Design description
A pitched pergola extends your roofline with a clean single‑slope canopy that moves rain away reliably while keeping headroom where you need it. It can also pitch toward the house and mount to soffits on engineered brackets so drainage uses your house gutter—this unlocks more head height and encourages natural ventilation under the canopy. The aluminium frame stays straight and low‑maintenance for NZ wind zones and coastal conditions.
Why it’s good:
- Choose away‑from‑house or houseward fall to suit site
- Houseward pitch unlocks head height and improves convection
- Acrylic roofing blocks 99% UV; tints reduce heat ~30–70%
- Insulated panels with timber sarking look premium and cut heat significantly
- Mix in acrylic skylight strips to keep high daylight
At a glance:
- Optional houseward pitch using soffit brackets
- Increased head height + better natural airflow
- 99% UV block; acrylic tints cut heat ~30–70%
- Insulated panels with timber sarking available
- Acrylic skylight strips keep spaces bright
Product details
Structure & materials
- Powder‑coated aluminium beams, rafters and posts
- Roof sheets held in aluminium joiners sitting on long‑run butterfly rubber along each rafter for a clean soffit
- Engineered brackets and fixings suited to wind zone
- Integrated head/house flashing with movement allowance
Performance
- Reliable fall for rain control; option to drain to house gutter
- High daylight levels; opal/tints curb heat and glare
- Acrylic blocks 99% UV; heat cut ~30–70% by tint selection
- Insulated panels further reduce heat and soften rain noise
- Strong, straight spans with low visual bulk; quiet, rattle‑free aluminium joiners on butterfly rubber
Roof & Infill Options
- Acrylic: Acrylic roofing—clear, light grey, dark grey, or opal (99% UV block; ~30–70% heat reduction depending on tint; opal keeps high daylight while reducing the most heat)
- Timber: Timber sarking gives a premium look with strong heat‑reduction qualities, creating a warm, comfortable outdoor space.
- Combination: Mixed roof combining insulated panels and acrylic skylight strips so spaces stay bright while the timber sarking adds a premium look and strong heat‑reduction qualities for a warm, comfortable outdoor space.
Can we pitch the roof toward the house and use the existing gutter?
Yes. With engineered soffit brackets we can pitch to the house so water drains via the house gutter. This increases head height and improves natural airflow. Feasibility depends on soffit structure and gutter capacity.
How much heat is reduced with acrylic roofing?
Acrylic blocks 99% of UV and cuts heat by roughly 30–70% depending on tint. Opal maintains high daylight while reducing the most heat.
Can I combine insulated panels and skylights?
Yes. We can run acrylic skylight strips through insulated panels to keep the space bright while maximising shade and heat reduction.
Can posts move off corners?
Yes. Offset layouts preserve doors and paths while keeping structure efficient.
Screens, Lighting & Extras
- Slat screens give adjustable privacy and wind filtering while keeping airflow and daylight, helping decks feel more enclosed without losing openness.
- Acrylic infill panels block wind and rain while preserving views and daylight so edges stay usable year‑round.
- Drop-down blinds give on‑demand control of wind, rain and low sun. Fabrics range from clear PVC for weather blocking to open‑weave meshes that cut glare while keeping the view.
- Downlights provide even overhead lighting for dining and task zones so outdoor rooms stay usable after dark.
- LED strip lighting washes the pergola perimeter with a soft glow that defines edges, improves safety and adds ambience.
- Patio heaters deliver targeted warmth to seating areas so you can comfortably use the space through cooler evenings.
Lead time & delivery
- Lead time ~6–8 weeks • Install 2–5 days (houseward pitch subject to soffit/gutter assessment)
- Hose down periodically • Check gutters/flashings annually