When it’s time to replace or upgrade the gutter system in your South East Queensland home, one of the first decisions is whether to go with Colorbond® steel gutters or traditional gutters made from materials like zinc, copper, or PVC. Both types have advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific situation.
Colorbond® steel is one of Queensland’s most popular choices for new gutter installations. The patented Colorbond® steel product was developed by BlueScope. It provides a durable and long-lasting metal gutter profile available in a wide range of colours to match or complement your roof. Colorbond® is a type of steel coated with an alloy of zinc and aluminium, providing excellent corrosion resistance. This makes it ideal for humid coastal areas like Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
On the other hand, traditional gutters have been used in homes for many decades. The most common traditional gutter materials are galvanised steel, copper, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While galvanised steel tends to be less expensive upfront, it can corrode and deteriorate faster than Colorbond®. Copper offers a very attractive look but comes at a premium cost. PVC gutters are cheaper than metal but less durable in the long run.
When deciding whether to go for traditional or Colorbond® gutters on your SEQ home, there are several factors to consider, including cost, appearance, noise, maintenance requirements, longevity, and compatibility with your roof type. This article compares the key differences to help homeowners choose the best gutter system.
Different Types of Gutters Available in Australia
There are several common Australian gutter types used on modern buildings. The main options include:
- Fascia Gutters— These gutters are fixed to the bottom edge of the roof fascia board. The front lip of the gutter overhangs slightly to catch water runoff. Compared to exposed gutters, fascia gutters provide a tidy finish to the roofline. They are sometimes referred to as concealed gutters.
- Square Gutters - As the name suggests, these have an angled square or rectangular profile. Square gutters are a common choice made from galvanised steel. They can also be fabricated from Colorbond® steel for added durability. Round Gutters - Round or half-round gutters have a curved semi-circular profile. This style often complements more traditional architecture. Round gutters are commonly made from copper but are also available in cheaper materials like Colorbond, PVC, and galvanised steel.
- Smooth-line Gutters—These are a subtle variation of fascia gutters with a sleek, tapered design. Smooth-line gutters provide an ultra-modern, unobtrusive look. Colorbond® steel is ideal for achieving the desired smooth finish.
- Colorbond® Steel Gutters—Bluescope Steel manufactures Colorbond® steel, a specialised Australian product. It uses a corrosion-resistant zinc-aluminium alloy coating and is available in various profiles. Colorbond® steel gutters are a strong yet lightweight option.
The right type of gutter depends on factors like the roof design, architecture, budget and performance needs. Gutter specialists can advise on selecting the most suitable system.
Key Differences Between Colorbond® and Traditional Gutters in SEQ
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Key Differences Between Colorbond® and Traditional Gutters in SEQ
Gutter Profiles and Materials
When installing new eaves gutters or replacing existing ones, two key decisions come into play: the gutter profile and the material. Colorbond® steel gutters are available in a variety of profiles including quad, half-round, square, and round to suit different roof designs. In contrast, traditional gutters typically come in half-round, box, and square shapes.
Appearance and Design Finish
Colorbond® guttering is designed with a smooth line fascia and concealed fixings, creating a clean and modern appearance. This streamlined look sets it apart from traditional gutters, which usually have visible external brackets.
Because of the flexibility of Colorbond® steel, gutters can be custom-formed from a continuous length, allowing a precise fit around roof edges. Traditional galvanised or zinc gutters, on the other hand, are limited to standard square profiles and visible joins.
Material Options and Joint Visibility
Standard galvanised and zinc gutters are generally square and fixed with external brackets. Other materials like copper and PVC are used for round and half-round profiles. While PVC is designed to imitate the look of metal gutters, the joint visibility is often more pronounced and less refined than Colorbond®.
Durability and Weather Performance
Colorbond® steel is known for its strength and corrosion resistance, especially in coastal environments like South East Queensland. The seams can be sealed effectively to help protect against leaks. Plus, with a broad colour palette, Colorbond® gutters can complement a range of roof types and home styles.
In contrast, traditional galvanised steel gutters tend to show signs of rust and paint peeling within 5 to 10 years, particularly in harsh coastal conditions. Copper offers a distinct aged patina over time but can leave staining runoff on walls. PVC, while affordable, has a shorter lifespan and is more prone to joint and bracket failures.
Style and Integration with Home Architecture
One of Colorbond®’s standout features is how well it integrates with both modern and traditional homes. The wide variety of profiles, combined with concealed fixings and the ability to install continuous lengths, offers a tailored, tidy finish. It’s ideal for homeowners seeking both performance and aesthetics.
Ongoing Maintenance Needs - Which Requires Less Upkeep?
When comparing Colorbond® and traditional gutter types, the amount of regular maintenance and upkeep required is an important consideration for Australian homeowners.
Colorbond® steel gutters are designed to collect rainwater efficiently from roof edges and channel it away safely. The concealed fixings and seamless joints prevent leaves and debris from getting trapped, reducing potential blockages. Colorbond’s smooth surface also allows for easy cleaning.
During heavy rain, overflowing gutters are less likely with Colorbond® products that are properly sized and fitted to your roof eave design. The durable material copes well in exposed locations and maintains its integrity to reduce leaks. Installing gutter guards provides an added protective layer against clogging.
