Why does FlaxPod change through the day?
NZ Steel says FlaxPod reads more charcoal in daylight and deeper in shade, and that warm timber, rusted metal and stone bring out its undertones. The same roof can look grey at midday and close to black on a slope facing away from the sun.
So a small brochure chip is a poor guide. You need a full sample sheet, seen in sun and shade.
How to judge a FlaxPod sample
Start in the sun
Lean it against your sunniest wall, at ground level, and look at it from the street.
Move it into shade
Put it on the shady side of the house and look again. This is where FlaxPod goes deepest.
Add your materials
Hold it beside your cladding, joinery and any timber or stone. NZ Steel suggests comparing Ironsand and Ebony samples too.
Choose the finish
Classic has the usual COLORSTEEL sheen, Low Gloss has less, and FlaxPod Matte is textured with an ultra-low gloss.
Check the quote
It should name COLORSTEEL FlaxPod, the finish, MAXAM or ALTIMATE, and include the warranty.
Heat figures, coast and geothermal
NZ Steel gives FlaxPod a TSR of 21% and an LRV of 7%, without saying which finish that pair is for. If the exact figure matters to your design, ask your roofer to check.
FlaxPod comes in MAXAM for most of the country and ALTIMATE for the harshest coastal sites. Close to the sea or near geothermal activity, get the roofer to confirm the product and warranty with NZ Steel for your address.
Where we'd start
If you want a dark roof that feels natural rather than stark, FlaxPod in Classic is where we'd start, with Ebony as the bolder option. We're independent and have no link to New Zealand Steel. Once you've picked, we can pass the job to one checked local roofer.
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.