Why homeowners convert
- Weight: long-run steel is far lighter than concrete or clay tiles, taking load off the roof framing.
- Fewer joins: continuous sheets have fewer laps for wind-driven rain to get under than hundreds of individual tiles.
- Maintenance: no cracked or slipped tiles to replace after storms.
What changes on the roof
Tiles sit on battens; long-run steel is fixed to purlins (or battens set out to the manufacturer's spacing). Expect the old battens to be removed, new purlins and underlay installed, and new flashings made for every junction. Because a light roof resists wind uplift less by its own weight, fixing patterns matter. MBIE specifically notes uplift must be considered when replacing a heavy roof with a lighter one 1.
Consent
MBIE lists "replacing an old clay tile roof with a profiled metal roof (such as longrun roofing or pressed metal tiles) in the same position" as an example of exempt work under Schedule 1 1. If you're unsure, councils can grant a discretionary exemption, or you can apply for consent.
Profile and coating choices
Corrugate suits villas and bungalows; trapezoidal and tray profiles suit modern homes. Choose the coating by exposure category: unpainted ZINCALUME® is not recommended in Severe, Very Severe or Extremely Severe environments 2, while COLORSTEEL® MAXAM® covers Mild to Very Severe and ALTIMATE® is for Extremely Severe marine sites 3. Compare them in Colorsteel vs Zincalume.
Cost
Concrete tiles and long-run steel overlap in published per-m² rates: one 2026 guide lists long-run corrugated at $130–$180/m² and concrete tile at $140–$220/m² installed incl. GST 4. See tile vs long-run cost.
Older tiled and decramastic roofs may contain asbestos and should be tested first. See asbestos roof replacement.
Frequently asked
Is long-run steel noisier than tiles in rain?
Steel can be louder in heavy rain; underlay and ceiling insulation reduce it. Ask your roofer what underlay and insulation are proposed.
Can I keep my tiled look?
Pressed metal tiles give a tile-like look at a lighter weight. MBIE's exempt example includes pressed metal tiles 1.
Sources
- MBIE Building Performance — Schedule 1, exemption 1: general repair, maintenance and replacement
- New Zealand Steel — ZINCALUME®
- COLORSTEEL® — Environmental categories & warranty guide (PDF)
- Solution Roofing — How much does a roof replacement cost in New Zealand? (2026 guide)
Figures are published planning ranges, checked 26 October 2026. They are not quotes.