Exploring Different Roofing Profiles for Australian Homes
Choosing a Roof Profile with Confidence
When you’re planning a new roof or renovation, colour is usually the first thing people get excited about. But the shape of your roof sheeting deserves just as much attention. The profile you choose will have a major effect on how your home looks from the street, how well it handles Australia’s weather, and how smoothly the build comes together.
A lot of homeowners choose metal roofing made from COLORBOND® steel because it’s dependable and works with many different styles. With a wide mix of roofing profiles available, each is suited to certain pitches, looks and day‑to‑day needs.
Understanding the basics makes the whole decision feel more manageable. Knowing how each profile behaves will help you choose something that fits supports you home and the way you want your project to take shape.
Why Roofing Profiles Matter
A roofing profile refers to the way a steel roof sheet is shaped. The height and spacing of ribs, whether the sheet is corrugated or flat, and how it is fixed all play into its performance and appearance.
Some profiles emphasise strong lines and structure. Others create a softer, more traditional look. Certain profiles suit lower roof pitches, while others are designed to manage higher rainfall or exposure. This is why your roofing profile decision should be made on more than looks alone.
Common Metal Roofing Types
Corrugated
Corrugated roofing is a familiar feature of many Australian streetscapes. Its curved, repeating shape has been a defining touch of homes for generations, and it still works just as well on classic houses as it does on more contemporary designs.
Profiles like S-Rib™ and CorroMax® 21 perfectly balance looks and performance. The gentle curves help water flow away from the roof and the appearance suits a wide range of roof pitches. Corrugated roofing is often a natural fit for extensions and renovations, especially where a relaxed, coastal or easy-going look is part of the design.
Benefits:
- Timeless appearance
- Versatile across many home styles
- Effective water shedding.
Considerations:
- More traditional look may not suit all modern designs.
Ribbed and Trapezoidal
Ribbed steel roofing profiles feature straighter lines and defined ribs. Options such as TL-5® and Spanform™ are commonly used on modern homes and renovations where clean geometry is a design feature.
These profiles provide a strong, structured appearance and can suit both residential and light commercial roofing projects. The rib shape adds stiffness to the steel sheeting, which supports performance across different conditions.
Benefits:
- Clean, contemporary lines
- Suitable for a wide range of roof styles
- Strong visual definition.
Considerations:
- More angular appearance than corrugated profiles.
Concealed-Fix
Concealed-fix roofing systems are chosen for their smooth, uninterrupted finish. With fixings hidden beneath the sheet, profiles like Shadowline® 305 and Prominence® create a streamlined look that works well with contemporary architecture.
This roofing profile type is often selected for homes where simplicity and detailing matter. Concealed-fix systems are also commonly used where long runs and visual consistency are priorities.
Benefits:
- Minimal visible fixings
- Clean, modern appearance
- Suitable for low-pitch roof designs.
Considerations:
- Installation requires experienced installers.


Choosing The Right Roofing Profile: 4 Key Tips
Match the Profile to Your Home’s Style
Traditional homes and renovation projects often suit corrugated roofing, while newer designs tend to work well with ribbed or concealed-fix profiles. Whatever you choose, it helps when the roof supports your wall cladding, windows and outdoor areas.
Consider Roof Pitch and Layout
Not all roof profiles perform the same way at lower pitches. Some concealed-fix systems are designed to suit shallower roof angles, while other profiles may require steeper pitches. Your builder or designer can help confirm what works for your roof design.
Think About Climate and Exposure
Australian homes face varied conditions, from coastal air to high heat and heavy rainfall. Metal roofing profiles made from COLORBOND® steel are designed to suit Australian environments, but profile selection can greatly influence how water is managed across the roof.
Support Energy Efficiency Goals
Colour and finish can factor into how your roof responds to heat. Lighter colours and matt finish options may help reduce heat absorption, which can support thermal efficiency and contribute to managing energy costs. Profile choice works alongside insulation and ventilation rather than replacing them.
Coordinating Roofing and Wall Cladding
Many homeowners like to carry their roofing material through into wall cladding or outdoor areas. When roofing and wall profiles are chosen to work together, the result feels more considered, particularly for patios, carports and extensions.
With Fielders® roofing and walling options, profiles can be paired in a way that makes the roof feel like a deliberate part of the overall design, rather than something added on at the end.
Getting the Details Right Early
Choosing a roofing profile early in your project helps avoid compromises later. Seeing full-size roof sheets, understanding how profiles look in natural light, and discussing options with your builder can make the decision clearer.
Fielders works alongside homeowners, builders and designers to help match roofing profiles to real-world needs. With practical guidance and a wide range of residential steel roofing options, it’s easy to make a confident choice.
What This Means for Your Project
The right roofing profile brings together appearance, performance and practicality. Whether you prefer the familiarity of corrugated roofing, the structure of ribbed profiles or the clean finish of concealed-fix systems, there is a COLORBOND® steel roofing profile to suit Australian homes.
By understanding how different roof profiles work, you can move forward knowing your roof provides the best support for your home’s look and your lifestyle.