Traditional gutters are more prone to corrosion, joint separation, and debris build-up. Exposed galvanised steel gutters tend to deteriorate faster, requiring regular checks for rust and paint flaking, which needs patching. PVC gutter joints and brackets also deteriorate over time.
The shape of traditional half-round and box gutters often allows more leaves and twigs to gather compared to Colorbond® profiles. Blockages can lead to overflow problems and leaks at joints during heavy rain. This means more frequent clearing out is needed. The extra maintenance for traditional gutters becomes more demanding in areas with overhanging trees and bushes. Keeping ladders and accessing the roof line multiple times yearly to clear gutters can risk damage and deterioration around the roof edge.
Overall, the superior durability and innovative design of Colorbond® steel gutters make them a lower maintenance solution. Less upkeep is needed to keep them functioning optimally compared to more high-maintenance traditional styles.
Noise Levels - Which is Quieter in Rainstorms?
When pouring rain outside, the last thing you want is a gutter system that amplifies the noise inside your home. Considering the noise factor when choosing between Colorbond® and traditional gutters is important.
During stormy weather conditions, gutters must efficiently direct large volumes of water runoff from the roof. Colorbond® steel is exceptionally durable and copes with high-velocity water flow. The curved base and wide diameter of Colorbond® profiles allow rainwater to flow smoothly and quietly.
Traditional exposed gutters often resonate and amplify the sound of heavy rain. Copper and galvanised steel transmission can be particularly noisy on surfaces that don’t absorb sound well. Half-round gutters also tend to be noisier than square profiles.
Modern Colorbond® materials dampen noise for a quieter performance. Noise is a critical factor for homes with rooms or bedrooms underneath eaves. Waking up to loud gutter sounds during the night can disrupt sleep.
Box or quad Colorbond® gutters tucked under roof edges perform well on exposed upper floors. The contained design doesn’t protrude out, and the durable Zincalume steel and Colorbond® finish absorb resonant noise.
Overall, Colorbond® steel is the superior choice for keeping gutter sounds to a comfortable minimum. The shape options and durable materials make Colorbond® products perform quietly compared to more resonant traditional metal gutters, resulting in less noise pollution in your home.
Longevity and Durability - Which Will Last Longer?
When investing significantly in new gutters, you want them to last. Colorbond® steel gutters are one of the most durable gutter profile options available. The patented manufacturing process and zinc/aluminium alloy coating deliver superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional galvanised steel.
In humid coastal climates, traditional galvanised and zinc gutters often start showing corrosion within 5-10 years, which can lead to rust bleeding onto fascia boards. Copper gutters develop a patina but are softer and prone to dents. PVC gutters become brittle and degraded by UV over time. Colorbond® maintains its integrity and can achieve over 20 years of lifespan in regions like Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The marine-grade coating withstands humidity and salt air. Advanced finishing creates a non-porous surface that deters corrosion.
During installation, connections on Colorbond® gutters can be tightly joined and sealed. This prevents the leaks that eventually lead to failure with substandard traditional gutter joints. Quality Colorbond® installation should last 15-20 years before requiring any attention.
Colorbond® provides durable gutter profiles sympathetic to various architectural styles for commercial buildings and historical restorations. Property owners benefit from a long-lasting, low-maintenance gutter system using high-grade materials.
Overall, Colorbond® steel gutters deliver exceptional longevity and durability compared to traditional metal and plastic gutters. Their superior resilience makes them an investment that will stand the test of time.
Compatibility With Different Roof Types
An important consideration when installing new gutters is ensuring the profile and size complement the roof design. Colorbond® steel gutters come in various shapes that integrate well with different roofs.
For tiled roofs, half-round Colorbond® gutters provide a classic look that suits many traditional homes. The curved shape blends with Roman or terracotta tile profiles. Square Colorbond® gutters also work well with the straight lines of concrete tiles.
Colorbond® quad gutters can be fitted on skillion-style and low-pitched roofs to prevent overflow. The flat pan shape and wide diameter efficiently drain water off angled tin or metal sheet roofs during heavy rainfall. Many modern homes feature raked ceilings with exposed rafters and concealed gutters. Colorbond’s smooth line fascia guttering streamlines the roof edge for a clean, built-in look. The range of Colorbond® colours also complements different roof materials.
Choosing the Right Gutters for Your South East QLD Home
Colorbond® steel gutter systems have significant advantages for homes in East Queensland. Their marine-grade steel construction meets coastal weather conditions and provides exceptional durability compared to traditional options.
Smoothline Colorbond® profiles deliver a streamlined, low-maintenance, modern aesthetic while remaining sympathetic to traditional architectures, like a classic half-round gutter. Concealed mounting preserves visual appeal and custom sizing handles heavy rainfall without overflow issues.
A wide colour range allows homeowners to complement or contrast the roofline. For historic restorations, Colorbond® emulates the look of old copper gutters for a fraction of the cost while outlasting copper’s durability.
With proper installation, Colorbond® gutters provide decades of reliable service with less maintenance than traditional gutters. The superior corrosion resistance reduces the need for repairs over time.
While Colorbond® steel gutters involve a higher initial investment, the long-term savings on maintenance and replacement make them more economical. Added resale value is an extra benefit.
Contact the qualified professionals at A.I Gutter & Roofing today to ensure your Colorbond® gutters are correctly sized and fitted for optimal performance. Invest in a durable system to protect your home well into the future.
