Options to Consider for Steel Roofing for Your Home

You might have elected to install a steel roof over your home due to its durability and pleasing look. But you'll need to drill down and narrow your preferences, as these roofs come with different coatings and profiles — not to mention finishes.

Metal Sheeting Alternatives

You'll spot several material options when studying steel roofing. One is Zincalume which is an improved version of galvanised roofing that was prevalent several decades ago. While galvanised steel features a layer of protective zinc that resists rust, Zincalume has a more sophisticated coat of zinc, aluminium and silicon that enhances resilience. 

Another possibility is Colorbond. This steel starts with a Zincalume-type coating, which is dressed with a powder-coated thick paint layer. Extra durable roofs are available for coastal areas. Some have different coatings of some sort, while others adopt stainless steel — containing chromium and nickel — as their base, which naturally fends off the rust.

Profiles and Roof Pitch

Classic orb waves or square shapes with ridges are among the different profiles you can favour for your roofing. While the various contours look different, they also perform the practical function of channelling rainwater down the roof into the gutters and downpipes and safely away from the building.

Your roofing contractor can suggest which profile is best, depending on your roof's pitch and the local rainfall. A more flat roof will control rain differently than a steeply pitched one. Water will tend to pool more on flatter roofs, and the profile will need to accommodate the water as it drains more slowly. If the sheeting becomes overwhelmed with water, it will run off in all directions, maybe down external walls and windows. If this happened repeatedly, it could cause moisture damage and mould. 

Finish Possibilities

The corrugated profile, of course, also affects the appearance of your home. Imagine how dull the facade would look with a flat metal sheet. The profiles add texture and shape, and you'll likely have some choice of contours, one of which is the classic orb configuration that suits many architectural styles. 

You'll also get to nominate a colour. Colorbond roofs offer a wide range of classic and contemporary hues. While Zincalume is silver, it can be painted with appropriate metal paint. Colorbond's solar-reflective finish deflects the sun's heat away from your home, keeping it cooler. Zincalume roofs can get hotter but are excellent for houses with steeply pitched roofs in colder climates.