Topic: Colours & Trends

There comes a time in every construction (new or existing) where you’ll be faced with the choice of choosing between two of the most popular Australian roofing types: traditional tiles or modern metal roofing (otherwise known as Colorbond).

While traditional tiles are either made from concrete or terracotta, have been used on roofs on Australian homes for quite some time, the choice to use the sleek lines of Colorbond roofs has made a significant increase in recent years. Today, new and existing constructions have been using smarter and wiser choices concerning roofs. Not only are they exercising greener choices, but they are also demanding the best products in the market at the best prices.

DO TILES REALLY STACK UP

Apart from the traditional “thing to do”, putting tiles on a building raises some concerns. Surely if tiles are heavy enough and take enormous energy to lay on a roof they must be good quality right? Well… we’re not so convinced about that, and here are some reasons why:

Absorption of water is high.

Concrete or terracotta roofing tiles have the tendency to absorb a portion of rainwater before it runs off into the gutters. In many older buildings and constructs with longstanding roof tiles, it’s often found that a rather interesting series buckets are used to catch those persistent drips.

Mythical qualities.

Contrary to popular belief, terracotta and concrete materials manufacturing tests and processes are less stringent than their counterparts in the market. Their reputation for use is largely down to word of mouth and the past, rather than innovation and science.

Maintenance is constant.

Bi-annual checks of the roofs to check for cracks is the best way to safeguard a tile roof and catch issues before they become hazardous. In addition to this visual check, there is the inability to use pressure cleaners on tiles (as it will cause more damage) so cleaning the roofs by hand is recommended. Not to mention sealing and repainting the tiles to keep the surface as durable as possible. The reason why tiled roofs become neglected over time is the lack of time that modern day living has afforded all of us. We no longer have the time we used to have to dedicate to tiled roofs.

Deterioration over time.

Well, put simply, no, they don’t. Traditional roofing materials, especially concrete tiles, are fragile and prone to breaking, cracking and leaks. It is also much more common to encounter ridge capping problems, along with excess leaf blockages with traditional concrete tiles.

In addition to this, colour oxidation and deterioration occurs to tiled roofs which results in the roof colour fading considerably within 3-5 years of installation.

Tiled roofs need care and upkeep, and when that’s not been done, then they can look like something out of the Addams Family. Great for Halloween, not so good for every other time of the year.

CAN COLORBOND OUTPACE THE REST

Originally developed in the United States, the method of bonding paint to a galvanised base has undergone comprehensive changes. Refinements in Australia has seen us develop a non-combustible roofing material that only has superior corrosion resistance, is resistant to chipping, peeling and cracking but also provides an aesthetically pleasing answer no matter what kind of roof or style of home. That’s the first reason why Colorbond metal roofs are seeing traction in new and existing constructions.

Representing modern roofs.

Colorbond roofs are characterised by their clean and simple lines that give any home a crisp, neat and modern look that complements many of the contemporary homes in Australia. When we think “modern” we often are referring to Colorbond metal rooflines.

Colorbond is available in a wide variety of colours which means that it can suit all kinds of home locations and tastes, so aesthetically speaking, no matter if you live in a rural part of the country, in suburbia or by the beach, you will find something that will complement your building.

Winning the weight game.

One of the leading advantages of selecting a Colorbond roof over traditional tiles is the difference in weight. Colorbond is exceptionally lightweight, in fact, a Colorbond roof is only 1/10th of the weight of tile roofing options, which means that homeowners can use lighter framing and the rafters that support the roof can be spaced further apart. This is also an advantage as the roofing structure does not need to be as complex, it can reduce the cost of installation.

Colorbond roofing will weight the same, no matter how wet or dry the weather conditions. This additional weight would need to be taken into consideration when the roofing structure is being designed and as Colorbond roofs do not absorb water and therefore you will not have to fret about the fluctuations in the weight of your roof.

Versatility meets imagination.

If you have a need to break away from the past and bring a building into the modern age of innovation there has never been a better material to use. Colorbond roofs can work with many imagined roof creations and are the best choice for any type of roof – whether that’s a flat roof, minor pitches, and even steep pitches.

