Fungal growth can occur on virtually all surfaces when the "micro-environment" on and around a particular installation is conducive to it. In general, it is believed that fungi can grow as a result of suitable conditions, e.g. the presence of fungal spores, moisture and also of nutrients from "dirt" of various types.

For information see Technical Bulletin 27 - Identification of Fungus in the Field and Recommendations for its Removal

Yes, new systems have been developed. For further assistance please see our document on CSIRO BushFire Testing.

Generally, a metal roof will stand up well to hail storms. The roof sheeting will absorb the energy of the hail stone and remain structurally sound. However, indentations may occur along with loss of the paint topcoat.

In most cases indentations from hail stones do not affect the life of a COLORBOND® steel roof. The only causes of concern will arise from:

• Low pitch roofs with significant hail indentations in the pans. This can lead to ponding and dirt accumulation, which may promote corrosion;
• Low pitch roofs where sheet overlaps have been significantly deformed. The anti-capillary effect can be lost and water could be drawn into the sheet lap, resulting in corrosion.

In the event of ponding due to indentations or damage to sheet overlaps, the affected sheets should be replaced as soon as practicable to maintain the life of the roof. Loss of the paint topcoat arising from impact of hail stones will be an aesthetic issue only and will have no appreciable effect on the corrosion performance of the COLORBOND® steel roof.

Download Technical Bulletin TB 32 - Impact of Hail Damage To COLORBOND® steel

Steel panels do get warm in hot weather but the fence panels are vertical and air circulates around them. However, BlueScope Steel does not recommend using the fence as a trellis.

Standard heights for COLORBOND® steel are 1.5m and 1.8m. These are readily available. If you require a different height, this can generally be organised by your supplier - however you may need to wait longer and there may be extra charges applicable.

Many people enjoy the sound of rain falling on their steel roof. They feel more attuned to nature, or it brings back fond memories of childhood. For those who don't, rain noise can be reduced by using an insulating blanket. This is placed directly under the roof sheeting to dampen sound vibrations, reducing noise and making for a peaceful environment inside.

Some manufacturers do sell roof sheeting made from COLORBOND® steel with a top coat on both sides. However, colours and styles may be limited and you should confirm availability with your supplier.

Yes. In the introductory offer there is an accessory feed size for flashings. Fasteners are available from our fastener suppliers.

Yes. Samples of COLORBOND® Coolmax® steel in Whitehaven™ are available in a standard swatch size.

Order swatches online or contact us to order samples over the phone.

Yes. But before you do, clean the surface. This can be done using a mop or soft bristle brush with non-ionic detergent (such as kitchen detergent) and water. The surface should then be hosed down thoroughly with water and allowed to dry.

If the surface is new, it may contain some residual lubricants from the roll forming process. These should also be removed using the procedure outlined above. If possible, new surfaces can be sanded lightly to enhance paint adhesion. This is not required on older, weathered COLORBOND® steel.

Once the surface is clean, you can directly overpaint it using two coats (preferably) of a good quality water-based exterior acrylic. Please follow the manufacturer's instructions. If the steel is being used to catch drinking water, also check with the manufacturer that the paint is suitable for this purpose.

It's important to note that overpainting COLORBOND® steel will void any warranties issued by BlueScope Steel. Should, for any reason, overpainting be undertaken on behalf of and under instruction from BlueScope Steel, then a future warranty (if any) position will be negotiated between the customer and BlueScope Steel.

This information is intended as a guide only. For more information, download Technical Bulletin TB 02 - Overpainting and Restoration of COLORBOND® prepainted steel sheet.

Some rollformers produce lattice for this purpose. You can find suppliers in our supplier locator.

Please view our page Effect of Location.

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 for structural requirements, the steel sections must be post painted with an appropriate high build industrial coating system or galvanised.

Such procedures are regarded as imperative to prevent the deterioration of the steel member and consequently, the rapid degradation of the sheeting. Advice should be sought from reputable coating manufacturers in regard to the specification of an appropriate coating system which will offer suitable corrosion resistance for the particular exposure environment.

For more information, please Download Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB 9 - Contact With Unprotected Steel Supports.

Yes. As with other bright and light-coloured materials, consideration should be given to visual amenity, particularly in hilly terrain where the roof can be viewed by neighbouring properties to the south and above

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 for use with uncured concrete and highly alkaline bonding materials is galvanised steel.

COLORBOND® steel is available with a galvanised substrate - one common use being posts for fencing.

In Soil

The construction of gardens adjacent to buildings or fencing by placing soil directly against ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel sheeting is strongly discouraged as corrosion of the sheeting will rapidly occur about the area covered with soil.

Moisture or moisture retaining materials should not be permitted to remain in intimate contact with ZINCALUME® steel, COLORBOND® steel or galvanized steel. Such contact will ultimately result in corrosion of the material.

The major factors influencing corrosion are the continual retention of moisture and the differential concentration of oxygen at the material surface. Gutters are frequent victims, with insufficient fall leading to ponding of water.

The accumulation of debris (leaf matter, dirt etc) which results in continual immersion, is the most common reason for unsatisfactory performance of guttering.

In typical garden applications such as fence panels, garden sheds and walling the build up of grass cuttings, leaves, soil from gardens, mulch, compost, sand and ashes must be avoided.

For more information, please Download Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB 16 - Immersion.

Please download:  Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB 16 - Immersion

You should check with your local council for regulations on fences around pool areas. Particular care needs to be taken if COLORBOND® steel is to be installed within the 'splash zone'. Both salt and chlorine may have a corrosive effect on the COLORBOND® steel finish and as such, may negate a warranty claim.

For more information Download Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB 21 - Special Service Environments: Enclosed Swimming Pool Buildings

Fencing made from COLORBOND® steel is not warranted when installed within one kilometre of marine influences.

The phenomenon of inert catchment has caused the demise of many gutters made from galvanized steel. Roofing which does not change the quality, nature or rainwater as it flows across the roof is referred to as inert catchment.

This may be COLORBOND® steel, terracotta tiles, sealed concrete tiles, acrylic sheeting, glass, ZINCALUME® steel, or aluminium. This means that rainwater with any chlorides or acids dissolved in it from the atmosphere flows into the gutter. Inert roofing material does little to change the chemical nature of this water which can be detrimental to galvanised gutters (which are non-inert).

While galvanised gutters provided excellent service as catchments for old fashioned roofing materials such as unglazed tiles and galvanised steel, it is not recommended as a catchment for modern, inert roofing products.

We recommend gutters and rainwater products made from COLORBOND® steel or ZINCALUME® steel as these will provide equal service to that of the roofing material.

BlueScope Steel No Longer Recommends the Use of Galvanised Gutters and Downpipes.

This information is intended as a guide only. For further information, please Download Technical Bulletin TB 15 - Recommended Steel Gutter Systems

Yes. As with all BlueScope Steel warranties, to estimate the warranty for your specific application or to apply for your warranty online, visit www.bluescopesteel.com.au/warranties.

BlueScope Steel does not recommend the use of touch up paints on COLORBOND® steel. The manufacturing process that gives COLORBOND® steel its colour and gloss retention properties means that the surface weathers differently to air drying paint. After weathering, the areas which have been touched up will look different and can leave a blotchy look.

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.

The product will perform similarly to COLORBOND® steel in Surfmist® and can therefore be used in any application where that product has been considered suitable. Both COLORBOND® Coolmax® steel in Whitehaven™ and COLORBOND® steel in Surfmist® reduce the potential for glare compared to ZINCALUME® steel.

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 installed the wrong way. However, there are double sided products available for applications where the reverse side of the sheet will be visible.