Louvred Roofs and Pergolas in Figtree

Brick homes, pitched roofs and a patio waiting for an upgrade

Wollongong City Council describes Figtree as a leafy, low density suburb of single and two storey brick and weatherboard homes, mostly with pitched roofs. Many of those houses have a back patio or slab that was added years ago and has never quite worked.

Fixed to the fascia or a wall, an attached louvre roof can replace that tired cover with something far more useful. Open the blades for the morning sun, close them for a shower, and leave them part way on a hot afternoon so the air keeps moving. That means breakfast outside on a Saturday and a dry spot for the kids to play when it rains.

Making the most of a sloping block

Council's planning notes describe Figtree as sitting in its own natural amphitheatre, with homes stepping down the slopes of the escarpment. Figtree Heights sits a little above the rest of the suburb, and houses are built into the side of Cobbler's Hill. That often means the flattest, most usable ground is not right against the back door.

A freestanding louvred pergola needs no support from the house, so it can be built wherever your yard suits it, on a lower terrace, by the pool or at the edge of the lawn where the view opens up. You get a sheltered outdoor room in the right spot, instead of squeezing everything onto a narrow strip by the house.

A louvred roof for that unused Figtree courtyard

Many established homes have a courtyard, side area or old slab that has sat empty for years, because it is too exposed to sun and rain to be comfortable.

A louvred roof over that space turns it into an outdoor dining room you use most of the year, with LED lighting for evenings and heating for the cooler months. You gain a whole extra room without knocking out a wall, so the family has somewhere to spread out on a wet weekend.

Louvre roof and pergola options

With a powder coat over aluminium, the frame and blades will not rust and need very little upkeep. In a leafy street, the main job is a hose down now and then and a check that the blades and drainage channels are clear of leaves.

• Blades that turn from fully open to fully closed and seal when shut
• A gutter built into the frame that carries rain to the downpipes
• Motorised control by remote or wall switch, or a manual crank
• Rain and wind sensors that close or angle the roof on their own
• Ceiling fans, LED lights and heaters as add ons
• Side screens, zip screens or glass doors to enclose the patio

Approvals and what shapes the cost

Some opening roofs may not need a full development application if they stay within limits on size, height and distance from the boundary, but the rules depend on your lot. Check with Wollongong City Council before you build, and if you live in one of Figtree's villa or townhouse complexes, ask your strata as well.

The quote is shaped by how big the roof is, whether it joins the house or stands alone, whether you crank it or run it on a motor, and any extras, such as rain and wind sensors, lighting, heating or side screens. Site access and slope matter too.

What to expect at your free measure

We come to your Figtree home, walk the yard with you and measure the space. We bring samples and demonstrate the louvres moving, so you can picture the finished roof before you commit.

After that you get a free written quote, and our own team handles the install with no subcontractors.