When it is hot outside or icy cold, you’re going to want a place to experience the sun and outdoors without feeling the brunt of the temperature. If you’re currently looking to revamp your outdoor space, the good news is that not every project requires professional assistance.
DIY kits have several advantages for installation, style, and comfort, but you always want to install them correctly. With this in mind, This blog will be your best guide to avoiding DIY mistakes, provide the benefits of polycarbonate roofing for your home, and explain why you should invest in a DIY kit in the first place.
After all, you don’t want to always be spending thousands of dollars on assembly fees: you can do it yourself!
DIY Projects: What To Avoid
So, you’ve already got a rough idea of how you want to rework your backyard or commercially-owned area. Despite this, turning dreams into reality is not always as simple as it first seems.
What are some of the common mistakes to avoid when planning and implementing a DIY project for your home or commercial property? Let’s explore some of the most common right now:
1. A Lack of Planning
If you plan your DIY project incorrectly, you run the risk of project delays, going over budget, or resulting in an incomplete job.
You can avoid these mishaps by creating a step-by-step plan that outlines how you’re going to complete your project. This could include material costs, your budget, and a realistic timeline. Make sure to research your DIY project thoroughly and consider if there will be challenges: how can you overcome these?
Try breaking up your project into smaller, more manageable tasks and create milestones to track your project.
2. Underestimating Projects
You don’t want a frustrating result, so you want to understand your project and how to get from Point A to Point B. Always be realistic about your resources and capabilities.
If you’re new to DIY projects, you can always break it down into simpler steps to seek help from a professional.
That said, the good thing about DIY Kits at Roofing Options is that they can be assembled easily, often with only 2 people for easy assembly. The Feria 4000 DIY Pergola Kit is put together using a Click N’ Lock System for safety, requiring no experience, skills, or special tools to put it up.
What are some of its key features?
- The DIY kit is virtually unbreakable, with 100% UV-protected, 8mm Twinwall Polycarbonate roof panels.
- It has adjustable poles and a wall mounting plate.
- This kit is rust-resistant, with a white power-coated heavy-duty aluminium frame.
- It is ready to assemble with a pre-drilled profile and pre-cut panels.
- It only requires a solid-level surface and solid wall support.
- The kit is maintenance-free!
3. The Wrong Tools or Materials
Low-quality materials and the wrong tools can compromise the quality of your project. Without the proper equipment, you’re increasing the difficulty and time required to finish your DIY project.
Whether you’re wanting a new pergola in your yard or shade for your camper, always research the best tools for the job so you have everything you need before starting.
For example, you want your material quality to be consistent. Not only will you make the work a lot easier, but you’ll definitely notice a more satisfying finish. If the tools you need are too expensive, consider renting them from friends or family!
4. Ignoring Safety Procedures and Building Permits
If you don’t follow safety guidelines, this can cause injury or accidents! Often DIYers don’t think about the importance of protective gear, proper ventilation, and safe work practices. In any case, always put your safety first by using the right gear, such as goggles, gloves, or a mask.
Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions for materials and tools, including creating a well-ventilated, organised workspace. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit handy.
Additionally, never ignore your local building codes and permit requirements, or you could be dealing with fines, legal issues, or needing to redo work. According to The City of Monash Victoria, Under Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018, pergolas or gazebos can be exempt from a building permit if:
- The gazebo’s floor area must not exceed 10 m2 and its height must be no more than 3 m, or if it is within 1 m of a boundary, 2.4 m.
- A pergola isn’t more than 3.6 m in height and is located no further forward on the allotment than 2 of the front wall of the building or has a floor area not exceeding 20m2. For specifics, always contact your local council for approval.
Before beginning any DIY project, ensure your plans comply with regulations in your area.
5. Overlooking Preparation Work
Cleaning surfaces and accurate measurements must be done beforehand; skipping this preparation can compromise the quality of your project.
Lay out a foundation for success by taking the time to clean surfaces, sand rough edges, and get the right numbers. Failing to measure things correctly can waste materials and give you a poor fit. Avoid inaccuracies by using the right tools (tape measure, level, or square), and double check your measurements before cutting or assembling your materials.
Preparing properly can help with paint adhesion and finishes and prevent frustrating problems down the line. No matter how eager you are to get started, never skip prep work.
