Condensation Control Moves into the Roofing Sheet
Written by
10 March 2026
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2 min read
Condensation management in commercial roofing has long relied on layered systems. Steel roofing sheets are installed over underlays or breather membranes, creating a secondary line of defence against moisture build-up. The approach works, but it adds labour, sequencing complexity and material handling on site.
In January 2026, ColorCote introduced FleeceCote™, a fleece membrane technology applied directly to the underside of steel coils at its Auckland facility. Rather than requiring a separate underlay, the membrane is factory bonded to the roofing sheet, designed to absorb condensation overnight and release it as temperatures rise.
The shift is structural rather than cosmetic. By integrating condensation control into the roofing product itself, the system removes an entire installation stage.
FleeceCote™ is targeted toward commercial and non-residential applications such as canopies, sheds, garages and light industrial buildings. According to ColorCote’s National Sales Manager Kevan McGuinness, the system responds to both performance and workflow pressures.
“FleeceCote is ideal for commercial and non-residential builds. It delivers a cleaner look compared to projects using separate underlays, which can sag over time, and absorbs twice as much condensation as traditional underlays,” he says.
The product is available on ZinaCore™ and MagnaFlow™ substrates for ISO C1–C3 environments, aligning it with mild to moderate exposure conditions. Beyond moisture buffering, the fleece layer also contributes to acoustic performance, reducing low-frequency noise such as rainfall and improving sound absorption within enclosed spaces.
Early adoption is already underway. A commercial development near Auckland Airport is being installed by Kiwi Roofing using MagnaFlow 0.55mm DP955 with FleeceCote™. Managing Director Paul Connell notes that while the team approached the product cautiously, installation efficiencies became clear.
FleeceCote has helped us manage lead times and reduced the roof installation period by 50 percent in challenging weather conditions. The factory-bonded fleece removes the need for cutting and lapping traditional underlays. It simplifies the build sequence and reduces the number of installation stages required on site
The broader context is one of integration. As commercial construction continues to seek efficiencies across procurement, compliance and performance, products that consolidate multiple functions into single systems are gaining traction. Condensation control embedded within the roofing sheet itself reflects that direction.
Explore ColorCote on ArchiPro and browse the Cladding & Facades category to see how condensation management is being integrated into contemporary commercial builds. Discover projects featuring coated steel systems across industrial and non-residential architecture.