Show the full pergola, house connection, posts and drainage edge.
Existing pergola decision guide · Melbourne
Can an existing pergola be covered with Clearview?
Sometimes—but a photo cannot approve the structure.
An existing pergola may be retained when its condition, load path, connection points, achievable roof fall and drainage can support the proposed measured system. Alpoco begins with photos, then confirms the site before issuing a written scope.
Reviewed 15 August 2026. This guide explains the decision process; it is not structural approval for an individual pergola.
The existing structure is useful only when it supports a safe, workable roof configuration.
Photos can reveal questions, but measurement and any required engineering confirm capacity.
The accepted quote identifies the configuration, inclusions and separately required work.
Six checks before retention
The old frame and the new roof must work as one system.
A visually straight pergola is not automatically suitable. The review follows the load path and the water path from the new panels into the retained structure and away from the patio.
Frame, posts and deterioration
Visible corrosion, timber decay, movement, damage and previous alterations are identified for closer assessment.
Spans and load path
Member sizes, post positions and how loads reach the ground affect whether retention is practical. Engineering may be required.
How the roof will be supported
The measured design must define the connection to the pergola, home or independent supports rather than assume the old frame can carry it.
Enough slope for the roof
The available heights must allow the selected panel system to fall toward a workable drainage edge without creating an unsuitable connection.
Gutter and discharge route
Gutter position, downpipe route and the way water leaves the site are assessed as part of the roof—not treated as an afterthought.
Access, approvals and extra work
Removal, strengthening, footings, electrical work, engineering or approvals are identified separately when required.
Retain or rebuild
The cheaper-looking starting point is not always the lower-risk path.
Alpoco should recommend retention only where the measured result remains structurally and practically coherent.
- The existing structure is in serviceable condition.
- Spans, posts and connections provide a workable load path.
- Enough height exists for roof fall and drainage.
- The new roofing can be detailed without unresolved interfaces.
- Required strengthening remains proportionate to the project.
- The frame is deteriorated, moving or materially altered.
- Post positions or spans conflict with the required roof system.
- Connection, waterproofing or drainage cannot be resolved cleanly.
- Strengthening would make the retained result unnecessarily complex.
- The desired size or use is materially different from the old pergola.
Completed Alpoco project
A retained pergola with new fixed weather cover.
This project demonstrates that retention can be possible. It does not prove that another pergola has the same condition, span, connection or drainage path.
Evidence boundary: the project page documents this completed configuration. Suitability for a new enquiry remains site-specific.
View the completed upgrade →Start without committing to a rebuild
Check my existing pergolaSend the whole pergola, connection and drainage edge.
Include a patio overview, the house connection, posts, roof edge and approximate width and projection. Alpoco will identify likely fit and missing information before discussing a measure.