Sunlite Twinwall Polycarbonate Roof Panels: What Are They?
As noted on the Polycarbonate Roofing website, Sunlite Twinwall sheet combines the strength of polycarbonate with a cellular structure that offers superior insulation. What makes it so special? It is the only twin wall sheet available on the market with SolarSmart technology.
This way, you can let more visible light in while reducing heat-generating any infrared radiation. On a hot summer day, you can enjoy the outdoors without stressing about the sun.
What are the properties of Sunlite Twinwall?
- It offers standard, double-sided UV protection–SolarSmart technology–protecting you against 99.9% of harmful UV rays.
- The impact resistance is 250 times that of glass, so it is structurally durable in all weathering conditions, even in fire-prone areas.
- It has a distinctive cellular structural design, with an easy-to-use system to join and finish.
- Sunlite is lightweight, so it is easy to handle during installation and reduces structural load.
This powerful combination makes it the ideal material for commercial and domestic structures such as walkways, pergolas, facades, skylights, and more.
How do you install Sunlite? Careful planning and preparation will make sure the best results are achieved. Required tools are standard and include a tape measure, a fine-tooth panel saw, and an appropriate drill bit for pre-drilling holes.
If you’d like specific installation instructions, reach out to the Roofing Options team; our Arcadia Carport Kit, Feria 4000 DIY Pergola Kit, the Milano DIY Gazebo Kit, and Monaco Gazebo Kit are designed with Sunlite Twinwall.
Sunpal Multiwall
As an advanced multiwall polycarbonate panel system, the Sunpal Multiwall combines a proven design, thermal insulation, light transmission, and unparalleled strength for commercial and residential properties.
Sunpal offers a lightweight, leak-proof design that handles high loads and accommodates both expansion and contraction during weather changes. What are some of its distinct advantages for architectural roofing, commercial and retail, sports facilities, covered walkways or awnings, open markets, parking structures, service stations, swimming pool covers, and more?
- Sunpal includes an interlocking system based on multi-wall panels, available in a range of thicknesses. These panels are joined together by polycarbonate or aluminium joiners and sealed at the ends with End Caps.
- It includes a ventilated Sealing Tape that seals the panel’s lower end, preventing dirt from entering the flutes and providing sufficient drainage. Optional Aluminium Sealing Strips and F-profiles can be used to seal the panels’ upper and lower ends.
- Sunpal Multiwall panels also use a strong standing seam and ‘T’ fastening system for a watertight finish.
- Sunpal panels join together with polycarbonate or aluminium joiners, which can be used to increase the spanning distances to suit your structure.
- The aluminium F-Sections or Barge clips finish off side edges of the place, which creates a fully framed installation.
- Sunpal has SolarSmart cool light colours.
- This roofing option is leak-proof.
The Roofing Options Feria 3000 DIY Pergola Kit is a multi-wall roofing option for your property that looks great, is resistant and is easy to install!
Why give it a try in the first place? Check out why Sunlite Polycarbonate Roofing is the ultimate twinwall solution for your property.
Types of DIY Kits
From carports to pergolas, let’s look at the types of DIY kits you can easily set up at your home.
Arcadia Carport Kit
High-performing, durable, and stylish multi-purpose structure, this carport kit provides protection for one or two vehicles or even your trailer. What is included?
- Rust-resistant powder-coated aluminium frame
- Lifestyle-resilient Bronze-tinted 6mm Twinwall polycarbonate roof panels
- Provides up to 100% UV protection from harmful UV rays
- It is ready to be assembled with pre-drilled, pre-cut panels; all screws and anchors included
- Designed for the superior protection of your car all year around
- Includes an integrated Gutter and Gutter outlet
If you would like to learn more about different roofing materials and their uses, read Sunlite Twinwall, a complete installation guide for your convenience!
Alpine Carport Kits
Finely designed and a durable DIY, multi-purpose structure developed to ease the parking of taller vehicles, why should you try out this DIY kit at home?
- It provides up to 100% from harmful UV rays.
- The carport is virtually unbreakable, with Bronze-Tint 6mm Twinwall Polycarbonate roof panels
- It is robust and rust-resistant with a dark grey, powder-coated aluminium frame
- Sturdy, 8cm x 8cm aluminium posts with adjustable elevation
- The maximum carport height is 352cm
- Made with 100% recyclable materials.
