in Sydney? Contact Roof Ranger today.