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When installing a pergola or louvre roof, you need to consider the dimensions and engineering.
In this article, we outline the various requirements for pergola designs or louvre roofs in New Zealand, including maximum blade span, beam spans, and consent obligations.
Louvre and pergola requirements
Pergolas can either be freestanding or attached to a house, depending on the design and existing structure.
Wall fixings
When attaching a pergola to a building, you must use the appropriate fixings to ensure it is structurally sound and does not affect the building’s external moisture barrier. The fixing detail depends on your cladding type and can be viewed here under the technical downloads table louvre roof details.
With louvre roofs and solid pergolas fixed to a building, flashings should be installed to prevent water dripping between the pergola beam and building cladding. With the cladding previously installed, retro-fitting pergolas can present difficulties installing these flashings and will require advice from the pergola manufacturer.
Spans
When building a pergola, you must ensure the horizontal beams and louvres are within their maximum spans.
Beam span
Factors that impact beam spans include wind loads, snow loads, the louvre span dimension and the beam size. The maximum beam span for an aluminium pergola beam is typically 6m, although the pergola manufacturer will consider these design factors when determining the location of vertical supports. Spans beyond 6m typically require a steel beam.
Louvre span
Louvre span refers to the distance that a louvre blade can span before needing another fixing point. The span capability is dependent on the louvre profile, wind loads and snow loads. With our fixed aluminium louvre blades we can span up to 5m, depending on the blade profile, and up to 4.5m with opening roof louvres.
Drainage
If the pergola is solid or the louvres are operable, you may need to install adequate drainage. Drainage details are available on the product details page.
Building consent for pergolas
In the 'exempt building work guidance', pergolas do not require building consent, provided they are not roofed. Roofed pergolas up to 30 square metres on a ground floor are also exempt. However, any roofed pergola larger than 30 square metres will need consent.
Before you start any project, always consult a professional and check MBIE guidance. Even buildings that do not require building consent must comply with the Building Code and any relevant council regulations.
Paroa Bay Project
At our Paroa Bay Project, the owners wanted a freestanding pergola with an opening louvre roof. This custom pergola measured 3m (louvre span) by 3.5m (beam span) and only required supports on the four corners. We also incorporated blinds, with the blind rollers being concealed inside the pergola structure.
Southland Project
In this Southland Residence, we were asked to design and manufacture a freestanding pergola with a Solaris opening louvre roof. This aluminium pergola measures 3.5m (louvre span) by 4m (beam span), only requiring supports on the four corners.
Louvred pergola NZ
At Aurae, we are experts in louvre design, creating functional and attractive features that make houses look their best. While enhancing the architectural character of your building, our louvres are also designed to ensure optimal aerodynamics and weathering performance in all New Zealand climates.
We have a wide range of louvre profiles available, including fixed louvres, operable louvres, and sliding louvres. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’ll work with you to create a customised louvre product.
Fixed louvre pergolas
Our fixed louvre blades are installed in a fixed position, allowing ventilation and light to flow through while still providing shelter. These also provide definition for your outdoor space, whether by a pool or outdoor dining space.
Opening louvre roof
Our opening louvre roof can be opened and closed as required, providing excellent climate control all year round. We offer the operable louvre roof with two blade profiles — the Aurora blade and the Solaris blade.
Fixed sunshade louvres
Our fixed louvres can also be installed on the exterior of your building, providing shading and a unique architectural statement. These are ideal for areas that are exposed to a high level of sun and can be customised to accommodate the angle of solar gain.
Our custom pergolas
If you want to achieve something unique, we can create bespoke louvre solutions for your project. Our approach to custom projects is divided into four simple steps.
- Discuss your needs and confirm the design brief.
- Complete shop drawings and get sign-off on the design.
- Complete the PS1 and engineering calculations, if required.
- Complete the site measure, fabrication and installation.
- Profile shapes and sizes
- Span data
- Mounting options
- Project example images
