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Roofing profiles NZ: corrugate vs trapezoidal

Standard 16.5 mm corrugate needs a minimum 8° roof pitch, while 27 mm trapezoidal can go down to 3°, according to the NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers Code of Practice 3. Corrugated long-run costs about $130–$180/m² installed in 2026, and tray or standing seam $170–$230/m² 2.

The profile is just the shape of the sheet. It changes the look, and it sets how flat your roof can be.

Updated · Reviewed against NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers, Solution Roofing, MBIE Building Performance

The Code of Practice describes the profile shapes and what each one's for 1.

Corrugate vs trapezoidal: what's the difference?

The minimum pitches 3:

ProfileRib heightMinimum pitch
Corrugate16.5 mm8°
Corrugate21 mm4°
Corrugate35 mm3°
Trapezoidal (asymmetric)20 mm4°
Trapezoidal (asymmetric)27 mm3°
Trapezoidal (asymmetric)36 mm3°
Trapezoidal (symmetric)30 mm3°
Standing seam / secret-fix—3°

Source: [[nzmrm_pitch]].

Can I change profile when I re-roof?

Often, if it suits your pitch 3. Replacing roofing with profiled metal in the same spot is one of MBIE's exempt examples 4.

Frequently asked questions

Which roofing profile is cheapest?

Corrugated long-run is cheaper, $130–$180/m² installed, against $170–$230/m² for tray or standing seam 2.

Sources

  1. NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers — Code of Practice: profiles (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
  2. Solution Roofing — How much does a roof replacement cost in New Zealand? (2026 guide) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
  3. NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers — Code of Practice: minimum roof cladding pitch (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
  4. MBIE Building Performance — Schedule 1, exemption 1: general repair, maintenance and replacement (accessed 26 Oct 2026)

Prices are published planning ranges, not quotes. See our editorial policy.

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