The simple answer to the question, “Does Colorbond fade?” is yes. Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce how much your Colorbond roof fades.
The simple answer to the question, “Does Colorbond fade?” is yes. Eventually, it does.
But it’s still more colourfast than most of the other roofing materials available.
And thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce how much your Colorbond roof fades.
How To Maintain Your Colorbond Roof
The roof is one of the essential parts of the house. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most neglected.
Your Colorbond roof will fade if not looked after properly.
In part, whether and how much your roof fades is dependent on the amount of care you give to it.
More often than not, roof maintenance is beyond the homeowner. They either lack the know-how, the right equipment, or the agility necessary for proper roof maintenance.
But this need not be an issue. There are many professionals out there who can get the job done at a reasonable rate.
Better still, there are some simple DIY roof maintenance tips you can use to ensure your Colorbond roof remains colourfast for longer.
Effects of Weather Conditions on Colorbond Roofs
Weather is one of the critical factors in play when considering the longevity of Colorbond. Extreme weather conditions affect how well your roof ages.
For example, exposure to harsh UV light will make our Colorbond roof fade faster. You cannot control how much UV falls on your roof, but you can reduce fading by choosing a lighter hue for your Colorbond roof.
Lighter-coloured roofs are less susceptible to UV light and will fade less.
Here are a few amazing tips to help maintain your Colorbond roof:
Tip # 1: Regular Inspection
Inspection is the first line of defence against anything that could damage your Colorbond roof or cause fading. Treat your roof to regular inspections.
There are two sides to roof inspection:
- Self-Inspection
- Annual Inspection
Self-inspection involves the simple everyday things you can do to ensure that your roof is in tip-top shape.
Walk around the house to see if anything has fallen off the roof, check the gutters and eaves for damage and check for debris, such as leaves on the roof.
You can also climb into the roof cavity and check for any signs of leakage or damage to the roof. Do this by turning off the lights while in the cavity or attic/loft and looking out for streams of sunlight.
Roof inspections typically happen every 12 months. A roofing specialist should be contracted to conduct this inspection. It involves a thorough inspection of the roof and all related components. The inspector checks for and fixes:
- Sealant failure and weather damage
- Scratched and chipped paint
- Seam separation
- Damaged washers
- Rust stains
- Exposed fasteners
Most Colorbond roof problems start as minor issues that can be easily detected and fixed after an annual inspection.
Tip # 2: Repaint your Roof
Repainting is a great option to protect your Colorbond roof from rust and fading.
Repainting also restores the home’s aesthetics and can boost property value.
Exposure to UV lights and the elements will make the roof fade over time.
Reduce the impact of these natural phenomena by choosing a lighter hue of paint that’s less prone to fading.
To make it even easier for you, Colorbond comes in 22 colours for roofing.
Bear in mind that repainting your roof is far from a DIY project. Ensure you get a qualified roof painter to give your roof the treatment it deserves.
Tip # 3: Keep your Gutters Clean
Ensure your gutters are free from leaves and debris.
A clogged-up gutter encourages the pooling of water in the drains and valleys.
The stagnated water then leads to rusting and discolouration and can encourage the growth of moss and mould in the surrounding areas.
Leaves and debris can also damage the finish of your roof and pose a fire hazard.
Clean your gutters at least twice every year, especially at the end of autumn, after the trees shed their leaves.
Be careful not to damage your gutters when cleaning them by using the right tools and NEVER placing your ladder directly on the drains.
Tip # 4: Prevent Galvanic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two incompatible metals come into contact. When wet or submerged in a liquid (such as rainwater), the liquid acts as an electrolyte, causing an electrochemical reaction between the two metals.
Corrosion then occurs around the points of contact between the metals.
Ingredients that increase conductivity, like salty water (like in areas near the ocean) make it even worse.
Protect your Colorbond roofing from corrosion by ensuring that bolts, screws, and flashings used are of the same metal.
You can further prevent galvanic corrosion by:
- Using non-absorbent insulators to separate different kinds of metals
- Using paints, coatings, and grease for electrolyte isolation
- Limiting exposure to electrolytes
- Avoiding electrical contact with the metals
- Careful application of colour coats
Learn more about galvanic corrosion and how you can protect your roof here.
Tip # 5: Clean Grime and Buildup on the Roof
Buildup on your Colorbond roof causes moisture retention and, subsequently, the growth of moss and mould. Both of which encourage fading and rusting of your roof.
Clean your roof regularly to keep buildup minimal.
When cleaning your roof, stick to clean, fresh water and a sponge or a soft bristle brush.
NEVER use a tough bristle brush or harsh chemicals like bleach and detergents to clean your roof. They can damage your metal coating and leave your roof even more susceptible to fading and rusting.
You can also use a high-pressure cleaner to dislodge grime and contaminants on the roof.
Cleaning of the roof exposes minor issues like flaking paint and rust, making it easier to fix them before they can escalate.
Observe the necessary height and safety precautions when cleaning your roof. Wear soft rubber-soled shoes and watch where to place your feet to avoid accidental denting or damage to your roof sheet formation.
Rely on experienced roof cleaners and avoid the hassle of roof cleaning at affordable rates.
Tip # 6: Use Next Size Up Replacement Screws
Many of the Colorbond roofs installed more than 15 years ago have rusted screws.
Galvanised steel was a more popular roofing material compared to Colorbond steel, leading to the use of galvanised screws even when installing Colorbond roofs.
Replace all the galvanised screws with Colorbond screws to protect your roof from rust and discolouring.
Also, ensure that the replacement screws are one size up from the original screws to ensure a tighter fit.
The rusting around the screw opening compromises it making it wider. Use larger screws to secure the roof and leave no gaps for leaking.
To ensure there is no further damage from the old screws, reach out to a professional roofing restorer to get the job done properly.
Tip # 7: Hose Down Areas Unwashed by Rain Water
In most cases, the roof gets a little wash when it rains. But, there are parts of the roofing material that remain unwashed by rainwater. These are:
- Under the gutters
- Under the eaves
- On the wall cladding
Hose down these unwashed areas every six months, especially in the coastal and high industrial fallout areas.
The buildup in these areas contains abrasive elements that promote rusting and discolouration.
Hosing out these areas flushes out the grime and protects your roof from rust and colour loss.
If well taken care of Colorbond roofs can last a lifetime!
So, the best Colorbond roof maintenance tip is to form a great relationship with a local professional Colorbond roofing expert.
