Roof Types
Metal Roofing Installation & Replacement in Sydney
From corrugated iron to modern profiles, metal roofing done right sheds water and lasts.
Metal roofing covers a lot of ground: traditional corrugated iron, ribbed trimdek, bare Zincalume and pre-painted steel. What they share is a light, sheet-based system that clads a roof quickly and handles Sydney downpours well when the fall and laps are right. The differences between profiles come down to strength, span, minimum pitch and looks. We match the profile to your building rather than fitting whatever is on the truck.
Corrugated versus trimdek versus concealed-fix
Corrugated iron is the classic wavy profile, forgiving over slightly uneven frames and at home on cottages and heritage jobs. Trimdek and similar ribbed profiles have square flutes that span further between supports and read as more modern. Concealed-fix profiles hide the screws under clip-fixed pans, which suits very low-pitched roofs and gives a clean, unbroken surface.
Each profile has a minimum pitch it is rated to. Push a profile below its rated fall and water sits at the end laps and creeps back under the sheet. We check your existing pitch first, because that single number often decides which profiles are even on the table.
Zincalume, galvanised or pre-painted
Bare Zincalume is an aluminium-zinc coated steel with a bright metallic finish that ages to a soft grey; it is popular on sheds and modern homes where you want the raw metal look. Older galvanised iron is zinc-coated and rusts sooner, which is why we usually replace rather than patch it. Pre-painted steel adds a baked colour coat over the metallic layer for both looks and extra protection.
The right choice depends on budget, appearance and how close you are to the coast. Near the surf, cut edges and fixings are the weak point on any bare metal, so we detail those carefully and specify heavier coatings.
Where metal roofs actually fail
Most metal roof leaks are not through the middle of a sheet; they are at penetrations, laps and flashings. Poorly sealed screws, skimpy end-lap overlaps, and cheap flashing around flues and skylights are the usual suspects. Rust often starts at the cut ends and around fasteners where the coating was disturbed.
When we replace or repair a metal roof we treat the detailing as the main job. Correct lap lengths, quality sealed fasteners, and properly formed flashings are what keep the roof watertight for the long haul.
What's Included
- Profile selection matched to roof pitch and building style
- Choice of Zincalume, galvanised or pre-painted steel
- Correct end-lap and side-lap overlaps for your profile
- Sealed, correctly tensioned fasteners with quality washers
- Custom-formed flashings at ridges, valleys, penetrations and abutments
- Removal and disposal of the old roof covering
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between metal roofing and Colorbond?
Colorbond is a brand of pre-painted steel sheeting, so it is one type of metal roof. Metal roofing is the broader category that also includes bare Zincalume, galvanised iron and other profiles. All Colorbond is metal, but not all metal roofs are Colorbond.
Can you install a metal roof over an old one?
Sometimes, but we prefer to strip the old covering first. Overlaying hides frame problems and rust, and adds trapped moisture between the layers. Removing the old roof lets us inspect and repair the battens and rafters before the new sheeting goes down.
How low can the pitch be for a metal roof?
It depends on the profile. Standard corrugated and trimdek have minimum falls that must be respected, while concealed-fix systems are rated for very low pitches. For a near-flat roof we will specify a profile designed for it rather than laying standard sheets flat.
Does a metal roof rust?
Modern metallic-coated steel resists rust for decades, but rust starts where the coating is broken, at cut edges, scratches and fasteners. Coastal salt speeds it up. Using the right grade and detailing the edges properly is what prevents early rust.
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