Axis

A louvre roof is a luxury investment for your home. It should always be installed by a qualified professional and maintained as per advice to uphold its appearance, function and structural integrity. In general, a high quality louvre roof should require minimal upkeep, however it is recommended to follow some basic maintenance tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Use a soft, wet sponge or hose at gentle pressure to remove dust, dirt and debris that may accumulate on your roof especially after a windy day. This will avoid build-ups and drain blockages. Dry dusting, as well as harsh acids can cause surface damage and should not be used. If removing stubborn grime or dirt, use a mild detergent with warm water and soft bristled brush. 

• Check for Blockages: Check blades and drain outlets and remove any potential blockages on a regular basis. If left unchecked for prolonged periods of time, leaves, twigs and other debris can cause blockages which may cause leaks or prevent louvres from opening and closing smoothly. 

• Lubricate the motorised components as needed: A bit of lubrication on the louvres’ motorised elements can keep them running more efficiently as well as ease any creaks and friction. Always use a lubricant that is compatible with the source material- some silicone-based lubricants can become sticky and actually impair the function of your louvres.

• Check after extreme weather events- These systems are designed to be incredibly durable and withstand most major weather events. However you should always check your system after extreme weather, removing any debris and cleaning the louvre roof as per above advice. If you notice any damage or loose parts, isolate the area and contact a professional immediately.

*Failure to maintain your louvre roof system appropriately may result in warranty becoming void.

*These specifications are based on a shade structure that has been appropriately maintained as per professional advice.

Please download our brochure for a more detailed breakdown of product specifications.

What is a louvre roof?

A louvre roof is a set of horizontal parallel blades fitted into an overhead frame, void or bulkhead. With a touch of a button, the louvre blades tilt or retract, depending on the system, to let in the desired amount of air and light whilst blocking UV rays, rain, wind and other unwanted elements.

Not all louvre roofs are made equal and some will offer more features than others. Check out our opening roof solution pages to view and compare the different systems.

What is the cost for the design, supply and installation of a louvre roof?

The cost of a louvre roof will vary depending on the type of system, dimensions and any additional accessories such as lights, heaters and rain sensors.

The best way to ascertain an estimated cost is by contacting us for an obligation-free quote. You can also view our recent projects to get a rough indication of pricing.

Remember that a louvre roof is an investment. Whilst there are cheaper shade options out there, a louvre roof solution is a permanent structure that will add additional ‘living space’ to your home without the need for a disruptive renovation. It is also a desirable selling point should you ever choose to put your home on the market.

Do I need a building permit to install a louvre roof in my outdoor area?

The need for permits and council approval is dependent on a range of factors such as location, size and building type. Generally, a building permit is required unless the louvre pergola system is freestanding and under 10m2. Open air pergolas (non-closing systems) often do not require a building permit. Site with a heritage or other types of overlays may also require a Planning Permit.

It is a good idea to contact your local council department for clarification. The team at SBD Shades are happy to offer our advice and assistance.

Are louvre roofs waterproof?

Each system offers a watertight solution when fully closed but there may be some splash back from the water inside the gutter in heavy downpours. The louvre blades are designed to interlock when closed to create a seal and keep rain out. Water is carried away by deep channels in each louvre leading to a surrounding gutter. This drainage system avoids leakage and residual water spray into the space below it. During heavy rainfall there may be some splashing around the gutter but for the most part, the louvre system will still keep you comfortable and dry. There is no need to run inside when the weather turns!

How wide can louvres be?

The width and projection of a louvre system is dependent on the model. Our largest spanning system is the Exxen which is part of the Lux Range. The blades can span up to 7 metres wide (midrail when wider than 4.5m) with a projection of up to 6 metres, or 4.5m span with a maximum projection of 9m. Several modules can be linked together to create a greater area.

It is best to get in touch to determine which system is most suitable for your space. You can also download our brochures for each product and review the dimensions in more detail.