What you need to know before starting a project

Here are some tips to get your project on the right track.

1. Colour and style

• Start with some online research and drive around your neighbourhood to see what roofing or cladding style appeals to you.
• Consider how different colours would suit the rest of your home and the surrounding landscape.
• Ask friends for advice.
• Check with the local council if there are any limitations around colour choice.
• Browse our selection of colours inspired by New Zealand* Request a free colour sample

2. Profile and function

• The profile is the curve or wave of the steel. Learn about the three most common profile categories.
• Each COLORSTEEL® supplier has their own selection of profiles, so you’ll need to work with your supplier to choose the profile for your project.
• Check with the local council if you need building consent for your plans.

Roofing for new builds

• When designing a roof, think about problem areas. For example, places where salt could build up over time and affect the lifespan of your roof by causing corrosion.
• Decide on a roofline. For example, gabled (roof panels meet to create a ridge) or hipped (all 4 sides slope down towards the wall).
• Make sure your roof meets the minimum required pitch. This is the measurement of how steep a roof is.

Re-roofing

• Re-roofing is also a great opportunity to improve your home’s overall appearance by exploring a new profile or colour.

3. Working with the environment

• The surrounding environment will have a big impact on your choices. From the colour you choose, to the product you select. For example, if you’re near the coast, consider COLORSTEEL® MAXX® for superior durability. Check which COLORSTEEL® product is right for your home.
• If you’re renovating, be kind to the environment and take your old roof to a local metal recyclers.
• Keep in mind that all COLORSTEEL® solutions carry the Environmental Choice NZ license which means that it can contribute to the achievement of maximum points in Homestar and Green Star materials credits with NZ Green Building Council.

4. Finding the right people

• When looking for a builder, roofer, designer or architect, ask friends and family for suggestions.
• Ask contractors and experts for examples of work they’ve done and check they’re qualified. We recommend your project is supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).
• It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the NZ Building Act.
• Find COLORSTEEL® suppliers.

5. Warranties and maintaining your roof

• When your product is delivered, check for the COLORSTEEL® branding and ask your builder or roofer for your warranty documents and Certificate of Authenticity – this is proof you’ve got a genuine COLORSTEEL® roof.
• Maintaining your roof is simple but very important, as it can affect your warranty and how long your roof lasts. Check out our tips on caring for COLORSTEEL®.

Story by: Trends

Photography by: COLORSTEEL®