Repair Systems — 03 — Facade & External Envelope
Head flashing — Colorbond
Technical product reference for Colorbond steel head flashing systems used in window and door frame remediation on Australian Class 2 strata buildings. Covers custom-fabricated Colorbond head flashings for masonry and rendered facade applications — a cost-effective head flashing option in non-coastal, low-to-moderate exposure environments where colour-matching to existing Colorbond elements is required.
What are Colorbond head flashing systems?
Colorbond steel head flashings are LYSAGHT-branded, pre-painted steel flashings used above window and door openings on Australian strata buildings in non-coastal environments. They are the standard head flashing material for inland residential and low-rise strata construction where the Colorbond colour range is suitable for the facade scheme and the coastal specification (stainless 316) is not required.
Product Reference
3 products — Colorbond and Zincalume head flashing systems — scroll to view all
Custom-fabricated Colorbond head flashing
Custom-fabricated Colorbond head flashing — standard exposure
System Description
Custom-fabricated Colorbond head flashings are the most common head flashing material in Australian residential and low-rise strata construction in non-coastal environments. They are fabricated by a local sheet metal fabricator from LYSAGHT Colorbond steel to project-specific dimensions, and are available in the full Colorbond colour range — allowing the flashing to match the facade colour scheme or existing Colorbond elements. Colorbond is appropriate for inland and sheltered locations within the LYSAGHT recommended exposure zone — confirm the Lysaght exposure zone classification for the project location before specifying. All cut edges and drilled holes must be treated with Zincalume touch-up paint or cut-edge sealant before installation — bare steel edges will corrode at cut edges. Fix with Colorbond-compatible stainless or Zincalume screws only. Seal the back joint with a compatible neutral cure silicone or PU sealant. TODO: owner confirm — confirm the applicable LYSAGHT exposure zone for the project location before specifying Colorbond.
Technical Properties
- Full Colorbond colour range — colour-match to facade or existing elements
- Custom fabricated to project-specific dimensions — projection, upstand, drip nose, folded ends
- Colorbond product warranty — confirm warranty zone from LYSAGHT for the project location
Limitations
- Not suitable for coastal, marine or high-chloride environments — specify stainless 316 instead
- All cut edges, drilled holes and damaged areas must be treated before installation — exposed steel corrodes
- LYSAGHT exposure zone must be confirmed before specifying — Colorbond warranty is zone-specific
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm exposure zone suitability and fabricator availability before ordering.
Custom-fabricated Zincalume head flashing
Custom-fabricated Zincalume head flashing — concealed applications
System Description
Custom-fabricated Zincalume head flashings use zinc/aluminium alloy (ZA) coated steel sheet in a mill (unpainted) finish. Zincalume offers improved corrosion resistance over galvanised steel but is not suitable for coastal or high-chloride environments. It is typically used in concealed applications where the flashing will be rendered over or where a mill finish is acceptable and the flashing is not visually prominent. Zincalume is less expensive than Colorbond (no paint coating) but is not available in a colour-matched finish — if the flashing will be visible, specify Colorbond or stainless. All cut edges must be treated with Zincalume touch-up before installation. Fix with Zincalume-compatible or stainless fasteners. Confirm the appropriate LYSAGHT exposure zone for the project before specifying. TODO: owner confirm — confirm exposure zone suitability for Zincalume at the project location.
Technical Properties
- Zincalume (Zn/Al alloy) coating — improved corrosion resistance over galvanised
- Mill (unpainted) finish — suitable for concealed or rendered-over applications
- Lower cost than Colorbond (no paint coating)
Limitations
- Not suitable for coastal environments — specify stainless 316 for coastal locations
- Mill finish only — not available in colour-matched finish; not suitable for exposed applications where colour match is required
- All cut edges and penetrations must be treated before installation
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm exposure zone suitability and fabricator availability before ordering.
Pre-formed Colorbond head flashing section
Pre-formed Colorbond head flashing — ex-stock standard profile
System Description
Pre-formed Colorbond head flashing sections are roll-formed in standard profiles and available ex-stock from Stratco, Fielders and flashings supply companies. They are cut to length on site, avoiding the lead time of custom fabrication. Sections are available in a range of Colorbond colours but may be limited compared to the full custom fabrication colour palette — confirm colour availability with the supplier before specifying. Pre-formed sections are appropriate where the standard profile matches the project window reveal geometry. End caps must be cut and folded on site. All cut edges must be treated before installation. Confirm Colorbond exposure zone suitability before specifying — Colorbond is not suitable for coastal environments. TODO: owner confirm — confirm profile dimensions, colour availability and LYSAGHT exposure zone classification before specifying.
Technical Properties
- Pre-formed Colorbond steel — no fabrication lead time — ex-stock
- Cut to length on site — simple site operation
- Available in range of Colorbond colours — confirm specific colour availability with supplier
Limitations
- Limited to standard profiles — cannot accommodate non-standard reveal geometries
- Not suitable for coastal environments — specify stainless 316 for coastal locations
- Colour range may be limited compared to custom fabrication options — confirm with supplier
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm exposure zone suitability and fabricator availability before ordering.
System Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Colorbond and Zincalume head flashing systems. Confirm LYSAGHT exposure zone before specifying for any project.
| Product system | Type | Material | Finish | Coastal | Availability | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Colorbond head flashing | Custom fab | Colorbond steel | Full colour range | No | Lead time req. | Colour-matched head flashings — inland/non-coastal — most common in residential strata |
| Custom Zincalume head flashing | Custom fab | Zincalume steel | Mill (unpainted) | No | Lead time req. | Concealed / rendered-over applications — lower cost than Colorbond |
| Pre-formed Colorbond section | Pre-formed | Colorbond steel | Limited colours | No | Ex-stock | Standard reveals — no fabrication lead time — confirm profile match before ordering |
Colorbond vs stainless head flashing — selection guide:
- Specify stainless 316 in coastal or marine-influenced environments — Colorbond steel will corrode at cut edges and penetrations in salt-laden air over time
- Colorbond is appropriate for inland and sheltered locations where Colorbond warranties apply — confirm the relevant Lysaght exposure zone classification before specifying
- All cut edges and drilled holes in Colorbond must be treated with cut-edge sealant or Zincalume touch-up paint before installation — bare metal edges corrode rapidly
- Do not fix Colorbond flashings with carbon steel fasteners — use Colorbond-compatible stainless or Zincalume screws only to prevent corrosion staining
- Colorbond head flashing sealant joint at back-of-flashing must be a neutral cure silicone or polyurethane compatible with the Colorbond coating — confirm compatibility with LYSAGHT before application
- Where Colorbond is concealed by render, the drip nose must still project clear of the rendered surface — concealed drip edges trap water
Disclaimer
This page provides general technical information only. Head flashing details are project-specific — final fabrication dimensions, fixing details and substrate preparation must be confirmed by a qualified remedial practitioner against site conditions. Always verify Colorbond exposure zone suitability before specifying.