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Zincalume vs Colorbond – What’s the difference?

6 May 2021

IN BRIEF

• COLORBOND® steel is pre-painted and consists of a ZINCALUME® core with a baked-on corrosion inhibitor. It comes in a wide range of colour options including lighter colours for better thermal efficiency. However, it is more expensive and can scratch easily.
  
  
• ZINCALUME® steel is made from aluminium, zinc and silicon, offering durability and environmental benefits. It is cheaper than COLORBOND®, but lacks colour choices and has a shiny finish that dulls over time.
  
  
• We recommend property owners consider the budget, project priorities and aesthetic preferences when choosing between these two materials.

Which is better: COLORBOND® or ZINCALUME®?

One of the most important decisions when deciding to build your new structure is which material to choose for your project. Let’s take a look at the two main choices – COLORBOND® steel or ZINCALUME®.

When you’re looking to build a new commercial or industrial structure, the two steel choices you have available to you are COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME®. Both products are made by Australian giant BlueScope Steel and one isn’t necessarily ‘better’ than the other – they just serve different purposes and have different features.

Whilst both are highly corrosion-resistant and reliable building materials, there are a few differences you should be aware of when you choose the steel for your structure.

COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® are both tough, durable and have been extensively tested to withstand corrosion in the harshest Australian environments. When considering which product to use it’s important to consider the similarities and differences between these two materials. Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each material will ensure you choose the best product for your project.

Using COLORBOND®: Pros and Cons

The most important advantage for consumers using COLORBOND® steel is the number of colour options available. The colour choices give clients the creative flexibility to make their project unique.

Structures constructed with COLORBOND® steel are also more thermally efficient than other steel products. In some cases, property owners have qualified for insulation concessions when choosing some of the lighter colours of COLORBOND® steel.

The biggest disadvantage of COLORBOND® steel is the price. It is typically more expensive than other steel materials.

Pros:

• Excellent choice of 20+ colour choices that integrate neatly with other surrounding structures (such as fences and roofs)
• Very low maintenance
• Can be used as part of a compliant system in bushfire-prone areas, including flame zones where there is a high risk of ember attack and extreme levels of radiant heat
• Offers good energy efficiency due to reflective properties of lighter colours
• Highly weather resistant

Cons:

• Scratches easily
• COLORBOND® sheds cost more

ZINCALUME® Steel Products

What is ZINCALUME® Made From?

Made from a combination of aluminium, zinc, and silicon, ZINCALUME® steel is a durable metal. With a lifetime of almost four times that of galvanised steel, ZINCALUME® steel has been designed as a product that is built to last. Not only does this ensure lifetime savings for the property owner it also allows for fewer environmental concerns associated with replacing building materials.

Advantages and Disadvantages of ZINCALUME®

ZINCALUME® steel is made with new technology and has an activated aluminium coating. This makes it much tougher and more resistant to any scratches during installation. It is an environmentally friendly product and is recyclable.

Is ZINCALUME® Cheaper than COLORBOND®?

ZINCALUME® is cheaper than other steel products including COLORBOND®, meaning it can fit into the most modest budgets. If you are looking to build a relatively cheap shed, ZINCALUME® provides a good balance between cost and durability.

The one major disadvantage of this material is that it has a shiny aluminium colour which tends to dull over time. Many property owners feel that it does not complement the look of their structure and that it has a negative impact on the aesthetics of their property.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly option: ZINCALUME® is cheaper than COLORBOND®
• Has a lifespan of up to four times that of ordinary galvanised steel
• Provides a unique industrial finish which can be a design feature
• Sustainable option
• Features a tough protective coating that is resistant to scratches and scuffs encountered during construction

Cons:

• Less energy-efficient due to its shiny finish
• No colour choices: only available in a plain aluminium colour
• Dulls over time giving an aged appearance that can be less attractive
  
  
  

Choosing Between COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® for Your Commercial Building

When it comes to building large commercial, industrial, equine and educational structures, we’re here to provide honest, unbiased advice to help you get a building you can be proud of for years to come.

No single solution is best for everyone, but we’ll make sure you get the choice that’s best for you. The Steelcorp team can provide advice and assistance in choosing the perfect construction material, so give our friendly team a call to discuss prices on COLORBOND® sheds or ZINCALUME® sheds.