Zincalume vs Colorbond – What’s the Difference?
6 May 2021
By Dale Barker, Operations Manager
IN BRIEF
- COLORBOND® steel is pre-painted and consists of a ZINCALUME® core with a baked-on corrosion inhibitor. It comes in a wide range of colour options, including lighter shades for better thermal efficiency. However, it’s more expensive and can scratch easily.
- ZINCALUME® steel is made from aluminium, zinc, and silicon, offering durability and environmental benefits. It’s cheaper than COLORBOND®, but lacks colour options and has a shiny finish that dulls over time.
- We recommend considering your budget, project priorities, and aesthetic preferences when choosing between these two materials for your steel construction service.
Which is Better: COLORBOND® or ZINCALUME®?
One of the key decisions in any warehouse project,
commercial shed, or other
shade structures is selecting the right material for the job. Let’s compare the two main options – COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel.
For those building new commercial or industrial structures, your steel choices will likely be COLORBOND® or ZINCALUME®. Both are manufactured by BlueScope Steel, a trusted Australian supplier, and while one isn’t inherently ‘better’ than the other, they serve different purposes and come with distinct features.
Both materials are highly corrosion-resistant and reliable, making them excellent choices for Australian projects. Understanding the key differences will help you make an informed decision, ensuring that the material you select is best suited to your structure's needs.
COLORBOND® Steel Products
COLORBOND® steel is pre-painted and designed to withstand Australia’s tough weather conditions. It was first developed to provide a more cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to corrugated roofing, which required regular painting.
Today, COLORBOND® steel is built on a durable ZINCALUME® core and coated with a baked-on corrosion inhibitor. Its tough painted finish resists chipping, flaking, and blistering, helping it retain its appearance for longer.
Using COLORBOND®: Pros and Cons
The biggest benefit of COLORBOND® steel is its vast range of colour choices, allowing clients to customize their commercial or industrial buildings. It’s also more thermally efficient than other steel products, and some lighter colours can help property owners qualify for insulation concessions.
However, COLORBOND® steel comes with a higher price tag and is more prone to scratches.
Pros:
- Over 20 colour choices to blend with other surrounding structures
- Very low maintenance
- Suitable for bushfire-prone areas, including flame zones
- Offers good energy efficiency, especially in lighter colours
- Highly weather resistant
Cons:
- Scratches easily
- Higher cost than other steel options
ZINCALUME® Steel Products
What is ZINCALUME® Made From?
ZINCALUME® steel is an alloy made from aluminium, zinc, and silicon. With a lifespan that’s up to four times longer than traditional galvanised steel, it’s a cost-effective and durable choice for projects like shade structures and commercial sheds.
Its toughness, along with a recyclable design, makes ZINCALUME® an eco-friendly and sustainable choice for property owners.
Advantages and Disadvantages of ZINCALUME®
ZINCALUME® steel’s advanced technology and protective aluminium coating make it more resistant to scratches during installation. Its budget-friendly nature makes it a strong contender for those looking to build large-scale structures on a tight budget.
However, its shiny, metallic finish may dull over time, which can negatively affect the aesthetics of your structure. For those prioritizing the visual appeal of their commercial or warehouse project, this might be a concern.
Pros:
- More affordable than COLORBOND®
- Long lifespan, up to four times that of galvanised steel
- Industrial finish adds a unique design element
- Sustainable and recyclable
- Tough protective coating resists scratches during construction
Cons:
- Limited to a shiny aluminium colour
- Less energy-efficient
- Appearance dulls over time, which may be less visually appealing
Choosing Between COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® for Your Commercial Building
When constructing a large-scale project like a warehouse, commercial shed, or other shade structures, it’s essential to choose the right material to meet your specific needs. No one material is a perfect fit for every project, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each.
At Steelcorp, we offer expert guidance to help you make the best choice for your structure. Whether you're looking for the colour flexibility of COLORBOND® or the budget-friendly durability of ZINCALUME®, we’ll help you find the ideal solution for your building.
Contact our team today to discuss your project and material options.
