Profiles, finishes, colours — and what it all means for your roof replacement. So you know exactly what you're getting and can explore your options.
Every RoofHero quote starts from this spec — Australia's most popular, proven combination. Upgrades are always available and clearly priced.
COLORBOND® steel by BlueScope is far more than paint on metal. It's a multi-layered system engineered specifically for Australian conditions — and it's what virtually every quality roofer in Sydney specifies.
COLORBOND® steel has been tested in harsh Australian environments for over 50 years. The product features a high-strength steel core coated with a metallic alloy (similar to Zincalume®) and then topped with a baked-on paint finish that resists peeling, cracking, and chalking.
It's lightweight (much less structural load than tiles), non-combustible, termite-proof, and comes with manufacturer warranties up to 30 years depending on the product grade and your location's corrosion environment. BlueScope's Thermatech® solar reflective technology is built into the paint system, which helps reduce heat absorption and can lower your cooling costs.
For homes within a few kilometres of the coast, COLORBOND® Ultra steel provides additional corrosion resistance designed specifically for severe marine environments.
The "profile" is the shape the steel sheet is pressed into. It affects the look of your roof, how water sheds, the minimum roof pitch it can handle, and in some cases the cost.
The iconic Aussie roofing profile — a continuous wave of rounded peaks and troughs. It's the most popular residential profile in Sydney, looks great on everything from heritage cottages to modern builds, and is readily available in all COLORBOND® colours. Proven, versatile, and cost-effective.
Clean, architectural lines with concealed fixings — no visible screws on the surface. The raised seams create a sleek, contemporary look popular on modern Australian homes. Concealed fixings mean better weatherproofing and a cleaner aesthetic, but it comes at a higher price point and requires specialist installation.
Trapezoidal rib profiles with bold, angular lines. Originally popular in commercial and industrial applications, they're now common on residential low-pitch roofs and carports. Excellent spanning capability means they can cover wider distances between supports.
The "finish" refers to the paint technology and surface texture applied to the steel. COLORBOND® offers three distinct finishes, each with a different look and feel.
| Feature | Classic | Matt | Metallic |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoofHero Base Spec | ✓ Included | Upgrade | Upgrade |
| Look & feel | Low sheen, smooth, clean | Soft, textured, velvety — diffuses light | Lustrous, shimmering, shifts with light |
| Colours available | Full 22-colour range | 6 curated colours | 6 curated colours |
| Best for | All homes — versatile | Modern, designer looks | Bold architectural statements |
| Availability | All profiles, all suppliers | Most profiles | Most profiles |
| Cost | Standard | ~5–10% more | ~5–10% more |
The Classic finish is the standard and most popular choice — it looks clean, works on every home style, and comes in the full colour range. Matt and Metallic are premium options for homeowners who want a specific designer look. Matt has become particularly popular for contemporary builds where a softer, less reflective roof is desired.
COLORBOND® offers 22 core colours inspired by the Australian landscape. Here's the range grouped by tone to help you narrow down your shortlist.
Matt finish colours: A curated subset of 6 colours (including Monument®, Basalt®, Dune®, Surfmist®, Shale Grey™, and Bluegum®) available in the premium Matt texture.
Metallic finish colours: 6 colours with embedded metallic particles for a distinctive shimmer effect.
COLORBOND® Ultra colours: For homes in severe marine environments (close to the coast), COLORBOND® Ultra is available in 7 core colours with enhanced corrosion resistance.
Our base spec covers the vast majority of Sydney roof replacements. Here are the upgrades we can price for you if you want to explore options.
Swap from corrugated to concealed-fix standing seam for a sleek, modern look with no visible screws. Popular on contemporary and architect-designed homes.
Typically +20–40% on materials & labourUpgrade from Classic to Matt (soft, textured) or Metallic (shimmering lustre) for a premium designer aesthetic. Limited colour range in these finishes.
Typically +5–10% on materialsIf your home is within a few kilometres of the ocean, Ultra provides significantly enhanced corrosion resistance. Available in 7 core colours.
Typically +10–15% on materialsStandard residential is 0.42mm BMT (Base Metal Thickness). Stepping up to 0.48mm BMT adds strength and rigidity — worth considering for larger spans or exposed/windy locations.
Typically +8–12% on materialsCombine the roof sheet, insulation, and internal lining into a single panel. Excellent thermal and acoustic performance — popular for living areas and bedrooms.
Significant cost increase — quote on requestAbsolutely. Your initial RoofHero quote is based on our standard base spec (COLORBOND® corrugated, Classic finish, standard colours). If you want to explore a different profile, finish, or premium colour, just let us know and we'll get updated pricing from our contractors. There's no obligation.
Within the standard Classic finish, all 22 COLORBOND® colours are the same price. You only pay more if you upgrade to a Matt or Metallic finish, or if you need COLORBOND® Ultra for coastal environments.
Darker colours do absorb more solar heat than lighter ones. However, all COLORBOND® steel includes Thermatech® solar reflective technology, which means even darker colours perform better than you'd expect. Proper roof insulation and ventilation have a much bigger impact on your home's temperature than colour choice alone.
BlueScope offers warranties on COLORBOND® steel products, though the specific terms depend on the product grade and your home's distance from the coast. Standard COLORBOND® steel in non-severe environments carries substantial warranty coverage. Your contractor will also provide a separate workmanship warranty. We can provide full warranty details with your quote.
If your home is within about 1km of breaking surf (or closer in severe marine environments), COLORBOND® Ultra is strongly recommended for the enhanced corrosion protection. BlueScope provides environment classification guidance, and your roofer will advise based on your specific location. Standard COLORBOND® handles most Sydney suburban locations well.
A standard scope includes removal and disposal of old roofing, supply and install of new COLORBOND® sheets, all flashings, ridge capping, valley irons, and fixings. It also typically includes new sarking/insulation membrane, gutter and downpipe assessment, and a final clean-up. The exact scope is confirmed during the on-site inspection.
Our base spec gives you Sydney's most popular, proven combination. Upgrades are always available and clearly priced — no pressure, no surprises.
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