Colorbond Roof: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

It's about more than looks

Before taking out your paint swatches and perusing through the Colorbond colour chart, it’s essential to understand that there are more factors than aesthetics at play. Your region’s climate should be considered as different colours will absorb and reflect heat differently. For example, did you know that a lighter-coloured roof will reflect heat, keeping your home cooler in summer? Conversely, a darker roof will absorb heat, making your home warmer in winter. Ultimately, the colour of your roof can influence the temperature inside your home and impact its energy efficiency.

Fortunately for Australians dealing with extreme summer conditions, all Colorbond colours, save Night Sky®, have been designed with our climate in mind and feature Thermatech® solar reflectance technology. Thermatech® reflects the sun’s heat, which can help to reduce the temperature of your roof and, ultimately, your home.

With Thermatech technology, colours once classified as medium, such as Dune®, have moved into the light classification and can help homeowners maintain a comfortable internal temperature, minimising the energy costs that would otherwise be associated with cooling their home.

Avoiding the Urban Heat Island Effect.

Thermatech technology is not only beneficial for your home’s energy efficiency; it can also help to mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The UHI is a phenomenon that occurs when built-up areas, like cities and towns, are significantly warmer than their rural surroundings. This is due to the increased heat absorption by materials commonly used in construction, such as asphalt, steel, and concrete. The UHI effect can cause significant problems, including increased demand for energy resources for cooling, air pollution, and decreased water quality.

One way to help offset the UHI effect is by using reflective surfaces, like a Colorbond roof, to reflect heat rather than absorb it. Colorbond roofs can help reduce built-up areas’ temperature and make them more comfortable for residents. Darker colours, such as Woodland Grey®, have a higher thermal emittance, reflecting more heat than lighter colours. As most Colorbond colours feature Thermatech® technology, they can help offset the UHI effect, meaning that you can rest assured in knowing that your roof is not only stylish but makes your community a more comfortable place to live.

When selecting a roof colour, it is also essential to consider the style of your home. A roof is a significant feature of any home and can contribute significantly to its curb appeal. Fortunately, Colorbond offers a variety of carefully curated to suit all types of Australian homes, from classic to contemporary. Colourbond’s palette is inspired by Australia’s unique natural colours and landscapes, making it easy to find a colour that will complement your home.

Colours for traditional homes:

Traditional architecture in Australia is often associated with Federation-style homes. These homes are typically constructed from brick or stone and feature ornate details, like leadlight windows and verandas. If you have a traditional home, you might want to choose a roof colour that complements its existing features. For instance, if your home has a creamy facade or incorporates red brick, a Colorbond roof in Manor Red® would establish a cohesive aesthetic by mimicking the natural shades of terracotta.

Colours for contemporary homes:

When selecting a roof colour, it is also vital to consider your home’s surroundings. For instance, if you live in a rural area, you might want to choose a roof colour that blends in with your natural surroundings. Softer shades such as Cottage Green® or Bushland® would be a good choice for homes in rural areas.

On the other hand, if you live in an urban area, choosing a roof colour that helps your home stand out from the crowd may be beneficial. Brighter colours such as Classic Cream™, Paperbark®, and Cottage Green® would be a good choice for urban dwellings.

Ultimately, the best way to choose a roof colour is to consider all of the factors that are important to you. Whether you are concerned about energy efficiency, mitigating the UHI effect, or finding a colour that complements your home’s style, there is a Colorbond roof colour that will meet your needs. With so many great options, you are guaranteed to find the perfect colour for your home. If you’re looking to re-roof, paint, or restore your home’s roof, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly Oz-Roof team. We will be able to advise you on the best solution for your needs and budget.

We wish you the best of luck on your exterior design journey!

-The Oz-Roof Team