Frequently asked questions

How much does a louvre roof cost?

As a guide, premium louvre roof projects typically range from approximately $1,600 - $1,800 per square metre, depending on size, design and specific requirements of the project.

For example, a 25 square metre louvre roof could have a preliminary investment range of approximately $40,000 - $45,000.

Every home is different, so we start with a preliminary estimate based on the approximate dimensions and photos of your space. Once we've assessed the site and confirmed the design, we'll provide a detailed proposal outlining the final investment.

Do I need a building consent for a louvre roof?

Whether you need building consent depends on the size, design and circumstances of your project. As a general guide, New Zealand's current building consent exemptions provide:

Up to 20m².

Porches and verandas up to 20m² can generally be exempt from building consent, provided the relevant conditions are met.

Over 20m² and up to 30m²

Certain ground-level porches and verandas can still be exempt, but additional requirements apply. The design may need to be carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer, or the design and construction may need to be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner.

Over 30m²

The relevant exemption does not apply, so building consent will generally be required.

There are other factors that can affect the requirements, including the location of the structure, how it is attached, structural design, site conditions and whether the area is accessible to the public.

It is also important to understand that simply calling something a "pergola" does not make it exempt. Once a roof is added, the structure may be considered a porch or veranda for the purposes of the Building Act. We'll help identify the relevant requirements for your project during the design process, including where engineering, documentation or council approval may be required.

Building consent requirements can be complex and depend on the specific project. The information above is a general guide, not legal or building advice.

Will a louvre roof keep the rain out?

When the louvres are closed, the overlapping blades are designed to direct rainwater into the integrated guttering and drainage system. A louvre roof is not the same as a permanently sealed roof, however. During extreme weather, particularly strong wind-driven rain, some water can enter between the blades or from the open sides of the structure.

The roof design, guttering, drainage and exposure of your particular site all play a role in how the system performs. We believe in being upfront about how louvre roofs actually work, so you can make an informed decision before investing.

How well do louvre roofs handle strong winds?

Wind performance depends on the design of the structure and the conditions at your particular site. A sheltered suburban property can have very different requirements from an exposed coastal or elevated site in Auckland or Northland. The structural design, spans, fixings and installation method all need to be appropriate for the conditions at the property.

Our louvre roof systems are designed, engineered and built in New Zealand, with New Zealand conditions in mind. Site-specific wind exposure and structural requirements are considered as part of the technical assessment

Is a New Zealand made louvre roof worth the investment?

There are cheaper louvre roof systems available, including imported kitset products.

The difference isn't simply where the product was manufactured. You're comparing the engineering, materials, structural design, customisation, installation and long-term support behind the finished structure. Our systems are designed, engineered and built in New Zealand for New Zealand conditions.

For a significant investment in your home, we believe the question isn't simply:

"What is the cheapest louvre roof I can buy?"

It's:

"What system is right for my home, my site and the way I intend to use it?

Can I put a louvre roof over my existing deck?

Often, yes - but it depends on the existing structure.

A louvre roof adds structural loads, so an existing deck, patio or outdoor structure can't automatically be assumed to be suitable to support one. During the site consultation, we'll assess how the proposed roof can be supported and whether any additional structural work is required.

If you're considering a louvre roof over an existing deck, send us some photos and approximate dimensions with your enquiry and we'll give you an initial view before progressing to a site assessment.