Comparison table
| Type | Installed cost (published) | Typical lifespan (published) | Wellington wind / coastal notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-run steel: corrugated | $130–$180/m² 1 | 40–60+ yrs 1 | Lightweight, so fixings matter in high zones 2; coating by exposure 3 |
| Long-run steel: tray / standing seam | $170–$230/m² 1 | 40–60+ yrs 1 | As above; suits low pitches and modern designs |
| Pressed metal tiles | $160–$230/m² 1; $100–$160/m² 4 | 30–50 yrs 1 | Tile look, light weight. Some old decramastic may contain asbestos 5 |
| Concrete tiles | $140–$220/m² 1 | 40–50 yrs 1 | Heavy; underlay needed in VH/EH zones under E2/AS1 6 |
| Clay tiles | $200–$300/m² 1 | 50–70+ yrs 1 | Heavy, premium; same underlay note |
| Asphalt shingles | $80–$130/m² 7 | No reliable NZ figure found | Uncommon in NZ 7 |
| Membrane (butynol, TPO, etc.) | $180–$280/m² 4 | 20–30 yrs 4 | For flat and low-pitch roofs |
| Slate | Quote only, no reliable NZ range found | Not published in our sources | Very heavy; specialist trade |
| Cedar shingles | Quote only | Not published in our sources | Timber needs maintenance; specialist |
| Copper / zinc (architectural) | Quote only | Not published in our sources | Specialist; check coastal suitability with supplier |
Costs are published 2026 planning ranges incl. GST where stated; they vary by region and job. "Quote only" means we didn't find a sourced NZ range.
Long-run steel
Good: light, quick to put on, few joins, lots of colours. Not so good: can be noisy in the rain, and you need the right coating near the sea. Upkeep: wash the areas the rain doesn't reach, as the warranty says 3.
Pressed metal tiles
Good: the tile look without the weight. Not so good: lots of joins, and older decramastic may need an asbestos test 5.
Concrete and clay tiles
Good: lasts a long time and looks solid. Not so good: heavy, and single tiles can crack. In Very High and Extra High wind zones, E2/AS1 says masonry tiles need underlay 6.
Membranes
The usual choice for flat and low-pitch roofs and decks. Not so good: a shorter published lifespan than steel or tile 4.
Slate, cedar, copper and zinc
Specialist roofs, usually picked for heritage or architectural reasons. Get specialist advice and quotes.
Next: tile vs long-run cost · Colorsteel vs Zincalume · materials comparison tool
Want a number for your place? Ask me for a free, itemised quote or have a go on the cost estimator.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- Solution Roofing — How much does a roof replacement cost in New Zealand? (2026 guide) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers — Code of Practice: fastening pattern tables (NZS 3604) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- COLORSTEEL® — Environmental categories & warranty guide (PDF) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- Superior Renovations — Reroofing costs Auckland (2026) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- PropertyHelp — How much does asbestos removal cost in NZ? (2026 price guide, Sept 2026) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- MBIE — E2 External Moisture Acceptable Solution, amendment 5 (wind zone speeds) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- Calk NZ — Roofing calculator (2026 indicative costs) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- BRANZ (via Building CodeHub) — Good Repair Guide: Clay and concrete roof tiles (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
Prices are published planning ranges, not quotes. See our editorial policy.