How to fix a gap in pergola?

[RichardS3]

Hi folks,

Hoping you might be able to lend some sage like advice.

I've moved into a property fairly recently and have noticed even with mild rain & wind, our outdoor pergola lets a fair bit of water in under this here gap. I'd really like to plug it and prevent shoes, outdoor lounges etc from getting wet and to be able to utilise the space more as we head into warmer weather here in NSW.

In my mind's eye I can picture a sheet of corrugated sheet metal, same color as the pergola roof material, however have no idea how to fix it to anything etc.

Wondering if anyone would be willing to spare a minute for some guidance please?

Many thanks in adv,

Richard 

[EricL]

Hello @RichardS3 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about the gap in your pergola.

I propose building a timber frame using 70 x 35mm Outdoor Framing H3 Treated Pine - 2.4m to hold the Suntuf 10mm x 2.4m Clear Sunlite Twinwal Polycarbonate Roofing. This will prevent the rain from entering that gap and at the same time still allow sunlight to pass through keeping the area nice and bright. The timber frame will need to be anchored to the existing roofing frame and post along with a bit of the brick wall. The timber frame will just be ever so slightly away from the existing tile roof so that it does not get soaked in rainwater. 

However, you still have the option of using Colorbond roofing, just in mind that it will block off the sunlight entering that space.

Let me call on our experienced members @AlanM52, @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @RichardS3 

My thoughts are pretty much the same as @EricL's, The triangular? mmm odd shaped triangle? I have marked the frame in yellow. This is the timber frame @EricL has suggested. I also like the suntuff sheet he has suggested as its clear and solid at the same time.

I would give a 40mm min gap between the bottom support beam and the tilles. You want leaves and stuff to be able to come under the edge without blocking the gap. If water comes in still you could go for something like Moroday 50mm x 2.55m Garage Brush Door Seal on the high side (low side may result on a build of of debris)

Dave

[AlanM52]

Hello @RichardS3,

Personally I prefer the look of this.

Installed vertically.

Chook run and chook run annex gables closed in to keep the girls happy.

Cheers

[Nailbag]

Hi @RichardS3 

I would like to keep the light coming through and obviously the weather out. You could consider using equal angled 30mm aluminium fixed to the edge of the alfresco roof facia and to the tiles with a combination of Sikaflex and masonry fasteners. Sitting on the ridge of the tiled will allow rainwater to still flow in the valleys to the guttering.

Then use flat head self-drilling screws to fasten 8mm polycarbonate sheets to the rails. This is durable, lightweight and very easily cut to match the opening profile. You may even get away with a single 3m sheet

Nailbag