Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve got you covered.
We know you may have a few questions as you start planning the perfect outdoor addition to your home.
If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Archgola expert.
Categories
Canopies
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What’s the difference between the Classic and Linear canopies?
Our Classic canopy is our most versatile option, featuring a modular steel frame that allows for various roof shapes to fit your space. Whether the deck goes around a corner, has varied roof levels or has a jutted section, we can create the shade that fits.
Our Linear canopy offers a more contemporary look with a flat ploycarbonate roof and mono-pitch roofline, using a combination of aluminium and steel to achieve wider spans with fewer posts.
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Are Archgola pergolas weather tight?
All our canopies are designed to be weathertight. We use custom flashings to create a secure seal against your home, providing excellent protection from the rain. However the area remains an outdoor space, and will not be as weatherproof as the interior of your home.
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Do canopies block out light from entering my home?
No, the transparent roofing options allows lots of light to enter your home, unlike the fixed roof of a closed louver. You can choose from our range of roofing tints, different shades offer different levels of heat and light transmission. For example, a Bronze tint provides a warm light, while a Grey Solar tint reduces more heat and glare.
Your local Archgola installer will show you samples and help you choose the perfect option for your home.
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Can I get a canopy for my carport, boat, or spa pool?
Absolutely. Our canopy system is incredibly versatile and can be designed as a stand-alone structure or an attachment to an existing building, making it perfect for carports, motorhomes, boats, spa pools, and other storage areas. Depending on local council regulations, carports can be up to 40sqm in floor area without requring building consent.
Blinds
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What are the outdoor blind options?
With outdoor blinds you can choose between a crank handle operation or spring loaded retraction system. You also can choose from two main fabric options:
Clear PVC: Keeps your view completely unobstructed while blocking wind and rain.
ThermaShade Mesh: Provides privacy and protection from sun, wind, and rain, while still allowing you to see out. -
What materials are the blinds made from?
Outdoor blinds are made from either a clear PVC or ThermaShade mesh polyester fabric, which comes in a range of popular colours. The frame is made from aluminium and stainless steel and powder coated to match your canopy.
Frame, materials & hardware
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Are Archgola frames made from steel or aluminium?
Our frames are primarily manufactured from top-quality, pre-galvanised New Zealand steel, which is renowned for its superior strength and longevity. The steel is then powder-coated for a premium, durable finish.
Our Linear canopies also incorporate aluminium rafters and beams to achieve their wide-span design.
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How well do the canopies handle high winds and NZ weather?
Every Archgola canopy is structurally engineered to meet or exceed NZ building standards and can be designed specifically for high and even very high wind zones. They are built to last in tough New Zealand conditions. At the time of your consultation, your Archgola expert will discuss the best fixing options for your property.
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Are Archgolas made from steel or aluminium?
Archgolas are manufactured right here in New Zealand from top quality New Zealand steel. This steel is then powder coated to provide a top quality finish and protection from the elements, providing you with a premium product that is renowned for its superior steel strength, longevity and attractive finish.
Archgola Oasis canopies are made with a combination of steel and aluminium.
Customisation & design
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Will the canopy block natural light inside my home?
No. We use high-quality roofing, including clear or tinted polycarbonate options. These materials are selected to maximise light transmission while filtering harmful UV rays. Our canopies are designed to maintain a light, airy feel inside your home, preventing the dark “cave effect” of solid roofs.
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Can I customise a canopy to suit my home’s layout?
Yes. Every Archgola is custom-designed and manufactured for your specific site. We assess your home’s design, aspect and roofline to create a seamless addition. This bespoke approach ensures our backyard shade solutions integrate perfectly with your existing architecture, whether attached to the house or freestanding.
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Can I choose the colour of my canopy frame?
Yes. You can personalise your canopy by choosing from a wide range of Dulux powder coat colours to perfectly match your home’s joinery and existing colour scheme.
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Can lighting and heating be added to my canopy?
Absolutely. You can integrate features like LED lighting and outdoor heaters into the design of your canopy, helping you create the perfect ambiance and allowing you to use your outdoor space day and night, all year round. You will need to arrange an electrician for installation and connection.
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Can you build a canopy to fit a tricky or unusual space?
Yes. This is one of our key strengths. Every Archgola is custom-designed and manufactured for a specific site. Our versatile systems, particularly the Classic canopy, can be configured to fit almost any space perfectly.
Commercial & non-residential solutions
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Do you provide shelter solutions for schools, businesses, or sports clubs?
Yes, we have extensive experience working on commercial projects. We provide robust, large-scale shelter solutions for schools (covered walkways and play areas), hospitality (dining areas), sports clubs, and other businesses.
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Are your canopies suitable for high-traffic public areas?
Definitely. Our canopies are structurally engineered for durability and safety, using high-quality, robust materials that are ideal for the demands of high-traffic public and commercial spaces. Please note any canopy in this type of location may require council consents.
Installation
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How long will my Archgola last?
Archgola frames are made from super-strength, NZ-sourced galvanised steel and are built for durability. The structure and workmanship are backed by our comprehensive 5-year warranty, and a limited 10 year warranty. The roofing materials carrying even longer manufacturer warranties, up to 25 years.
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How long does it take to install an Archgola?
Depending on the size and complexity of the project, our experienced installation teams can typically install a standard Archgola canopy within a single day. The manufacturing lead time will be advised when you give us the go ahead – typically 6-8 weeks.
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Who installs my Archgola?
