If you currently have a decramastic roof you might be considering upgrading to a Colorbond Steel roof. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and process of converting decramastic roofs to Colorbond Steel, enabling you to make an informed decision about this significant home improvement project.
Decramastic roofs, also known as pressed metal tile roofs, were popular in the mid-20th century due to their perceived durability and affordability. They typically consist of a base metal sheet with a bitumen coating and stone chip overlay. However, decramastic are known to be extremely fragile and susceptible to foot traffic and environmental damage. Maintenance to an existing decramastic roof is near impossible without denting the tiles. Dents in the tiles can lead to major leaking issues and a decline in the roof's visual appeal.
Colorbond Steel, on the other hand, is a high-quality roofing material that offers numerous advantages over traditional decramastic roofs:
Durability: Colorbond Steel is renowned for its exceptional durability, specifically designed to be able to withstand harsh Australian weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and hail. BlueScope Steel backs up their material with a warranty of up to 36 Years.
Aesthetic Appeal: By converting to Colorbond Steel, you can give your home an instant facelift. The wide range of attractive colours and finishes available allows you to select a style that complements your home's architecture and enhances its overall appearance.
Energy Efficiency: Colorbond Steel roofing is designed to reflect a significant amount of the sun's heat, reducing the need for excessive cooling during hot summer months. This can lead to energy savings and a more comfortable living environment. Colorbond Steel is also compatible with insulation building blanket products, providing further energy efficient options.
Low Maintenance: Compared to decramastic roofs, Colorbond Steel requires minimal maintenance. Regular inspections and basic cleaning are usually sufficient to keep it in excellent condition for many years. Thanks to the durability of Colorbond Steel, it is capable of sustaining regular foot traffic when installed correctly.
Environmental Sustainability: Colorbond Steel is made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan. By choosing Colorbond Steel, you contribute to sustainable building practices and reduce the environmental impact of your home.
The process of converting your existing decramastic roof to Colorbond Steel is slightly more complex than a standard metal to metal roof replacement, with additional steps being required to ensure the new roof installation complies with current codes and standards:
1. Asbestos Testing: Some decramastic roof tiles contain asbestos within the bitumen coating used to adhere gritty finishes to the tiles and should be tested for asbestos contamination before works commence. Decramastic roof tiles without a gritty finish do not contain asbestos.
2. Tie Downs: To comply with the National Construction requirements, some alterations need to be made to the existing roof framework. Existing decramastic roof tile battens are too small to support a Colorbond Steel roof, so new 40mm BlueScope Steel battens are installed to the existing frame at appropriate spacings to suit the chosen roof profile. Additional tie down upgrades may also be required, which is decided upon by a contracted Structural Engineer during the removal process.
Converting your decramastic roof to Colorbond Steel offers a range of benefits, including enhanced durability, improved aesthetics, energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance requirements. While the conversion process may involve some investment, the long-term advantages and increased value it brings to your home make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Feel free to contact the team at The Handy Roofer to arrange a free inspection and quote to assess your specific situation and embark on this exciting home improvement journey.
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