What do the names tell you?
| Term | What it identifies | Still to specify |
|---|---|---|
| COLORSTEEL | Prepainted steel product range. | Current product grade, profile, thickness, colour and site suitability. Sources: COLORSTEEL. |
| ZINCALUME | Metallic-coated steel product. | Product generation, profile, thickness and exposure suitability. Sources: New Zealand Steel. |
| Corrugate / five-rib / tray | Roof profile or system family. | Base material, coating, support and fixing details. Sources: Metalcraft Corrugate; Metalcraft MC760; Metalcraft Espan. |
A meaningful comparison is not “COLORSTEEL versus corrugate”. One is a material brand and the other is a shape. Ask suppliers to quote the same shape and complete installation scope in the candidate materials.
Why older articles can now be misleading
COLORSTEEL states that MAXAM replaced Endura and Maxx. Historical pricing tables using the old names remain evidence of what was published at the time, not current product recommendations. Sources: COLORSTEEL.
New Zealand Steel’s current ZINCALUME page describes the move in 2025 from the previous AZ coating to an aluminium/zinc/magnesium AM125 coating using ACTIVATE technology. A comparison that describes every current ZINCALUME sheet using the old alloy alone is out of date. Sources: New Zealand Steel.
Which one suits a coastal property?
Use the manufacturer’s exposure assessment, not a single generic distance-from-sea rule. New Zealand Steel does not recommend ZINCALUME for severe and more aggressive exposure categories on its current product page. Ask the supplier to confirm suitability in writing for the actual location. Sources: New Zealand Steel.
Get the same assessment for the proposed prepainted product. A colour selection is not confirmation of corrosion suitability. The complete specification should also address compatible flashings, fasteners and any special details.
- Provide the actual site and known exposure conditions.
- Ask for the exact current product name on the quote.
- Get the applicable warranty and maintenance requirements.
- Confirm the specification covers the whole assembly, not just the visible roof sheets.
Can RoofHub publish a reliable price premium?
Not yet as one national percentage. A matched pair would need the same supplier, profile, thickness, length, order date, freight and GST treatment. A material-only quote also cannot be compared directly with an installed package.
Our source register keeps historical mixed-scope cost guides separate from current specifications. It does not treat a supplier’s broad price range across several coatings as the cost difference between two named coatings.
Use the numbers you know
Convert a sheet price
Enter your own prices and dimensions to calculate. This tool does not supply a market rate or add GST.
Which lasts longer?
A general durability ranking needs comparable exposure, maintenance and failure definitions. We do not use a maximum advertised warranty as an average roof life. Read the actual terms, including what is covered and which conditions apply. Sources: NZMRM durability guidance; NZMRM maintenance guidance.
For an existing roof, a condition assessment is more useful than a brand-only lifespan estimate. For a new roof, the first question is whether the product is appropriate for the site, followed by the detailing and maintenance needed to keep it performing.
A better way to ask for two quotes
- Use one drawing and measurement basis for both options.
- Keep the roof profile, thickness and accessory scope the same where technically appropriate.
- Show material, installation, removal and access scope clearly.
- Ask each supplier to identify any specification change needed for site suitability.
- Compare the final GST-inclusive totals only after aligning the scope.
Sources and review notes
Prepared by RoofHub editorial team. Reviewed . A source check confirms what a page states, not an independent inspection or invoice audit. Published project accounts are attributed to their publishers.
- primaryCOLORSTEEL: The evolution of COLORSTEEL - Page checked 2026-09-28. Publication date not stated. · manufacturer
- primaryNew Zealand Steel: ZINCALUME product information - Describes the 2025 transition to the AM125 aluminium/zinc/magnesium coating. Historical AZ specifications are not treated as current. Page checked 2026-09-28. Publication date not stated. · manufacturer
- primaryMetalcraft: Corrugate product specifications - Page checked 2026-09-28. Publication date not stated. · manufacturer
- primaryMetalcraft: MC760 product specifications - Page checked 2026-09-28. Publication date not stated. · manufacturer
- primaryMetalcraft: Espan 470 specifications and support system - Page checked 2026-09-28. Publication date not stated. · manufacturer
- primaryNZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers: NZ Building Code clause B2 and durability - Page checked 2026-09-28. Publication date not stated. · industry-technical
- primaryNZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers: Maintenance compliance - Page checked 2026-09-28. Publication date not stated. · industry-technical
Original calculations are labelled as examples. Historical prices stay dated, missing fields stay unknown, and conflicting specifications are flagged. Sources are not endorsements or paid rankings. Read our methodology or report a correction.
Keep exploring
Apply this to your roof
Have measurements or a project question?
Use your dimensions in the detailed estimator, or send your question to the RoofHub team. A roofing contractor still needs to confirm the site, specification and final price.