Roof profiles & colours — Element Roofing

Roofing in New Zealand has come a long way

It all starts with steel made right here at home.

From Sand to Steel

New Zealand Steel is produced using iron ore taken from black sand beaches near Auckland.

This iron ore is processed into flat coils of steel, which are then transported within the facility to be painted and branded as COLORSTEEL®.

Protective Layers – The Early Years

Before the paint goes on, the steel coil needs protection. For years, this came in the form of a mixture of aluminium and zinc, applied as a protective coating.

Two versions were made:

A standard layer for most properties
A thicker layer for coastal homes, where salty air and harsh conditions demanded longer-lasting protection

After this, the steel was painted and finished in the COLORSTEEL® facility.

The Next Generation – Maxam

Fast forward to today, and the formula has improved. An extra layer of magnesium has been added to the mix, creating what we now know as COLORSTEEL® MAXAM®.

This innovation makes Maxam a single solution for nearly every environment. With enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, warranties now range from 20 to 50 years, depending on how close you are to the sea.

The Exception – When Only Aluminium Will Do

There’s just one place where Maxam isn’t suitable: properties within 0–50 metres of the sea, where waves physically break onto the home.

In these extreme cases, the only option is a fully aluminium-based product — COLORSTEEL® Altimate® — designed to withstand the most aggressive marine environments.