Colorbond vs Zincalume vs Aluminium: Which Gutter Material is Right for You?

Home Blogs Colorbond vs Zincalume vs Aluminium: Which Gutter Material is Right for You?

Are your gutters old and worn? If you’re buying an old home and renovating, upgrading it doesn’t need to be a big stress, because we’ll discuss everything you need to know about materials here!

The truth is, the material you choose can impact everything from your home’s curb appeal to how well it stands up to the elements. With options like Colorbond, Zincalume, and more on the market, it can feel overwhelming to know which is best for your roof and your budget.

There’s much to consider in terms of cost, durability, and how it looks on your roof. We’ll break down the most popular gutter materials, their pros and cons, and what to consider when making your decision.

Why Are Gutters So Important?

Rain falls and rolls down your roof, so it needs to go somewhere! Installing gutters draws water away from it. Without a gutter system, water would just spill out onto the sides of your house, potentially damaging the exterior. With gutters, rainwater is channelled and taken away from the house through a downpipe, stopping water damage altogether.

That said, if gutters aren’t installed correctly, water build-up can cause strain and gutters can collapse! Australian gutter standards AS/NZS 3500.3:2018 outline the requirements for the design, installation, and performance of roof draining systems, and this includes gutters.

For example, the capacity of the gutter handling rainfall is determined by the size and shape of the roof (such as the pitch), slope, and local climate conditions. To meet these requirements, gutters must be installed and designed to handle the expected rainwater flow without overflowing or causing damage.

Let’s look at the types of gutters you might be working with!

Half-round gutters. These feature a curved design that can be installed on either side of your roof.
Box gutter designs have a closed design that reduces the risk of water leakage.
Roof fascia boards are installed on the edges of your roof and support your gutter system.
OG gutters, a classic look in a variety of sizes
125mm quad gutters, a slightly larger option for homes that get heavy rainfall
Traditional K-Style gutters, which are the most common, have a flat bottom and an open back for heavy rainfall.

Aluminium Gutters

They can be used without screws or joints
Lightweight, so they resist gutter sagging
Higher volume capacity, less likely to leak
Aluminium doesn’t rust
Easily cut-to-measure and install
Cost-effective

But what are the cons? They lack the strength of materials such as Colorbond steel, are thin and can break from hail or high winds, and are affected by heat (potentially expanding) from sudden temperature changes. Although aluminium is durable, it isn’t impervious to corrosion, and it corrodes faster than copper.

Colorbond Steel

Colorbond, manufactured by BlueScope Steel, has been one of Australia’s most popular building products for over 50 years. It conforms to Australian standards AS 1397:2021, AS/NZ 2728:2013, ISO 9001:2015 Quality System Certified and is backed by a BlueScope warranty for peace of mind.

Inspired by Australia’s landscapes–from the oceans to the western land–Colorbond is durable, high-performing, sustainable, and compliant for Aussie properties. Apply to roofing, walling, garage doors, fencing, insulated panels, patios, pergolas and more.

Colorbond is available in 22 colours: a Classic finish with a low-sheen aesthetic, Matt finish, which is more subtle and diffuses reflected light for a softer look, and a Metallic finish. Why is Colorbond one of the best investments for your gutters?

It is durable, with 5 layers of protection and enhanced with a pre-treatment, primer, and a baked-on topcoat
The core colour range includes a Thermatech solar reflective technology, which bounces back more of the sun's heat on hot days
Every Colorbond product is 100% recyclable
Over 50 years of development means Colorbond is genuinely long-lasting in Australia’s harshest conditions

View a range of guttering profiles on the STEEL SELECT® website. Xclusive Roofing can advise you on what profile and size is most appropriate for your application.

What are the substrates that make up Colorbond steel sheets?

Finish Coat (Finish Coat + Primer = nominal 25µm) {Refer Notes 4 & 5}
Universal Corrosion Inhibitive Primer
Conversion Coating
Aluminium / Zinc / Magnesium alloy-coated steel with Activate® technology substrate
Conversion Coating
Universal Corrosion Inhibitive Primer
Backing Coat (Backing Coat + Primer = nominal 10µm total)

Source: Colorbond Steel Data Sheet

Colorbond is resistant to scratching, abrasion, humidity, chalking, colour changes, solvent, acids, alkalis, and natural well-washed exposure for 10 years.

It also has a resistance to heat as per the AS/NZS 1530.3:1990 (R2016) testing, which included igniteability, spread of flame index, heat involved index, smoke developed index, a combustibility test for steel substrate, National Construction Code non-combustible material concessions (NCC 2022; AS/NZS 1530.3:1999 (R2016) and determination of fire hazard properties (wall and ceiling linings).

Note: Colorbond steel for roofing and walling (XRW) has good resistance to accidental spillage of solvents such as methylated spirits, white spirit, mineral turpentine, toluene, trichloroethylene and dilute mineral acids and alkalis. However, all spillages should be immediately removed by water washing and drying.

Read: 5 Reasons For Roof Restoration: Safeguarding Your Homes Future

Zincalume Steel

Developed in 1976, Zincalume steel has been refined over the years to meet the needs of the Aussie consumer for roofing, walling, garage doors, structural sections, or other general manufactured articles. In 2013, Activate technology for Zincalume was introduced after almost 20 years of development!

Made with BlueScope Activate technology, Zincalume is a strong aluminium, magnesium and zinc alloy coated steel. The Activate technology is designed to slow the rate of corrosion for long-lasting protection. Zincalume:

Lasts at least 50 years with minimal maintenance
Corrosion-resistant and naturally softens into a matte grey finish
Zinc is also recyclable
Has incredible tensile and yield strength
Undergone fire-resistant testing such as combustibility, heat release and smoke release
Excellent for high-end and historic homes
Conforms to standards AS/NZS 1365:1996 (R2016) and AS 1397:2021
Backed by BlueScope warranties for your peace of mind

There are also galvanised steel gutters, but they don’t last as long since they aren’t rust-proof. It is recommended to go with Colorbond or Zincalume steel for residential and commercial applications.

What about copper gutters?

Copper can look good, but it isn’t common to use it for roofing as it oxidises a lot easier than Colorbond steel (turning a blue-green), for example.

Additionally, it isn’t popular to install. Not many contractors are available who know how to install it, and it is expensive to install, even in comparison to aluminium. Zincalume is cheaper with the same performing quality.

If you’re looking to professionally replace or repair your gutters in Bayswater, Doncaster, Bentleigh, Lysterfield, Croydon, St Kilda, Toorak, or Windsor, Xclusive Roofing is a team you can count on.

Gutter Replacements: How Can Xclusive Roofing Help?

First, we look at the existing condition of your gutters, examining for any signs of wear and tear, like cracks, rust, and leaks.

Next, we employ our expertise to replace your old, worn-out gutters with durable materials (such as Colorbond steel) that guarantee longevity and function the way they’re meant to.

Thirdly, install your new gutters to Australian standards, and they also look great.

Get a free quote! We offer $1000 off metal roofing and a 10% discount to pensioners.

Need Reliable Gutters in Melbourne: Reach Out!

Whether you need gutter replacements, such as box gutters, downpipes, roof damage repairs, roof cleaning, or custom made flashing, Xclusive Roofing supports you with metal roofing needs, from Colorbond steel roofing to cladding.

As a licensed and insured, family-owned business, we understand the importance of ensuring that your property is protected and secured by a robust and reliable roof. Serving across Melbourne, we have over 150 years of combined experience, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and offer emergency repairs.