Roof Replacement: Colourbond Vs Polycarbonate for Pergolas

If your pergola or verandah roof exhibits rust, leaks at the seams, or creates a dark and damp atmosphere, it’s time to consider a replacement. AWS Roofing specialises in pergola and verandah roof replacements across the Central Coast, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley, utilising materials such as Colorbond steel, polycarbonate, or a combination of both. This detailed guide will help you make informed decisions, showcase our recent pergola roof project in Gosford, and prepare you for requesting a quote.

Can You Replace Just the Roof of Your Pergola or Verandah?

Certainly. Not every roof replacement necessitates a complete overhaul of your house. We are able to replace smaller sections such as a verandah or pergola roof either independently or as part of a comprehensive re-roofing project. When replacing the main roof, it is often practical to address the verandah or pergola at the same time, ensuring that the flashings and roof lines integrate flawlessly.

If your main roof is also showing signs of wear, consider obtaining quotes for both options. This will allow you to compare the advantages of handling both tasks together versus separately.

For further details on complete re-roofs, please visit our roof replacement page.

What Signs Indicate Your Pergola or Verandah Roof Requires Replacement?

If you notice any of the following indicators, it’s wise to have your pergola or verandah roof evaluated:

• Visible rust streaks or holes in the metal sheets
• Water leaking through the seams or along the edges where the roof meets the building
• Cloudy, cracked, or brittle polycarbonate sheets
• A shaded area that remains dark and damp during winter months
• Dents or splits resulting from hail damage
• Old fibro-style sheeting that may contain asbestos

At AWS Roofing, we do not carry out patch repairs. Our focus is on a complete roof replacement, ensuring your outdoor area is equipped with new sheets, flashings, and fixings, thereby preventing further issues during storm season.

How to Decide Between Colorbond Steel and Polycarbonate for Your Pergola Roof

Your choice primarily depends on the amount of light you wish to allow into the area beneath the roof. Colorbond steel provides a solid roofing solution that offers complete shade and produces a finish that enhances your home’s exterior. In contrast, polycarbonate permits natural light to filter through, making it an appealing option for verandahs and pergolas where brightness is essential.

Consider the following for your outdoor space:

• A solid Colorbond roof is perfect for creating a fully shaded outdoor area.
• A polycarbonate roof is ideal for a pergola or verandah where maximising light is a priority.
• A combination of both can provide a steel roof with strategically placed clear or tinted sheets to enhance light entry.

This hybrid approach is especially advantageous for a pergola adjacent to a living area, allowing the protection of a steel roof while still permitting light to brighten the space during the cooler months.

Example Project: Pergola Roof Replacement in Gosford

A recent project in Gosford illustrates the effective use of mixed materials. The original roof consisted of a low-pitched corrugated metal structure. The homeowners sought a roof design that would complement the pergola while ensuring the entertainment area remained well-lit. This was particularly crucial in winter when a solid roof could leave the space dark and damp.

We replaced the existing roofing with 0.48 Trimdek in the Colorbond shade Ironstone. To maintain an influx of natural light, we integrated two sheets of tinted 5 Rib polycarbonate into the new roof structure. The result is a modern, weather-resistant steel roof that creates a bright and inviting atmosphere below. You can view the project photos on our Gosford pergola roof project page.

Which Metal Roofing Profile is Most Suitable for a Verandah or Pergola Roof?

We offer Colorbond and Zincalume steel in three primary profiles, and your selection will depend on the roof’s pitch and the aesthetic you desire. These profiles are the same ones utilised for full house roofs:

• Custom Orb: The traditional corrugated profile, familiar in Central Coast homes and sheds.
• Trimdek: A sturdy, cost-effective profile with pronounced trapezoidal ribs, available in long lengths to span from ridge to gutter without end laps.
• Klip-Lok: A concealed-fix profile featuring no visible screws, perfect for long spans and lower-pitched roofs.

When obtaining a quote, ask about the sheet profile and specify the Colorbond or Zincalume products by name. This ensures an uncomplicated comparison between quotes, as two roofs that seem similar on paper may utilise different materials.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Colour for Your Colorbond Outdoor Roof?

If you wish for your new pergola or verandah roof to match the roof, gutters, or fascia of your house, it’s crucial to view the colour in person. Online colour samples can often be deceptive, so we recommend comparing your selection against a physical sample before making a final choice. You can explore Colorbond colour samples at our showroom located at 3/3 O’Hart Cl, Charmhaven. We invite you to visit and review your options.

