Guidelines for using COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel

This page contains some basic recommendations for the use of COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel products. More information can be found by following the related links below.

BlueScope Lysaght recommends that you:-

• Always use the recommended steel grade to suit your environment and any special corrosive influences,
• Store material clear of the ground and protect from rain and moisture prior to installation,
• Always use fasteners with durability equal to the material being used and which have carbon-black-free washers,
• Avoid materials and liquids which can cause corrosion, such as lead and copper, green or CCA (Copper-Chrome-Arsenic) treated timber, uncoated steel supports, fertilisers, pesticides and abrasive cleaners,
• BlueScope Lysaght recommendations on roof pitch, fastener spacings and type, support spacings and other laying procedures should be followed when installing products,
• Use non-carbon pencils, chalk or pen for marking sheets. Black carbon (often called lead) pencils should not be used,
• Use metal cutting discs or shears to cut sheets rather than angle grinder discs,
• Use only neutral-cure silicone sealants,
• Do any cutting off-site at ground level. Mask around holes to be drilled. Thoroughly clean away debris at the end of each day to prevent staining or corrosion,
• Avoid immersion in concrete, soil or water, or build up of debris against the product,
• Any minor scratches will self heal. Avoid using touch up paint,
• Areas not washed by rainwater should be hosed down at least every six months (more frequently in areas with industrial fallout or high salt concentrations),
• Galvanised gutters should not be used with roofing made from ZINCALUME® steel, COLORBOND® steel, aluminium or glazed tiles,
• Design gutters so that water flows towards the outlets (a minimum gutter fall of 1 in 500 is recommended). Pooling of water can cause rust and surface staining,
• Clean brickwork prior to installing gutters or mask nearby metal. Immediately wash down with copious amounts of clean water any areas that come into contact with acid,
• Peel of the CORSTRIP® protective film from gutters, fascias and flashings immediately following installation.

For Full details and recommendations refer to the BlueScope Steel Technical Bulletins.