A reader's Roofs and roofing question: Zincalume roof?

Anna B.   from   Brisbane: Australia   had this Zincalume roof question.

I need to choose a colour for a new roof for my house. I previously had midgreen Colorbond.

In order to conserve energy I am considering Zincalume as I have been told that it will reflect heat and not absorb it. I have had conflicting advice from a professional who believes that a white colourbond roof would be preferable to Zincalume, as it would be cooler????

What is your opinion? I am also installing insulation in the form of a foil faced blanket. Many thanks

Bill's answer

Hi Anna,
You are doing the right thing either way, and seeing as you are using a foil faced blanket I honestly think there will be little difference.

You could say that the Zincalume is more reflective, but after a while it gets a patina on it and is then less reflective.

So saying this I would say pick which one you like the looks of most.
Bear in mind that zinc is cheaper and that goes for the fixing and flashings also.