Your Archgola will be installed by a trained, authorised local installer who is an expert in our products and systems, ensuring a high-quality finish.
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Do I need a council building consent?
This depends on the canopy roof size and the location of the canopy. In many cases, canopies and carports under 30 square meters do not require council consent unless in a public space. Your local Archgola expert is up-to-date with all regulations and will advise you on the requirements for your specific project.
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Do you need a council building consent to install an Archgola?
Archgola structures are designed in conjunction with a Chartered Professional Engineer. With the recent additions made to the New Zealand building consent exemptions, a residential canopy up to 30sqm or a residential carport up to 40m2 may not require a local council building consent. For structures greater than this, your local Archgola licensee can provide expert advice and help you manage the process for you so it’s hassle free.
Locations
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Is there an Archgola installer near me?
Yes! We have a network of local, licensed installers all across New Zealand. You can find your nearest expert on our website to arrange a free, on-site consultation.
Cost & finance
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Do you offer finance options?
Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Q Card to offer flexible finance options, including interest-free periods, to help you get your dream outdoor area sooner.
*No payments and no interest for 12 months (“Payment Holiday”) and no interest for a further 12 months (“Further Interest Free Period”) is available on Long Term Finance (LTF) for in-home purchases only until 28/02/2026. Minimum Spend $500. Lending criteria, $50 annual Account Fee, fees, Ts&Cs apply. $55 Establishment Fee applies to your first Long Term Finance (LTF) transaction, $35 Advance Fee applies to subsequent LTF transactions. Min payments of 3% of the monthly closing balance or $10 (whichever is greater) are required throughout interest free period. Paying only the minimum monthly payments will not fully repay the loan before the end of the interest free period. Standard Interest Rate of 28.95% p.a. applies to outstanding balance at the end of LTF interest free period. Other interest rates and fees may apply. Rates and fees subject to change. New customers need to apply and be approved for a Q Mastercard credit card. Columbus Financial Services Limited and Consumer Finance Limited reserve the right to amend, suspend or terminate the offer and these Ts&Cs at any time without notice. No HRV finance surcharge applies on eligible products.
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What are the fees?
Q Card charges an establishment fee when you first use long-term finance and a bi-annual account fee. Your installer can provide the full fee schedule. Visit Q Mastercard Fees for more information.
*No payments and no interest for 12 months (“Payment Holiday”) and no interest for a further 12 months (“Further Interest Free Period”) is available on Long Term Finance (LTF) for in-home purchases only until 28/02/2026. Minimum Spend $500. Lending criteria, $50 annual Account Fee, fees, Ts&Cs apply. $55 Establishment Fee applies to your first Long Term Finance (LTF) transaction, $35 Advance Fee applies to subsequent LTF transactions. Min payments of 3% of the monthly closing balance or $10 (whichever is greater) are required throughout interest free period. Paying only the minimum monthly payments will not fully repay the loan before the end of the interest free period. Standard Interest Rate of 28.95% p.a. applies to outstanding balance at the end of LTF interest free period. Other interest rates and fees may apply. Rates and fees subject to change. New customers need to apply and be approved for a Q Mastercard credit card. Columbus Financial Services Limited and Consumer Finance Limited reserve the right to amend, suspend or terminate the offer and these Ts&Cs at any time without notice. No HRV finance surcharge applies on eligible products.
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Can I pay my invoice online?
Yes. You can easily and securely pay your invoice on our website using your invoice number. We accept payments via Visa and Mastercard and do not apply a surcharge.
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How much does an Archgola cost?
Every Archgola is customised to your specific site, requirements, and lifestyle. Because of this, pricing varies from project to project. To get an accurate price, please contact your local licensee for a free, no-obligation measure and quote.
Our process
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What is the process for getting an Archgola?
Our process is simple and designed to be hassle-free. It starts with a free, no-obligation on-site consultation with your local expert. They will discuss your needs, design a solution, and provide a detailed quote. Once you approve, we manufacture your custom canopy before our expert team installs it.
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How long does it take from accepting a quote to installation?
The timeline can vary depending on factors like seasonal demand, council consent requirements (if any), and the complexity of your project.
Your local installer will provide you with a clear timeline and keep you updated throughout the process. Typcially this is 6-8 weeks but varies depending on demand. For example lead times tend to be shorter if ordered in the winter months.
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What are the basic steps to get an archgola?
1. Free no-obligation on-site consultation
2. Custom designed concept & personalised quote
3. NZ manufacturing & an efficient installation – typically only takes one day
4. Welcome to better outdoor living!For full details, visit Our Simple Process.
Warranties & care
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What warranty comes with my Archgola?
We offer a comprehensive 5-year warranty on the structure and workmanship of our canopies and a 10 year limited warranty. It is very imporant to regularly wash the canopy and roofing. Furthermore, our roofing suppliers provide their own extensive warranties (up to 25 years), and our blind systems also come with specific warranties – see our Warranties page for detail.
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What maintenance is required to keep my warranty valid?
To keep your warranty valid, a simple cleaning schedule is essential. For most areas, cleaning every six months is sufficient. However, for canopies exposed to marine (sea spray), industrial, or geothermal environments, cleaning is required every three months.
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How do I clean my Archgola correctly?
It is very important to regularly clean your canopy and roofing. For our Classic canopies, we recommend using a mild detergent, water, and a soft brush.
For our Linear canopies, the roofing requires extra care to prevent scratches; use warm soapy water and a soft cloth only.
For full details, please see our comprehensive Product Care Guide.
