Roofing materials

Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. At Empire Roofing, we help property owners across the Wellington region—including Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Masterton, and Levin—understand what materials work best for their home, their budget, and New Zealand’s unique weather conditions.

This guide is designed to give you a practical overview of the roofing materials we work with, how to evaluate their long-term value, and what makes each one suitable for residential roofing in the Wellington region.

Why Roofing Material Matters

The material you choose affects more than how your roof looks. It plays a critical role in energy efficiency, longevity, storm resistance, and ongoing maintenance costs. Whether you’re planning a new roof installation, thinking about a roof replacement, or dealing with issues like leaks or rust, the right material can reduce future stress and increase your home’s value.

Our Most Common Roofing Materials

Long Run Iron Roofing (Colorsteel / ColorCote)

Long run iron is one of the most popular choices for residential homes in New Zealand. We install long run iron using trusted brands such as Colorsteel and ColorCote. Both are made for Kiwi conditions and are designed to last.

Benefits:

Strong and lightweight
Excellent for sloped and low-pitch roofs
Easy to maintain
Multiple colour options

Learn more about our Residential Roofing Services and how long run iron fits into your roof design.

Steel Roofing Projects Using Colorsteel & ColorCote

Steel roofing isn’t just a reliable material—it’s also versatile across a range of property types and project goals. At Empire Roofing LTD, we’ve completed numerous residential and commercial projects using Colorsteel and ColorCote long run iron.
These projects include:

Full roof replacements on family homes in Upper Hutt
Roofing new builds in developing suburbs like Wallaceville and Silverstream
Upgrades on lifestyle block sheds and rural properties
Large-scale commercial installations for warehouses and business units across the Hutt Valley

Why steel makes sense:

Proven to withstand Wellington’s high winds and heavy rain
Ideal for both pitched and low-slope roofs
Faster to install compared to tiles or concrete systems

Learn how we approach Roof Replacements using premium steel materials tailored to your project.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials

Every home is different. That’s why we advise Wellington homeowners to consider the following:

Roof Pitch

Some materials aren’t suited to low-slope roofs.

Local Weather

Salt spray, high winds, and heavy rainfall can wear out lower-quality materials quickly.

Budget vs. Lifespan

Some options may have a higher upfront cost but last decades longer.

Weight

Heavier materials might require additional structural support.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials

What is the most low-maintenance roofing material?

Long run iron, especially Colorsteel, is one of the easiest to care for in New Zealand’s climate.

Can I switch from tile to iron?

Yes, but we’ll need to inspect your roof structure first to ensure it’s suitable.

Our Process: Material Guidance to Installation

Ready to talk roofing materials? Call us on 027 256 6129 or email quotes@empireroofing.nz.

01 Initial Consultation

We’ll visit your site or use satellite technology to assess your roof.

02 Material Advice

We’ll help you compare options based on what’s most suitable.

03 Quote & Timeline

Transparent pricing and expected timeframes.

04 Installation

Our certified team carries out the work to RANZ standards.

Why Work with Empire Roofing LTD?

Certified installers for Rooflogic and Ardex
Experienced with Colorsteel and ColorCote long run iron
Members of the Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ)
Based in Upper Hutt, servicing Wellington and surrounding regions

Let’s help you make the right roofing decision for your home.

Want to keep learning? Check out our guides on Roof Repair & Maintenance, Spouting and Gutter Services, and Roof Painting & Restoration.

Servicing the Greater Wellington Region

Our roofing services extend throughout:

Wellington City
Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt
Porirua
Masterton and the Wairarapa
Kapiti Coast
Levin and surrounding areas

If you’re not sure whether we service your area, just give us a call on
027 256 6129.

Lets talk numbers

Send us an email

quotes@empireroofing.nz

We understand that price matters. While we may not be the cheapest in the region, we balance affordability with quality materials, certified systems, and long-term durability. We aim to give property owners more certainty over the life of the roof, not just the invoice at installation. Looking for quotes or want to scope your next commercial project?