If you would like to narrow down your choices beforehand, the complete range is available on our Colorbond colours page. The previously mentioned Gosford pergola roof features Ironstone, which is part of the premium colour collection.

Managing Old Verandah Roofs and Asbestos Sheeting

Numerous older homes, garages, and sheds in the Central Coast region may still have asbestos cement roofing, and an old verandah roof could fall under this category. If you suspect your verandah roof contains asbestos, do not attempt to drill, cut, sand, or water blast it. Asbestos sheeting requires specialised removal and cannot simply be stripped away like a metal roof.

AWS Roofing is licensed for asbestos roof removal, complying with SafeWork NSW regulations. We ensure that the sheeting is removed safely and disposed of properly before installing the new roof. Our article on asbestos roof removal and replacement on the Central Coast discusses the factors that influence the cost.

What Steps Should You Follow to Replace a Pergola or Verandah Roof After Hail or Storm Damage?

Hail can inflict considerable damage, resulting in dents and splits in roof sheets, while strong winds may displace flashings. Damage to an outdoor roof from a storm might be covered under your home insurance policy, making it prudent to check your coverage prior to scheduling any repairs. You must contact your insurance provider, file a claim, and obtain written approval before we begin any work.

We manage insurance work. While we do not negotiate with insurance companies, we can help document the damage for your claim, provide a detailed inspection report and quote for your insurer, and proceed with the roof replacement once the claim is approved. Detailed steps are available on our storm and hail damage roofing page.

Key Questions to Consider Before Scheduling a Pergola Roof Replacement

When seeking multiple quotes for your pergola or verandah roof, consider asking these questions to gain clarity on what you are paying for:

• What is your roofing licence number, and are you insured and WorkCover accredited?
• Which sheet profile and which Colorbond, Zincalume, or polycarbonate product is included in the quote, by name?
• Are new flashings and fixings included, or will any be reused?
• Who will be responsible for removing and disposing of the old roofing, and is that included in the price?
• Is there a written warranty, and does it cover both workmanship and materials?

AWS Roofing holds roofing licence 247575C. We are fully insured and WorkCover accredited, and every roof we install comes with a written warranty. We ensure that all old sheeting, flashings, and fixings are removed, so you won’t have to deal with any debris left beside your house.

How to Obtain a Quote for Pergola and Verandah Roof Replacement on the Central Coast

You can start by sending us photographs. Our contact form allows you to upload images or plans of your pergola or verandah, detailing any issues you’ve noticed, such as rust, leaking joins, or a dim outdoor area. From this point, we can arrange a free, no-obligation estimate for your roof.

We provide pergola and verandah roof replacements throughout the Central Coast, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley, covering areas such as Gosford, Wyong, Toukley, Terrigal, Erina, Woy Woy, and Charmhaven. If you are unsure whether your suburb is included in our service area, please call our office at 0407 133 435, and our receptionist will gladly assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pergola and Verandah Roof Replacement

Do you only replace full house roofs?

No. AWS Roofing can replace smaller roof sections independently, including verandah and pergola roofs, alongside full house and commercial roofs. If your main roof also needs replacing, addressing the outdoor roof during the same visit ensures that the flashings and roof lines integrate properly.

Can I allow light to filter through a new steel pergola roof?

Yes. In the Gosford pergola roof project, we integrated two sheets of tinted 5 Rib polycarbonate within a new Trimdek roof in Colorbond Ironstone. The steel provides shade and weather protection, while the polycarbonate sheets allow natural light to illuminate the entertaining area below.

Will you repair a leak in my verandah roof instead of replacing it?

AWS Roofing does not engage in patch repairs or leak fixes. When an outdoor roof demonstrates leaks at the seams, rust, or brittleness, we recommend a complete roof section replacement to ensure that all sheets, flashings, and fixings are new. We will provide a clear explanation of our recommendations for your pergola or verandah.

Where can I see Colorbond colours in person?

You can find Colorbond colour samples at the AWS Roofing showroom located at 3/3 O’Hart Cl, Charmhaven NSW 2263. Since colours displayed on screens can be misleading, examining a physical sample is the most reliable way to match a new pergola or verandah roof with your home.