What does Scoria look like?
NZ Steel describes a rich red-brown inspired by volcanic rock, adding warmth and depth to natural palettes. It's browner and deeper than Pioneer Red, nearer to old clay or weathered brick.
It's a Classic-finish colour only.
Scoria or Pioneer Red?
| Scoria | Pioneer Red | |
|---|---|---|
| NZ Steel's words | Rich red-brown, inspired by volcanic rock | Warm, familiar red with rural character |
| TSR (heat reflected) | 30% | 35% |
| LRV (light reflected) | 10% | 12% |
| Feel | Earthy and deeper | Brighter and more traditional |
Swapping heavy tiles for longrun
NZ Steel's FAQ says experts strongly recommended lightweight metal roofing over heavy tiles after the Christchurch earthquakes. If you're replacing concrete tiles, a red-brown longrun roof keeps the house's warm look while taking weight off the frame.
Going from tiles to steel changes the roofing system, so it isn't like-for-like. Wairoa District Council, for one, says that kind of change needs a building consent. Check with your council or roofer, and see our building consent guide.
Volcanic name, volcanic ground
NZ Steel lists ALTIMATE for extreme marine, volcanic and highly corrosive environments, and its warranty guide warns that geothermal sulphur compounds make high-risk areas hard to define. In Rotorua or Taupō, have your roofer confirm the product and warranty with NZ Steel.
On the coast, MAXAM covers most homes. ALTIMATE takes over in the Extremely Severe band right at the surf.
Our recommendation
If you're leaving tiles for longrun and want the house to keep its warm tone, we'd start with Scoria, holding a real sample against the brick or timber outside. NZ Steel itself warns that screens don't show its colours accurately. We're an independent referral service with no affiliation to 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.