Colorbond vs Polycarbonate Patio Roofing

It depends on what you want from the space. Colorbond steel gives a cooler, shaded, private patio that stands up to WA's sun and weather, and it can be insulated for even better heat and noise control — ideal for year-round entertaining. Polycarbonate is translucent, so it lets daylight through and is great for brightening a shaded courtyard or lean-to, usually at a lower upfront cost. Both are available on our patio kits, with optional project-specific engineering available if required.

Generally yes. A solid Colorbond roof blocks direct sun and radiant heat, so the space underneath stays cooler and shaded. An insulated Colorbond roof (such as Solarspan) improves this further by reducing heat transfer. Polycarbonate lets light — and some heat — pass through, so the area underneath can feel warmer in full sun, which is sometimes desirable in winter-use areas.

Polycarbonate tends to be louder than steel in heavy rain. A standard Colorbond roof has a soft drumming sound, and an insulated Colorbond roof is quieter again thanks to the foam core. If a quiet, all-weather entertaining area matters to you, Colorbond — particularly insulated — is usually the better choice.

Colorbond steel is extremely durable and is manufactured for Australian conditions, resisting fading, peeling and corrosion for decades. Polycarbonate is durable for its weight but can yellow or become brittle over many years of UV exposure, depending on grade. For a long-life patio in WA's harsh sun, Colorbond is the more robust option.

Engineering and its documents are optional project extras. What you need depends on your roof, site and approval needs. These documents are not a permit and do not promise approval. Build to any project documents supplied.