Manufactured and Tested.
Resilience, Weathering, and thermal insulation.

Colorbond roofs have the advantage of having a life expectancy of 40 – 70 years; this exceeds the expectancy of tile roofing. Certain metal choices, such as a Colorbond roof will be able to withstand wind gusts up to 140-mph.

The manufacturing process that Colorbond undergoes produces a material that exceeds traditional tiles in both resilience and weather resistance, which ultimately means that it requires less maintenance and will save you money in the long run.

Colorbond is an extremely resilient material that can endure and combat the harsh weather conditions of the Australian climate, along with being non-combustible, making it the ideal roofing material for homes in locations that are prone to bushfires. In fact, the Colorbond material is given a Class A fire rating, which is the most resistant class rating possible.

You will also find that Colorbond offers homes remarkable thermal insulation qualities which means that it will reduce your overall energy costs for your home. Through proper ventilation at the point of installation, Colorbond roofs ensure your home bears the minimal effects of condensation.

Go green.

Living green and being conscious of the environment can be an expensive decision, especially when it comes to your home. Choosing a Colorbond roof with help make a positive impact on the environment as it could help to surpass the homes entire day-to-day recycling over its lifetime.

When they are no longer in use, metal roofs are 100% recyclable and deepening the material, your existing metal roof could be made from up to 75% of recycled material.

Low Maintenance saves you time.

Colorbond roofs don’t suffer oxidation or color fading within 3-5 years, issues that traditional tiles encounter will virtually disappear with a Colorbond metal roof as it requires very little, to no maintenance, and the colours remain true and vibrant for many years.

Turning down the noise factor

It’s now possible to dramatically minimise sound in Colorbond roofing by using acoustic blankets, foil and various other forms of insulation. Or if you grew up with the calming sound of the pitter-patter from rainfall, you may opt out of this option to keep it real. Either way, it’s entirely up to you on how much or how little noise you’d like to hear from within.

Cost effective.

It’s a much lower cost to maintain a Colorbond roof. Time is significantly reduced because there is no need to be up on the roof checking for any potential movement, cracks or other damage from the extreme weather conditions that we experience in Australia. Colorbond roofs are built to go the distance.

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The demand for metal roofing has grown the last decade and choosing a metal roof is the smart choice for your pocket, the environment and for the look of any modern or refurbished building of today.

So, when you next ask the question – what should use a tiled roof or a new Colorbond metal roof? There’s no contest. Colorbond metal roofs are winning. Hands down.

KC Roof Plumbing are Melbourne’s most trusted, reliable and personable roofing team in Melbourne. If you’re looking for a test that’s tried and tested contact KC Roof Plumbing on 1300 537 663 to talk about your next project.

Metal roofing is on top of trends in 2018, but there are many good reasons as to why more Australians are making the decision to choose metal roofing options.

Making a great first impression is important to all of us, and the first impression of any project is no exception. Whether it be a home, business or another dwelling, a good looking, modern exterior can dramatically increase its market value. Your choice of roofing will also impact the inside performance of your property.

In recent years, there has been a drastic shift to metal roofing options and it is not hard to see why. With so many benefits to a metal roof, it has become the roofing material of choice for more Builders, Residences, and Architects who are seeking a roof replacement or a building an innovative construction. Here are some of the benefits of a metal roof:

– As metal is a lightweight material, it allows for an easy installation.
– Metal roofing is extremely durable. The life expectancy of metal is extremely large and it has been tested to endure the harsh weather conditions of the Australian landscape.
– If your metal roof reflects the sun’s heat and UV rays, it will dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your building.
– All metal roofs come with the option to install different thicknesses of insulation. This helps to raise the energy rating and “R” value of the overall property to make it a more sustainable, greener place to live.
– Metal is one of the most sustainable roofing options as it is 100% recyclable.
– Metal is a safe and reliable roofing option as it is resistant to fire, moisture, mildew, and pests such as termites.
– They require little to no maintenance.

While the functional benefits of choosing a metal roof have played a significant role in the growth of popularity, the wide range of styles and colour options have also encouraged this roofing trend in 2018.

