If you’re considering adding an outdoor shade solution to your home, you’ve likely come across two popular options: a pergola or a patio roof. Both options provide protection from the elements and extend your living space, but they each offer unique features, benefits, and aesthetic appeal.
At Undercover Industries, based in Tauranga, we design and manufacture custom aluminium pergola systems, patio roofs, awnings, shade sails, Ziptrak® outdoor blinds, and aluminium gates. If you’re deciding between a pergola or a patio roof, this guide will help you choose the right option for your home.
What’s the Difference Between a Pergola and a Patio Roof?
Pergola Systems:
A pergola is an open-sided structure with a solid aluminium roof, attached directly to your home or building. Modern aluminium pergolas provide full weather protection while enhancing your outdoor living area with a clean, architectural look. They create a defined outdoor space while remaining open on the sides, offering airflow and natural light.
Patio Roofs:
A patio roof is a fully enclosed roofing structure that is directly connected to the house, providing total shelter from both sun and rain. It functions as a true extension of your home’s roofline, offering seamless indoor-outdoor flow and year-round protection.
Key Differences Between Pergolas and Patio Roofs
Pergolas:
• Modern, architectural design with clean, open sides
• Provides full overhead shade with a solid aluminium roof
• Attached directly to the home, enhancing decks, patios, or outdoor areas
• Excellent airflow and natural light with open sides
• Option to add Ziptrak® outdoor blinds, shade sails, or awnings for additional protection from sun, wind, and rain
• Generally more affordable than a full patio roof while offering substantial weather protection
Patio Roofs:
• Fully enclosed roof structure designed to match or complement the home’s roofline
• Provides complete shelter from sun, wind, and rain
• Creates a permanent, room-like extension to the home
• Offers seamless indoor-outdoor flow, ideal for highly exposed spaces
• Less natural airflow compared to a pergola but offers maximum weather protection
• Typically a higher upfront investment than a pergola due to its fully enclosed structure
Benefits of Aluminium Pergola Systems
• Stylish, modern design: Complements contemporary and coastal homes perfectly
• Built for Tauranga’s climate: Aluminium won’t rust, rot, warp, or fade
• Flexible shading options: Pair your pergola with Ziptrak® blinds, awnings, or shade sails, all integrated directly into the pergola structure
• Customised for your home: Available in mono-pitch, gable, or curved roof designs to suit your space and style
• Cost-effective: Delivers excellent protection from the elements at a lower cost than fully enclosed patio roofs, while maintaining an open and airy feel
Benefits of a Patio Roof
• Total weather protection: Ideal for creating a fully sheltered outdoor area that functions as an extension of your home
• Seamless integration: Matches the home’s roofline for a cohesive, built-in look
• Year-round usability: Protects from rain, wind, and harsh sun, offering comfort in all seasons
• Permanent structure: A solid, long-lasting solution for homeowners wanting maximum coverage
Which Option Is Right for You?
A Pergola is ideal if:
• You prefer a sleek, open-sided design with airflow and natural light
• You want the flexibility of adding integrated Ziptrak® blinds, awnings, or shade sails for extra comfort
• You’re looking for a cost-effective solution that delivers reliable shade and protection without fully enclosing the space
• A Patio Roof is ideal if:
• You want a fully enclosed, room-like outdoor space
• You need maximum protection from the elements, especially in highly exposed areas
• You prefer the look and function of a roof that seamlessly blends with your home’s existing structure
Why Choose Undercover Industries?
As a Tauranga-based aluminium fabricator, Undercover Industries designs and manufactures high-quality pergola systems, patio roofs, awnings, shade sails, Ziptrak® outdoor blinds, and aluminium gates, all crafted to suit the Bay of Plenty’s coastal conditions.
✔ Locally manufactured in Tauranga with premium materials
✔ Constructed from high-grade aluminium that won’t rust, warp, or deteriorate
✔ Available in a wide range of Dulux® powder coat colours to match your home
✔ Fully integrated systems with Ziptrak® blinds, shade sails, and awnings designed to connect directly to our pergola structures
✔ Custom-designed to suit your space, style, and outdoor living needs
Upgrade Your Outdoor Living with Undercover Industries
If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space with a custom-designed aluminium pergola or patio roof, Undercover Industries is here to help. Our experienced team services homes throughout Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, and Te Puke, providing tailored shade solutions built to last.
Contact us today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quote.