What does Thunder Grey look like?
Stronger than Sandstone Grey, a touch lighter than Grey Friars. NZ Steel's point is its range: it holds its own against white or bright trims and sits easily with muted timber or stone.
It's made in the Classic finish only, so there's no Low Gloss version if you want less shine.
Signs a quote may not be genuine COLORSTEEL
- It just says 'coloured steel' without naming COLORSTEEL, MAXAM or ALTIMATE. NZ Steel says the name is often used loosely.
- Nobody can tell you which product is going on, or why it suits your distance from the sea.
- The sheets delivered have no COLORSTEEL brand on the back. NZ Steel prints it on the reverse of every genuine sheet.
- You aren't offered a copy of the warranty when you ask.
- The colour name on the quote isn't in NZ Steel's current range.
Heat, glare and rural rules
A TSR of 29% means Thunder Grey absorbs more heat than the pale colours, though slightly less than Grey Friars at 26%. Insulation and roof-space ventilation do most of the work keeping the house comfortable.
Dark doesn't mean glare-free. Queenstown Lakes District Council's guidance notes even dark metal roofs can glare, managed by the roof's angle to the sun. Its Proposed District Plan caps roof LRV at 20% in the Rural Residential and Rural Lifestyle zones, and Thunder Grey's 12% sits under that.
Near the coast or on geothermal ground
The colour stays the same; the product changes. MAXAM handles NZ Steel's Mild to Very Severe categories, and ALTIMATE is warranted in all five, Extremely Severe included. Geothermal sites need the roofer to confirm product and warranty with NZ Steel.
Our take on Thunder Grey
For a contemporary house that wants a strong roofline without black, Thunder Grey is where we'd start. We'd view a sample against the trims outside, because screens get greys wrong and NZ Steel says its on-screen colours vary. Then we'd make sure the quote names COLORSTEEL and the product. We're independent and not affiliated with NZ 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.