Colorbond roofing is the most advantageous and attractive metal roofing option not only because it is available in a wide selection of 22 colours, including its new matt range of finishes, but because it can complement other design choices for the exterior. Colorbond can create a cohesive consistency with fencing, gutters, and roofing.

A Colorbond roof can also improve the thermal efficiency of a building through its specialised coating technology. This coating provides anti-corrosion properties that keep a building safe as well as structurally secure.

WHY AUSTRALIA IS MOVING TO METAL

Sustainable and Energy Efficient

In recent years, many people have made the shift to opt for more environmentally conscious and sustainable materials in their buildings and choosing a sustainable and energy efficient metal roof can help you tick that box.

It’s no secret that we are all looking for ways to save money on heating bills, cooling bills and conserve our water so it’s important to remember that your roof choice plays a key role in achieving these energy efficiency goals.

Colorbond metal profiles have been specially coated with an innovative “thermatch” technology which allows for the material to reflect the sun and heat, keeping the whole building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter months. The durability of Colorbond outperforms its rivals as it can withstand any weather, no matter how harsh the conditions.
Not only does Colorbond have an unmatched longevity, it is also completely recyclable and is less likely to end up in a landfill. If you are an environmentally conscious even a little bit, there is no better green option than Colorbond steel in terms of sustainability and efficiency.

Modern Colours and Shapes

Now more than ever, Australian’s are taking a great deal of pride in the exteriors of their properties. They are coordinating the features to make a modern clean look, from the fencing to the gutters and including choosing a complimentary roof.

Many new builds and refurbishments are being influenced by their location. In rural landscapes of Australia, the popular roofs are ones that blend in with their rustic and neutral and earthy surroundings. Dwellings by the beach are choosing classic white and grey colour palettes that are reminiscent of upscale holiday destinations, such as Victoria’s Mornington Penninsula.
Colorbond steel is available in an impressive range of over 20 varying colour options and textures such as Classic, Contemporary, Metallic, Ultra, and Matt. Metal Roofs are no longer limited in choice or shape variations. Popular Colorbond colours that are widely used all throughout Australia are Monument, Basalt, Jasper, Woodland Grey, Surfmist, Paperback,

If you are considering building from scratch, are onto your next building project or improving any property’s curb appeal to increase a market value, replacing your roof to Colorbond steel is the most effective way to create a lasting impact.

KC Roof Plumbing have over 20 years of industry experience and knowledge specialising in high-end residential projects, re-roofing, building extensions and modular roofing using modern Colorbond metal roof materials. Their professional team can help you to find a custom solution to your roofing needs that can perfectly match your project, of any size.

Choosing the most reputable plumbing company in Melbourne, KC Plumbing can help you to achieve a safe, secure and on point roof. Call the team for a chat about your plans on 1300 KC ROOF (1300 527 663).

Architectural cladding systems don’t just protect the exterior of your property from the harsh elements of Australian weather conditions, it is also one of the most important and effective ways to create a unique and appealing facade.
There are so many cladding options and materials to choose from today, however, there are some that are at the forefront of 2017 trends for new constructions, refurbishments, and modernisations of residential and commercial properties.
With an ever growing and extremely competitive real estate market, buyers and owners are beginning to make some significant investments to the exteriors of their properties. The exterior can create a lasting impact for potential buyers of your property if you are putting it on the market and can even significantly increase its value through its improved curb appeal. Simply put, the better looking the property looks from the outside, the greater response it will get come auction day. Changing the cladding is an excellent way to attract interest and boost value. Luckily, with the wide range of cladding materials available, and the costs may vary from quite a reasonable level to a lot more. It all depends on how much you’re willing to invest to get the best possible kerb appeal for your property.

While there is an abundance of cladding materials and styles to select from, here are some of the architectural cladding materials and combinations that are at the top of the trends at the moment:

ONE. TWO. OR A MEDLEY OF MATERIALS.

