What does Grey Friars look like?
NZ Steel describes a classic charcoal that sets up a strong contrast with lighter colours and materials, such as white weatherboards, light render or pale brick.
Its LRV (light reflectance value, how much visible light it bounces back) is 10%. That's properly dark, but lighter than Windsor Grey at 7% and a touch lighter than Slate at 9%.
Classic or Low Gloss?
| Classic | Low Gloss | |
|---|---|---|
| What NZ Steel calls it | The original finish | A softer finish that reduces reflectivity |
| Heat figures | One published pair: TSR 26%, LRV 10% | Listed separately on NZ Steel's website |
| Worth it when | You want the look most streets already have | Glare towards neighbours or a view matters |
Does your council control roof colour?
Some district plans do, mostly in rural zones. Queenstown Lakes District Council caps roof LRV at 20% in its Rural Residential and Rural Lifestyle zones, and its colour guide lists Grey Friars as usually appropriate. On a lifestyle block elsewhere, read your own district plan before you order.
On the coast or near geothermal activity
MAXAM, the standard product, covers most of New Zealand. NZ Steel doesn't recommend it in its Extremely Severe category, within 25 m of the high-water line on the east coast or 50 m on the west, where ALTIMATE (marine-grade aluminium) is the answer. Near geothermal activity, NZ Steel wants to advise on the product, so have your roofer check.
What a good Grey Friars quote spells out
- COLORSTEEL by name, with the product (MAXAM or ALTIMATE) and the finish
- The colour written as Grey Friars, not just 'charcoal'
- Spouting (gutters), fascia and flashing colours, if those are changing too
- A copy of the NZ Steel warranty
What we'd do
If you want a dark roof that won't date, Grey Friars in Classic is the one we'd start with. A screen can't show its true colour, so look at a sample sheet outside against your cladding, morning and late afternoon. Find My Roofer is independent and isn't affiliated with New Zealand Steel.
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.