FlaxPod or FlaxPod Matte?
| FlaxPod (Classic or Low Gloss) | FlaxPod Matte | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Smooth, with Classic sheen or softer Low Gloss | Textured, ultra-low gloss |
| TSR and LRV | 21% and 7% | 20% and 6% |
| NZ Steel's description | Strong, earthy charcoal | Earthy charcoal with understated texture |
| If it is ever overpainted | Air-drying paint weathers differently from the oven-baked finish | The same, and nothing matches the Matte texture |
| Products | MAXAM and ALTIMATE | MAXAM and ALTIMATE |
What the matte finish means for upkeep
Day to day it's looked after like any COLORSTEEL roof. NZ Steel relies on rain to wash the open sheets and asks for hand washing of spots the rain misses, such as under solar panels or around flues. On Mild and Moderate sites, that's every 6 months.
NZ Steel doesn't recommend touch-up paint on any COLORSTEEL, and says minor scratches are best left alone. Overpainting is a bigger compromise on Matte than on other finishes: preparing the surface changes it, and there's no texture match.
Your part, and the roofer's
You can
- Ask for a FlaxPod Matte sample and look at it beside standard FlaxPod outdoors
- Check the roof from the ground or an upstairs window for debris and growth, never from the roof itself
- Keep a record of any washing that's done, because the warranty asks for maintenance to be documented
Leave to a roofer
- Confirm your environmental category and whether MAXAM or ALTIMATE suits
- Handle and cut the sheets carefully, since scratches can't be touched up
- Avoid disc cutting and clear swarf at least at the end of each day
- Wash high or sheltered areas safely
Is it worth it?
If you love the soft texture and the roof is on show, say on a modern build with a skillion, FlaxPod Matte earns its place. If you'd rather keep repaint options open, standard FlaxPod gives you the same colour family with fewer catches. Either way, see a real sample, because screens can't show texture or true colour. Find My Roofer isn't affiliated with New Zealand Steel, which owns the FlaxPod trademark.
Want a roofer to take a look?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match it with a Find My Roofer certified roofer who specialises in that kind of work, and they call you to quote. Your number goes to them alone.