Assessing Storm Damage on Your Asbestos & Colorbond after Hail

The hail hits, and for a couple of days, everything looks perfectly fine. The call usually comes a day or two after this hail when people come out to inspect the roof. Ignoring inspection of the roofing structure after a hailstorm can be an open invitation to problems that start quietly. The dents are obvious on Colorbond roofing, and they can be easily compared to an older asbestos roof, which makes the situation tricky. There will be no drama, no visible cracks or anything else, but this doesn't mean the asbestos roofing is fully immune.

Colorbond roofing and they can be easily compared to an older asbestos roof - Rooftek 

HOW HAIL HITS THE ROOFING STRUCTURE

You will not notice the impact of hailstorms on some obvious spots. However, with asbestos, even small fractures found randomly will matter.

In this situation, leakage is not the only problem – compliance is. Damaged asbestos or Colorbond roofing means breaching Safe Work Australia guidelines. Some common spots, where you notice the real effect of hailstorms are –

●       Ridge caps have more impact than flat sheets

●       Older fixings loosen before panels fail

●       Valleys tend to hide damage until the next rain

Colorbond roofing means breaching Safe Work - Rooftek 

COLORBOND ROOFING VERSUS ASBESTOS: WHAT SURVIVES HAIL BETTER

The answer is simple: one reveals the damages easily while the other hides them completely.

COLORBOND ROOFING

●       Cosmetic dents vs. structural damage (not always the same thing)

●       Roofing colours paint coating, can weaken over time after repeated hits

●       Usually repairable — but not always worth it if older

ASBESTOS ROOFING

●       Hairline cracks you won't see from the ground

●       Disturbing it during DIY checks can release fibres

●       Often pushes you toward full replacement, not patch jobs

According to THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND WELFARE asbestos-related conditions still account for thousands of deaths annually. This is something not to take lightly to save a couple of hundred dollars.

Disturbing it during DIY checks can release fibres - Rooftek

You must avoid some common mistakes after a hailstorm. They will not show their consequences immediately, and that's a major problem.

●       Climbing up too early (wet sheets = dangerous)

●       Assuming insurance will cover everything (they won't without proof)

●       Ignoring minor dents on metal roofs

●       Disturbing asbestos without licensed help

Widespread and coatings are compromised - Rooftek

FAQs

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY COLORBOND ROOF NEEDS REPLACING?

• If dents are widespread and coatings are compromised, replacement often makes more sense than patching.

IS IT SAFE TO INSPECT ASBESTOS ROOFING MYSELF?

• No. Visual checks from the ground only. Anything more requires licensed roofs professionals.

WILL INSURANCE COVER HAIL DAMAGE?

• Usually yes, but documentation and timely reporting matter.

CAN SMALL DENTS IN METAL ROOFING BE IGNORED?

• Sometimes, but they can affect drainage and coating integrity over time.

HOW SOON SHOULD I ACT AFTER A STORM?

• Within days, not weeks. Damage can worsen quickly with rain.

DO ROOFING COLOURS AFFECT HAIL DAMAGE?

• Not directly, but darker colours may show damage more clearly and absorb more heat, affecting long-term wear.

THE FINAL TAKEAWAY

Storm damage rarely looks like a cinematic disaster. Usually, it is quiet, creeping, and mildly annoying—factors that explain why homeowners ignore it.

When uncertainty hits, call a specialist who handles roofing services constantly. Don't ask for a quote immediately—simply find out what is actually happening with your property.

 

Colorbond Vs. Zincalume: NSW Roofing Regulations For Metal Roofs

Councils in Australia are very strict about the regulations and standards governing metal roofing, including Colorbond roofing. They assess everything, including wind rating, bushfire exposure and compliance with The National Construction Code. This is where many homeowners trip up when choosing between Colorbond and Zincalume roofing. The same manufacturer offers both materials, but NSW regulations prioritise performance over brand.

Choosing between Colorbond and Zincalume roofing - Rooftek

COMPLIANCE STARTS WITH THE NCC

Even the best metal roofing and the best corrugated roofing in Australia must meet the set standards under the National Construction Code. This means they have to comply with the following –

• Correct wind classification (N1–N6 zones)
• Minimum roof pitch compliance
• Appropriate corrosion resistance rating

BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL (BAL) requirements

Coastal suburban areas experience higher corrosion rates, so people living in areas like Cronulla and the Northern Beaches prefer Colorbond roofing. On the other hand, for people living in western Sydney, the BAL rating is more important, and they follow recommendations from the NSW Rural Fire Service. This affects the sheet thickness, sarking and fixing methods.

Northern Beaches prefer Colorbond roofing - Rooftek

COLORBOND ROOFING Vs. ZINCALUME UNDER NSW CONDITIONS

Zincalume roofing uses an aluminium-zinc alloy coating. This solution performs well in inland areas and is ideal for a budget-driven project. It lacks the baked-on colour coat that Colorbond roofing has for durability and thermal efficiency.

COLORBOND ROOFING TYPICALLY COMPLIES MORE EASILY WITH:

• Coastal corrosion standards
• Heat-reflective performance requirements
• Aesthetic controls in new estates

Homeowners searching for the best corrugated roofing in Australia opt for Colorbond corrugated profiles, as they meet compliance standards and offer really impressive resale value.

Searching for the best corrugated roofing in Australia - Rooftek

COMMON APPROVAL MISTAKES

HOMEOWNERS REGULARLY:

• Choose a profile before checking council overlays
•  Ignore BAL rating documentation
• Assume all metal sheets meet coastal standards

The compliance of any metal roofing also depends on fixing the insulation and spacing. Sheet type is not the only factor to consider; therefore, it is always recommended to consult a detailed metal roof replacement guide.

WHICH ONE MAKES MORE SENSE?

Zincalume roofing is ideal for sheds, warehouses and areas that experience really low exposure. For homes in salt-air and high-UV areas in Sydney, Colorbond roofing is the perfect choice, as it delivers long-term performance and broader design approval.

We have some frequently asked questions related to this topic discussed below for better clarification.

FAQs

DOES NSW REQUIRE COLORBOND OVER ZINCALUME?

• No.
• Regulations focus on performance standards, not brand.

IS COLORBOND BETTER FOR COASTAL NSW HOMES?

• ·        Yes.
• ·        Marine-grade colorbond offers stronger corrosion resistance.

DO METAL ROOFS NEED BAL CERTIFICATION IN NSW?

·        Yes, if your property falls within a designated bushfire zone.

CAN I USE CORRUGATED ZINCALUME IN SYDNEY SUBURBS?

·        Yes, provided it meets wind and corrosion classifications.