The Colorbond history marks the chronological evolution of Colorbond® steel from its origins to its present-day prominence in Australian construction. This popular building material developed in response to Australia's need for weather-resistant, pre-painted steel that could withstand the harsh environment, including intense UV radiation and coastal corrosion.
In 1966, John Lysaght Australia introduced Colorbond steel at their Port Kembla manufacturing site in New South Wales. This innovation addressed the growing demand for durable building materials during Australia's post-war housing boom of the 1950s-1970s, when residential construction surged across the country.
A key technological advancement in Colorbond's development was the transition from traditional galvanised steel to the Zincalume® alloy base. This specialised alloy, composed of 55% aluminium, 43.5% zinc and 1.5% silicon, dramatically improved the material's resistance to corrosion and extended its service life in Australia's challenging climate conditions.
The evolution of Colorbond is marked by several milestone decades. The 1960s saw its initial launch and introduction to the Australian market. During the 1980s, Colorbond experienced a significant residential boom as homeowners embraced its durability and aesthetic appeal. By the 2000s, the focus shifted toward enhanced design options and improved sustainability features.
In 2002, a significant corporate transition occurred when BHP Steel became BlueScope Steel, which remains the current manufacturer of Colorbond products in Australia. This change represented not just a rebranding but a renewed commitment to innovation in steel building products.
Colorbond's sustainability credentials were further enhanced when it received Green Star certification, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious building projects. The material's compliance with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2728) played a key role in its wide-scale acceptance across the construction industry, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
The 1990s marked an important expansion in Colorbond's applications. While initially popular primarily for roofing, the material began to see widespread use in fencing, garden sheds, water tanks, and building façades. This versatility contributed significantly to its growing popularity among builders and architects.
Today, according to industry reports from 2023, Colorbond steel commands approximately 80% market share in the steel roofing sector in Australia. Its usage spans both commercial and residential applications, with continued growth in architectural projects that showcase its versatility and design potential.
What is Colorbond?
Colorbond® steel is a pre-painted, coated steel material specifically engineered for superior durability and weather resistance. The technical definition of Colorbond describes it as a premium building product consisting of a Zincalume® steel base with multiple protective layers and an oven-baked paint finish.
The composition of Colorbond involves several distinct layers that work together to create its renowned durability:
- A steel substrate that provides structural strength and integrity
- A Zincalume® metallic coating (aluminium/zinc/silicon alloy) that offers exceptional corrosion protection
- A conversion coating that chemically treats the surface to improve paint adhesion
- A corrosion inhibitive primer that adds an additional barrier against moisture and oxidation
- A top coat of baked-on, UV-resistant exterior paint that provides the finished colour and texture
This multi-layered system is what gives Colorbond its outstanding resistance to chipping, peeling, and cracking, even after decades of exposure to Australia's harsh weather conditions.
What is the origin of Colorbond steel?
Colorbond originated as a direct solution to combat steel corrosion in Australia's uniquely challenging climate. The combination of intense ultraviolet radiation, salt-laden coastal air, and extreme temperature variations created an environment where traditional building materials deteriorated rapidly.
Before its official 1966 market introduction, Colorbond underwent extensive pre-1966 trials and product testing phases. These tests involved exposing prototype materials to Australia's harshest conditions, including placement in severe marine environments and desert locations. The research and development team at John Lysaght Australia conducted accelerated weathering tests alongside real-world exposure trials to perfect the formulation.
These rigorous testing protocols lasted several years, with scientists monitoring how different coatings and treatments performed under extreme conditions. The goal was to create a pre-painted steel product that wouldn't need the regular maintenance that galvanised steel required, while delivering consistent performance across Australia's diverse climate zones.
The knowledge gained during these extensive pre-release trials led to significant refinements in the manufacturing process and coating technologies, resulting in the first commercial Colorbond products that hit the Australian market in 1966.
When was Colorbond steel first developed?
Colorbond steel was officially commercially released in 1966 by John Lysaght Australia. This marked the formal introduction of this innovative building material to the Australian market after years of extensive testing and development. The 1966 launch represented the culmination of significant research efforts to create a pre-painted steel product specifically designed for Australia's challenging climate conditions.
Who invented Colorbond steel?
John Lysaght Australia was the innovator responsible for the development of Colorbond steel. The company's research and development team worked extensively to create this revolutionary building material that would address the specific challenges of steel corrosion in Australian environments. Their expertise in metallurgy and coating technologies enabled them to pioneer this pre-painted steel solution that would go on to transform the Australian building industry.
Where was Colorbond steel first manufactured?
The first Colorbond steel was manufactured at Port Kembla, New South Wales. This industrial site served as the birthplace for what would become one of Australia's most iconic building materials. The Port Kembla facility provided the technological capabilities needed to produce the multi-layered coated steel product, establishing the manufacturing processes that would later be refined and expanded as Colorbond grew in popularity throughout Australia.
When become popular the use of corrugated iron in Australia?
The use of corrugated iron in Australia became popular during the mid-19th century, specifically between the 1850s and 1860s. This period marked the introduction phase of corrugated iron to the Australian building landscape. The material's popularity surged dramatically during the gold rush era, when rapid settlement expansion created an urgent need for practical building materials.
As rural settlements expanded across the Australian countryside, corrugated iron became increasingly favoured for its versatility, ease of transport, and quick installation. Gold rush towns needed buildings constructed quickly, and corrugated iron sheets could be easily shipped to remote locations and assembled with minimal skilled labour. This practical solution to Australia's unique settlement patterns helped establish corrugated iron as a distinctive element in Australian architectural identity, laying the groundwork for later innovations like Colorbond steel.
