When it comes to choosing a new roof, the most impactful decision you will make is choosing your roofing material. In New Zealand, the name that dominates the roofing market, and for good reason, is Colorsteel roofing. Offering a NZ-specific product range, multiple colour options, and three main profiles, choosing Colorsteel roofing means homeowners have plenty of top quality roofing options.
But how do you ensure you pick the absolute right combination for your specific home and location? This guide breaks down the essential factors to consider, including coastal corrosion to summer heat absorption, to help you make a confident roofing decision without bias.
Choosing Your Colorsteel Range
The first step in choosing the right Colorsteel is matching the product type to your home’s environmental conditions. Not all pre-painted steel is created equal, and New Zealand’s climate is naturally significantly coastal, which is notoriously harsh on the longevity of all building materials. Colorsteel offers different product tiers to directly combat this.
- COLORSTEEL MAXAM: Best Suited For: Mild to Severe environments (most of NZ). Offers superior durability using Activate technology.
- COLORSTEEL ALTIMATE: Best Suited For: Extremely Severe environments (very close to coast). Offers a marine-grade aluminium substrate for ultimate corrosion resistance.
You may also encounter COLORSTEEL DRIDEX. This is not a colour but a system where an absorbent fleece is bonded to the underside of the sheet (either MAXAM or ALTIMATE). It helps manage condensation inside the roof cavity, creating a warmer, drier home and often eliminating the need for traditional roof underlay.
Mastering Heat Absorption (TSR vs LRV)
Dark roofs look fantastic, but they will naturally absorb more solar energy, meaning more heat build-up in the home’s roof space. While in some instances this is the desired approach, in warmer areas where overheating is a problem, it might not be!
To combat this, Colorsteel uses Infrared (IR) Reflectance Technology in most of its darker paint formulations. This means your roof looks dark to the human eye, but in actual fact, it reflects a larger proportion of unseen infrared heat, keeping the roof surface and your home cooler than a standard dark paint. To understand the heat performance of Colorsteel roofing iron, these are the two things you need to know.
- TSR (Total Solar Reflectance). This is the measure that matters most for temperature. It quantifies the total solar energy reflected away. A higher TSR means less heat absorption. Lighter Colorsteel colours (like Titania) naturally have the highest TSR.
- LRV (Light Reflectance Value). This is the measure that matters for curb appeal and council compliance. It quantifies the visible light reflected. Some local councils, especially near airports or in visually sensitive coastal areas, may impose limits on the LRV of materials to control glare.
Insider Tip: If you want a dark Colorsteel roof (like Ironsand or FlaxPod), ensure it uses IR Reflectance Technology to maximise TSR and keep your home more comfortable during the summer.
Selecting The Right Colorsteel Roofing Profile
When we talk about Colorsteel profiles, what we mean is the 3D shape or corrugation of the metal sheeting. Or in other words, the specific shape or pattern rolled into the continuous sheets of steel. This shape is crucial as it provides the sheet with strength, water-shedding capabilities, and a distinct aesthetic appeal. Colorsteel offers the following 3 profiles.
- Corrugated. Offering a traditional, classic Kiwi look with symmetrical, wave-like patterns. Suits everything from colonial homes to baches and farm sheds. Best for Heritage restoration, classic villas, or providing soft texture to modern rural builds.
- Trapezoidal. Offering crisp, strong lines with a modern and industrial aesthetic, this profile is defined by its clean, sharp ridges. Best for modern housing, commercial projects, and maximising water runoff in high-rainfall areas.
- Tray. Offering an architectural, sleek, and minimalist look. Often referred to as “Standing Seam,” this profile features flat pans between tall, narrow ribs. Best for high-end contemporary design, achieving a strong vertical line, and providing a highly refined, low-profile finish.
Choosing The Best Colorsteel Roof Colour
Next up we have the all-important colour choice. The good news is Colorsteel offer a range of colours, making it easy to find something that suits. The range is divided into four colour palettes, each taking inspiration from New Zealand’s rugged and beautiful landscapes – Alpine, Flora, Coast and Terra. See here for the full range of Colorsteel colour options.
Popular Colorsteel Colours In NZ
Not sure which one to choose? When in doubt, looking at the most popular colours used in NZ provides a good benchmark for comparison. In recent years, nature-inspired colours that blend with the land have dominated many people’s roofing choices, these include:
- Grey Friars: A deep, cool charcoal grey that is extremely popular. The standard modern dark roof colour.
- Ironsand: A warm, dark brown/grey inspired by NZ iron sands, a highly versatile dark colour that pairs well with timber and stone cladding.
- Karaka: A deep, earthy, olive green that draws inspiration from native bush, making it a great option for rural homes.
- FlaxPod: The closest option to true black, but slightly softer. Used for a strong, dramatic, high-contrast architectural statement.
- Titania: A pale, warm off-white/cream. An excellent high-TSR choice, popular for coastal homes where maximum light reflection is desired.
- New Denim Blue: A dusky, historical blue with grey undertones offering a classic choice for traditional villas and bungalows.
Quick ColorSteel FAQs
Q: How Much Does Colorsteel Roofing Cost?
A: Colorsteel pricing starts from around $25-30 per lineal metre, depending on the gauge, or $40-50 per square metre (if you prefer this measurement), or for a guide to full installation and material costs, you are looking at around $90-140 per square metre. For an accurate price for your project, you should always contact a local New Zealand roofing contractor for a detailed quote, as prices can vary by region, current steel costs, and the specific Colorsteel product you select.
Q: What Is The Average Price For A New Roof In NZ?
A: On average, a new roof for a typical Kiwi home can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $25,000, but this can vary depending on various factors such as the type of roofing material used, the size of your roof, and the complexity of the installation process.
Q: What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Colorsteel Roof?
A: A Colorsteel roof in New Zealand can be expected to last for 50 years or more with proper maintenance, but its lifespan depends on factors like the environment and location. The Colorsteel product itself is specifically designed for New Zealand’s conditions and backed by warranties of up to 50 years.
Q: What Is The Best Time Of Year To Replace A Roof?
A: Generally speaking, spring and fall offer more stable, predictable and drier weather in most regions of NZ. Fewer rain delays mean fewer interruptions and a faster, smoother installation process.
Q: What Is The Most Expensive Part Of A New Roof?
A: The single most expensive part of any roof replacement is typically the roofing material itself. Long-run roofing iron is the most affordable option, while concrete or clay tiles are more on the pricier side.
Q: What Is The Maintenance On Colorsteel?
A: One of the core benefits of using Colorsteel roofing is that it is almost entirely maintenance-free. Made to last, it is designed to take everything the weather can throw at it with minimal maintenance (which includes an occasional wash down and clearing of debris).
Q: How To Wash A Colorsteel Roof?
A: Roofing and cladding products should be manually washed carefully by either water and a sponge or a soft nylon-bristled brush.
Q: Is Colorsteel Made In NZ?
A: Yes! Colorsteel is made right here by a company called New Zealand Steel.
The right roof is a mix of science and style, carefully blended to provide optimum functionality and aesthetics. By considering your location’s environmental needs, understanding the heat performance of your chosen colour, and selecting a profile that complements your home’s architecture, you can be sure you’ve made a choice that will last for decades! Looking for a reliable roofing contractor in Christchurch? Give the friendly team at Action Reroofing a call today!