- Ready to assemble pre-drilled profiles, pre-cut panels, and all screws and anchors are included
- Maintenance free!
What Are The Pros of DIY Kits?
Gazebo DIY kits at Roofing Options are exceptionally sturdy, add elegance, and are designed to handle all seasons with their unbreakable polycarbonate (multi-wall or twin-wall). They are also offered in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes to complement your garden, giving a sense of privacy for family gatherings, small parties, or a spa!
Carport DIY kits can support up to 2 cars, offer curved or flat roof lines with two or four posts. Crafted from heavy-duty aluminium frames, simple installation for non-professionals, customisation for different vehicle types, and are always affordable. They are engineered to be easily assembled and make your experience worry-free.
Patio/Pergola DIY kits give you the relief of the harsh sun and shelter from the rain. You don’t need to stress about these panels fracturing or yellowing over time and the screw-free roofing system is designed to prevent rain or dew leaks!
Whether you’re looking for a polycarbonate roof for your pergola, DIY gazebo kits, or DIY sheds kits, Roofing Options delivers roofing supplies to Frankston, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Berwick, Dandenong, Officer, and across Melbourne.
Monaco DIY Gazebo Kit
Providing you and your family a comfortable retreat from the elements all year round, why should you consider this DIY Gazebo kit?
- It is a simple 2 person assembly
- The kit includes a screw-free roofing system with easy sliding panel installation
- Corrosion-resistant powder-coated aluminium finish
- Integrated gutter and gutter outlets allow water collection
- The hexagonal structure can be relocated and re-anchored as you see fit
- It is a maintenance-free design
Sanremo 3M Sun Room Kits
Offering a stylish extension to outdoor living spaces, the Sanremo creates the perfect environment for you to spend more time enjoying your garden, a glass of wine, or alfresco entertaining! What does this DIY kit include?
- A robust structure that is virtually unbreakable, UV-protected polycarbonate roof panels
- Includes high impact, crystalline acrylic wall panels, naturally shielding the hazardous UV rays
- Includes an adjustable wall height
- DIY assembly, with no roof climbing needed
- Three lockable double sliding doors for ventilation and easy passage
- Maintenance free
- 10 years warranty
If you’re looking for a straightforward project, Roofing Options kits have everything you need for your next renovation project, with high quality materials and a kit design that won’t fall apart once built.
Skylight Pent Plastic 4 x 6 DIY Shed Kit – Grey
As a perfect outdoor storage solution for smaller yard or garden spaces, the Skylight Garden Shed is excellent for small yard or garden spaces. Why use this DIY kit for your home? Let’s look at some of the features:
- Made with 100% recyclable components
- It is highly resistant, a sunlight-safe polycarbonate storage shed kit with “Fine Shield Technology”
- Lifetime resilient Polycarbonate plastic walls
- Roof panels block up to 100% of harmful UV rays
- Rust-free aluminium structure
- Includes an anti-slip floor and is maintenance-free!
Skylight Garden Shed 6 ft
Offering a choice of 2 sizes to suit small and larger outdoor spaces, the Skylight Garden Shed is made with an unbreakable Polycarbonate and rust-free reinforced aluminium frame. Along with maintenance-free storage, what else is included?
- Includes an “easy-slide” system for quick and simple wall and roof panel assembly
- Lifetime resilient Polycarbonate plastic walls
- Roof panels block up to 100% of harmful UV rays
- Rust-free aluminium structure
- Includes an anti-slip floor
DIY Pergola Kits and More at Roofing Options
If you want to revamp your residential property or commercial spaces, you can live brighter with polycarbonate roofing! Roofing Options has everything you need to transform your property exterior, supporting builders, contractors, homeowners, and DIY enthusiasts on roofing-related projects.
Whatever you have in mind, we have an extensive online store and three convenient locations supplying our Polycarbonate Roofing range: Suntuf EZ Glaze, Suntuf BeeHive, Suntuf Polycarbonate Roofing, Sunglaze, and more.
Contact us today or visit our store in Cranbourne, Coburg, or Campbellfield to request guidance from a roofing expert, local pickup, fast delivery, and unbeatable quality!
