Top tips when choosing your patio roof design

There are many decisions to make when choosing the roof for your new or upgraded patio or pergola – the most important is your roofing team. The right team will guide you through your choices then execute the project to the highest standard, ensuring a quality space that matches your vision, your budget and your family.

Choosing the right roof design for your patio or pergola is a big decision that can either enhance the beauty and functionality of your home, or set you up for a lifetime of extra costs and maintenance.

We believe “do it once, do it right” and our friendly team of patio and pergola experts specialise in helping families on the New South Wales Mid North Coast make smart choices that suit their lifestyle and add lasting value to their properties.

As a family-run business, we know how important it is to create spaces that feel like home where you can gather with loved ones, enjoy outdoor living and entertain in comfort – protected from the elements, no matter the season.

When it comes to designing the perfect roof for your patio, it’s essential to consider aesthetics, longevity and functionality. Whether you’re planning a new build or updating an existing structure, our top tips will help guide you through the decision-making process.

Incorporate the patio into the existing roof structure

If you’re adding a patio roof to your home, we highly recommend integrating it into your existing roofline. This creates a seamless look, ensures better durability and removes risks of leaks or water overflow.

The alternate option is to create two structures, however this carries more risks if not done correctly. Building a separate structure might seem easier upfront, but it often leads to complications down the track as a separate roof needs additional framing and guttering to divert water. If not done properly by trusted roofing professionals, you could face drainage issues that cause water damage over time.

Ensure proper guttering to guarantee the longevity of your patio

The right guttering system is crucial in creating a functional, long-lasting patio or pergola. Proper guttering protects your outdoor area from water damage and helps maintain the integrity of your home’s foundation by directing water away from the base.

When you extend your roof, more water is being collected and your existing gutters may not be equipped to handle the extra load. Upgrading to larger gutters or improving the existing system can prevent overflow and help manage water runoff efficiently.

Design your patio to look like part of your home

The key to good patio design is to make the roof look like a natural extension of your home, blending the outdoors with the in and creating an ‘outside room’ that seamlessly meshes with your existing structure.

Whether you’re adding a side pergola or back patio, a well-designed, carefully-considered roof will enhance your space without feeling like an afterthought.

Choose your roofing material wisely for optimal function and aesthetics

When selecting materials, consider appearance, performance and versatility. Your options include:

Polycarbonate panels – this hard-wearing material blocks harmful UV rays while letting in natural light.
Colourbond – one of Australia’s most loved roofing materials, Colourbond steel roofing is made to withstand harsh conditions.
Tiles – terracotta, slate or concrete tiles have a heavy thermal mass that can help regulate temperatures in NSW’s variable climate.
Trimdek roofing – versatile and cost-effective it offers a clean, contemporary aesthetic and can be long-lasting with the right maintenance.
Klip-Lok roofing – designed to be durable and withstand high wind uplift, this sleek material is perfectly suited to coastal areas like ours on the Coffs Coast.

Additional roof functions to enhance your experience

While a solid roof structure remains the most popular, some families opt to elevate their outdoor experience through more complex roofing systems that puts them in control and creates a highly functional outdoor room.

These versatile roofing options were developed to meet a variety of personal and climatic needs, putting homeowners in the driver’s seat when it comes to dictating how much open air, sun or shade they want in their space at any given time.

These systems include:

Louvered roof systems – made from aluminium, steel or wood, they provide versatility and full-weather protection.
Retractable roof systems – constructed using aluminium or steel, these automated roofing systems offer the ultimate climate control, enabling you to choose how open, or closed, you want your patio or pergola.

Selecting your patio roof style

Your next decision is choosing between a straight skillion or gable roof. If installed by expert roofers, both are durable and practical so it comes down to personal style and budget.

Skillion roofs are popular for their simplicity and affordability. They are straightforward and quick to install, helping keep costs down. Their slight angle provides natural rain runoff, reducing the need for additional guttering between the patio and the main house.

Gable roofs add a touch of elegance and often integrate more seamlessly with the architectural style of the house. Their pitched design creates an airy, spacious feel, improving ventilation and inviting natural light. Gable-style roofs are ideal for narrow spaces where height is a priority to increase airflow and space.

Colour considerations for climate control and cohesion

If using a material such as coated metal or steel, the colour of your roofing should be carefully considered. Light, reflective colours don’t absorb as much heat as darker options, making them the preferred choice for families around Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, Grafton, Dorrigo, Kempsey and South West Rocks.

A popular patio roof colour is Colourbond’s Surfmist – loved for its coastal-feel and thermal efficiency, it reflects heat to help maintain a comfortable patio environment year-round.

If you have a Colorbond swatch book you can look on the back to see each colour’s reflectivity, absorption numbers, thicknesses and gauges of steel to help you determine its thermal efficiency.

installing roof

Why choosing Roofing Matters is the best decision you’ll make

Building your dream patio or pergola starts with choosing a trusted team of experts offering personalised solutions with your best-interest at heart.

Our team of local specialists will provide guidance and inspiration to ensure your new roof project is custom-built to the highest quality by reliable roofers with a reputation for integrity and customer satisfaction.