What does TuiTuft look like?
NZ Steel calls it a crisp, clean white, and suggests it for a bright, fresh contrast with greys and natural timber, such as charcoal weatherboards or cedar.
It comes in the Classic finish only, NZ Steel's original, so expect more sheen than Low Gloss or Matte would give.
How much heat does it reflect?
NZ Steel publishes a total solar reflectance (TSR) of 66%. TSR is the share of the sun's heat a surface bounces back, so higher means a cooler roof. Only Cloud, at 69%, is published higher.
Its light reflectance value (LRV), the share of visible light returned, is 68%. That's why it looks so bright from up the hill.
Keeping a white roof white: your part and the roofer's
You can
- Check it from the ground after rain.
- Hose soffits and the undersides of spouting (gutters) you can reach from the ground.
- Disconnect the downpipe to any rainwater tank before the roof is washed or treated.
Leave to a roofer
- Washing the roof itself: NZ Steel says sponge, soft nylon brush, or water blasting at no more than 2900 psi.
- Telling lichen from dirt with NZ Steel's bleach spot test.
- Hand-washing sheltered areas under solar panels, which the warranty requires.
Near the sea, or in geothermal country
TuiTuft is made in both current products. MAXAM covers most of the country, coast included, and ALTIMATE is for extremely severe marine spots beside breaking surf. Within 100 metres of salt water, NZ Steel wants you to contact COLORSTEEL to confirm the warranty. On geothermal ground, have your roofer check the product with NZ Steel.
What we'd do with TuiTuft
We'd pick TuiTuft for a roof in full sun with no big trees overhead. Order a sample and look at it outside, morning and late afternoon, because NZ Steel itself says screens show its colours differently. Make sure the written quote names COLORSTEEL, the product and TuiTuft. Find My Roofer isn't affiliated with NZ Steel, which owns the TuiTuft 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.