We have twin walled polycarbonate with a uv tint. Needs replacing after 10-15 years. Can get damaged by hail and yes gets dirty and needs cleaning. The uv tint is now not as effective. We don’t have trees over ours and it is pitched . For us this is still the best solution . Our builder did a neat job ensuring the rafters aligned with the panel connecting plates, they are not overlapping sheets.

Thank you. That helps

Have you considered Vergola gives you control of weather conditions.

https://vergola.com/locations/melbourne

No I hadn’t thought of Vergola. I’ll take a look thanks.

Felicity, could you pls post back if you get an idea of Vergola pricing. I have an outdoor area that needs a new roof but I need the light.

bigreader we realised today that the builder has already put structures in place for alfresco that mean we might be a little too late for vergola. I liked what I saw on YouTube demonstrating it but thinking now we’ll proceed with no poly roofing - the thought of heat and dirt puts me off. We’ll prob put in a skylight and add two fans under there. For more interesting look I think we’ll have exposed battens.

bigreader that's a Melbourne branch so why don't you get them to give you a quote, it will be more expensive than the polycarbonate but so much better in everyway if you can afford it

Siriuskey, agree it looks great. But it will def come down to budget. So much of Renovating is always a trade off for normal people with budgets. I just did a quick search and there are options that aren’t Vergola branded. They seem likely to be about $2k/sqm. My small outdoor area is 20sqm which does add up. Will see what else I can find. A Spa supplier is advertising freestanding motorised pergolas for about $6k so will check that out.

Vergola would most likely be able to work within your structure plus allowing for exposed beams, a quote shouldn't cost anything to find out.

Hello Felicity, Love to see what you do. We have a small area with poly-carb roofing that collect some leaves and dirt but a hose off at the beginning of the season works well. Make sure you get as much sun in winter thru into the living area or it will defeat the passive solar design. go well: hope it works a treat for you! Margot