What is Zincalume® technology in Colorbond® steel?
Zincalume® is a specialised metallic coating alloy that serves as the important base layer in Colorbond® steel production. This technological advancement features a precise composition of 55% aluminium, 43.5% zinc, and 1.5% silicon. Each element in this carefully formulated alloy contributes specific properties that enhance the overall performance of the final product.
The Zincalume® coating plays an essential role in enhancing corrosion resistance compared to traditional galvanised steel. While galvanised steel relies solely on a zinc coating for protection, Zincalume® combines the barrier protection of aluminium with the sacrificial protection of zinc. The aluminium forms a durable barrier that shields the steel from environmental exposure, while the zinc provides sacrificial protection at cut edges and scratches. The small silicon component improves the adhesion of the coating to the steel base.
This innovative combination delivers corrosion resistance that is up to four times more effective than conventional galvanised steel of the same thickness. The improved performance of Zincalume® technology significantly extends the lifespan of Colorbond® products, particularly in harsh Australian conditions where coastal salt spray and intense UV radiation accelerate corrosion in traditional building materials.
What is Thermatech® coating in Colorbond® steel?
Thermatech® is a solar-reflective coating enhancement incorporated into Colorbond® steel. This specialised technology is designed to increase the solar reflectance of the painted surface, allowing the material to reflect more of the sun's heat rather than absorbing it. The Thermatech® coating works by modifying the pigment composition in the paint layer without affecting the visible colour appearance of the steel.
The energy efficiency benefits of Thermatech® coating are substantial. The technology improves thermal emissivity (measured in W/m²·K), enabling Colorbond® steel to release absorbed heat more efficiently. This results in significantly reduced interior heat gain in buildings, with some colours demonstrating up to 5°C cooler surface temperatures compared to similar colours without the technology. In practical terms, this means buildings with Thermatech®-enhanced Colorbond® roofing require less air conditioning during hot weather, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower cooling costs for Australian homeowners and businesses.
When Colorbond become popular in Australia?
The 1980s marked the decade when Colorbond achieved mainstream residential adoption throughout Australia. During this period, Colorbond transitioned from a primarily industrial building material to a popular choice for everyday home construction and renovation. The material's durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance requirements resonated with homeowners looking for alternatives to traditional roofing options.
Prior to this residential boom, Colorbond had already established itself in industrial and rural applications throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Agricultural sheds, warehouses, and commercial buildings were early adopters of the material, valuing its corrosion resistance and longevity in challenging environments. These earlier applications helped prove the material's performance capabilities, creating a foundation of trust that supported its expansion into the residential market during the 1980s. The transition from primarily utilitarian uses to becoming a design element in Australian homes reflected both technical improvements in the product and changing consumer attitudes toward steel building materials.
How popular is Colorbond nowadays?
Colorbond currently commands approximately 80% market share in the Australian steel roofing sector according to industry reports from 2023. This dominant position reflects its widespread acceptance as the premium metal roofing solution across the country. In the external walling sector, Colorbond has captured roughly 45% of the market share where metal cladding is specified, demonstrating its versatility beyond just roofing applications.
The current use frequency of Colorbond is remarkably high in both new construction and renovation projects. For new builds, approximately 3 in 4 Australian homes constructed in 2023 incorporated Colorbond materials in some capacity, whether for roofing, guttering, or external features. In the renovation sector, Colorbond is the specified replacement material in over 65% of roof restoration projects, with homeowners particularly valuing its combination of longevity and modern aesthetic appeal when upgrading older properties.
What are the benefits of installing Colorbond roofs?
Durability and corrosion resistance stand as the primary advantages of installing Colorbond roofs. The multi-layer construction with its Zincalume® steel base provides exceptional protection against rust and deterioration, even in coastal environments where salt spray typically accelerates metal corrosion. This corrosion resistance gives Colorbond roofs their remarkable longevity, with many installations continuing to perform effectively after 30+ years of exposure to Australia's harsh climate conditions.
The material's engineered resistance to chipping, peeling, and cracking enhances its long-term durability. Unlike traditional metal roofing that might require regular repainting or maintenance, Colorbond maintains its structural integrity and appearance with minimal intervention. This durability extends to weather resistance, with Colorbond roofs demonstrating excellent performance against severe storms, hail impact, and intense UV radiation that would degrade many alternative roofing materials more quickly.
Get a Quote to install a Colorbond Roof in Adelaide
When requesting a quote for Colorbond roof installation in Adelaide, it's important to clearly specify your service region within the Adelaide metropolitan area. This helps roofing specialists determine appropriate pricing based on your exact location, as travel distances and local council requirements can affect overall project costs.
Your quote request should include details about materials, installation requirements, and colour selection preferences. For materials, specify the size of your roof area (if known) and any particular Colorbond profile you're interested in (such as Corrugated, Klip-lok, or Custom Orb). For installation, mention if this is a new build or a replacement of an existing roof. Regarding colours, indicate which Colorbond shade options you're considering from their standard range.
To request a detailed, no-obligation quote for your Colorbond roofing project in Adelaide, contact Adelaide Roofing & Construction:
Phone: 0402 767 499
Email: admin@adelaideroofingandconstruction.com.au
Website: www.adelaideroofingandconstruction.com.au