 
One of the biggest trends in architectural cladding for the exterior of a property is to use a combination of different types of cladding materials like Copper, VM Zincalume or Colorbond steel. By using two or more varying cladding materials, you can easily create a unique and contemporary appearance that will make your property stand out from the others. If you are looking to do what the leading building designers do, then explore blending textures in cladding material to create a lasting and impressive impact.
Using the technique of a combination of cladding, you can break up large expanses of the exterior to define different areas of the building according to its purpose. One of the most popular kinds of cladding materials used on new extensions, or for entirely new roofs of existing buildings, is Colorbond steel. As it’s versatility is second to none.
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CLADDING WITH DIFFERENT COLOURS

 
Another architectural cladding trend for 2017 that has continued to gain popularity is to use the same material of cladding for the exterior but in two or more different colours. This is a great way to add some dimension whilst keeping the property connected and appearing as one whole building.

For example, if you choose a light grey cladding option, you can use a darker grey accent within the cladding to create more interest. There is no rule on how bold you choose to go with this trend, however, it is recommended that you choose different shades that are in the same tonal colour family. This trend works for most materials of cladding.

There are loads of colour options available in the Bluescope Colorbond range found here. Choose from the Classics, Metallics all the way through to the latest in Matt or Contemporary ranges.

Get in touch with the experts at KC Roof Plumbing for a better understanding of your cladding options and to gain great advice on modern cladding for a variety of projects.

KC Roof Plumbing are a reputable commercial plumbing company located in Melbourne who are ready to collaborate with you to develop outstanding new builds and refurbishments. With over 15 years of industry experience and knowledge with architectural cladding, the professional team can help you to find a custom solution. Call KC Roof Plumbing on 1300 KC ROOF (1300 527 663).

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain the durability of your house. From floors to the roof, everything has a lifespan and capacity of endurance. However, the exterior of your home requires much more attention than the interior.

As the roof of your house undergoes a lot of harsh environmental situations like a lashing storm, heavy rain and ultraviolet rays, it requires regular inspections and scheduled maintenance. Regular upkeep of your roof is the smartest investment you can do as a responsible homeowner. One of the maintenance methods is colour coating.

Irrespective of the material selection for roofing, there are many reasons you need to consider before choosing the right shades and colourbond roofing colour schemes for the roofing materials. Roof colours form an important part of the visual frame for every home. Choosing an impactful colour is a decision that some Homeowners (of new or existing properties) can easily overlook. A great colour choice in a roof can add tremendous value to a home and improve its overall aesthetic dramatically.

Here are some of the valuable tips, which can help you with your roof colour selection:

#1 Dark Shades vs. Light Shades

You colour selection for the roof is a major factor as it influences how much heat the roof will absorb from the scorching sun. It is scientifically proven that dark colour schemes absorb a higher amount of heat as compared to light shades. On an average, black shingles would absorb 10 degrees more heat than white shingles on a summer day. However, the difference between other shades like greys and browns is not so wide.

#2 Do not underestimate the brick colour

Shutter colour schemes and shades can be replaced from time to time, but bricks are not easily replaceable. Before you decide on siding colours and paint shades, it is important to finalise the brick quality and colour. When you go for selecting samples of colour schemes for houses, start with the brick and gradually move to the paints.

#3 Your exterior should match the roof colour in some way

When you decide to change the colour schemes for your home exterior, changing the roof colour is the last step. However, while selecting the roof colour, do not forget to compare it with exterior walls, trims and surroundings. Your home should look unique but not out of sync, so make sure whatever you choose, it should match your surroundings.

#4 Get inspired by nature

If you look around, mother nature may provide you with some brilliant ideas for your roofing style. Trees can inspire you for shades of brown and green. If you live near a beach, you may love to go for the colour schemes of blue and turquoise. With the sun so high in Australia, you must consider the effects of the Australian before selecting the colour tone for your house.

#5 Be creative but maintain the balance

Contrasting colour schemes can enhance the architectural features. However, too much contrast can create confusion and clash with the originality. A single colour family includes hundreds of shades to choose from, so it is always safer to stay with one colour family. You can play with the tones, shades and tints but do not lose the balance between dark and light colour schemes combinations.

Do not jump into finalising colour schemes for houses blindly. It is always better to take your time and talk to your roofing service provider for an estimate.

Plan everything according to your home’s structure, interior and exterior style, neighbourhood and environmental surroundings.