Retractable Roof

Retractable Roof Systems — All‑Weather & Sun‑Only Outdoor Solutions

A retractable roof system gives you complete control over your outdoor living space. Whether you need full weather protection or a sun‑shading solution, Taylor & Stirling offers two engineered systems designed for Australian conditions:

🌦️ All‑Weather Retractable Roofs
☀️ Sun‑Only Retractable Roofs

Each system is custom‑built, motorised, and designed to suit Ballarat and Hobart’s unique climate demands.

🌦️ All‑Weather Retractable Roof Systems

For year‑round protection from sun, rain, and wind

All‑weather retractable roofs use a high‑tension waterproof membrane that extends and retracts on demand. These systems are engineered to handle heavy rainfall, strong winds, and large spans — ideal for alfrescos, courtyards, and commercial spaces.

Key Features

💧 100% waterproof membrane
🌀 Wind‑rated for exposed areas
↔️ Large-span capability (6–8 m per module)
🪜 Integrated gutters & downpipes
🎛️ Motorised as standard
🏗️ Suitable for residential & commercial installations

Technical Specifications

🧵 Fabric: PVC-coated polyester or acrylic membrane
🔥 Fire-retardant options
🌡️ Thermal insulation
🧽 Anti-fungal & easy-clean coatings
🛡️ Wind-lock side channels for weather sealing

☀️ Sun‑Only Retractable Roof Systems

For shade, heat control, and open‑sky living

Sun‑only retractable roofs are designed for shade and heat reduction, not full weather protection. These systems use lighter fabrics and are ideal for patios, decks, and areas where airflow and sun control matter more than rain protection.

Key Features

🌞 Excellent sun & heat control
🌬️ Enhanced airflow
🧵 Lightweight acrylic or mesh fabrics
↔️ Wide-span shading
🎛️ Motorised or manual options
🏡 Perfect for patios, verandas, and pergolas

Technical Notes

Not designed for heavy rain
Not fully waterproof
Ideal for seasonal or fair‑weather use
Can be paired with Zipscreen or ZIPslide for side protection

📐 System Spans & Performance

Your retractable roof offering includes four engineered systems with defined span capabilities:

System	Maximum Span	Operation	Best For
T500-Light	4.5 m × 5.0 m	Manual or Motorised	Small patios or balconies
T700-Medium	6.0 m × 7.0 m	Motorised Only	Medium outdoor entertaining areas
T900-Large	5.0m × 9.0m	Motorised Only	Large courtyards or commercial spaces
T1200-Commercial	5.0m × 12.0m	Motorised Only	Large courtyards or commercial spaces

Why this matters

Larger spans = fewer posts
Cleaner sightlines
Better integration with modern architecture

🎛️ Motorisation & Automation

Motor Systems

⚡ 240V AC motors (standard for all‑weather systems)
🔋 DC motors (optional for sun‑only systems)
🔄 Soft‑start/soft‑stop
🛡️ Over‑tension protection

Smart Controls

📲 Remote control
🏠 Home automation integration
🌧️ Rain sensors (all‑weather systems)
🌬️ Wind sensors
⏱️ Timers & presets

💧 Water Management (All‑Weather Systems Only)

🪜 Integrated front gutters
📐 Engineered fall for drainage
⬇️ Concealed downpipes
💧 High‑tension membrane prevents sagging
🛡️ Weather‑sealed side channels

🎨 Design & Customisation

Frame Options

🏡 Attached to home
🏗️ Freestanding
🧱 Integrated into existing pergolas
🔲 Multi‑module linking

Colours & Finishes

🎨 Any RAL colour with default of White, Black, Graphite
🖤 Matte, satin, textured
🧽 Low‑maintenance coatings

Add‑Ons

💡 LED lighting
🔥 Outdoor heating
🪟 Zipscreen or ZIPslide side screens
🎵 Integrated audio
🌫️ Mist cooling

📍 Local Expertise — Ballarat & Hobart

Taylor & Stirling provides full design, installation, and support across:

📌 Ballarat & Western Victoria
📌 Hobart & Southern Tasmania

Our systems are engineered for local wind zones, rainfall patterns, and site‑specific requirements.

📊 Comparison Table

Feature	All‑Weather Retractable Roof	Sun‑Only Retractable Roof	Louvre Roof
Sun Control	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rain Protection	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ventilation	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Motorisation	Yes	Yes/Optional	Yes
Max Span	6–8 m	4–6 m	Up to 6 m
Best For	All‑weather alfrescos	Shade-only areas	All‑weather outdoor rooms

❓ FAQs

Are all‑weather retractable roofs suitable for Ballarat’s winter storms?

Yes. Our all‑weather systems use a high‑tension waterproof membrane engineered for heavy rainfall and strong winds. They are ideal for Ballarat’s cold, wet winters and exposed rural properties.

How do retractable roofs perform in Hobart’s coastal winds?

All‑weather retractable roofs include wind‑lock side channels and reinforced tensioning systems that prevent flapping or sagging in strong coastal winds. They are designed for Tasmania’s W41–W50 wind zones.

Can a retractable roof handle Hobart’s heavy rainfall?

Yes — the membrane is fully waterproof, and the system includes integrated gutters and concealed downpipes to manage sudden downpours common in Hobart’s climate.

Is a sun‑only retractable roof suitable for Ballarat and Hobart

Yes — but only for shade and heat control. Sun‑only systems are not waterproof and are best for verandas, pergolas, and sheltered areas. For full weather protection in Ballarat, choose an all‑weather system. Unlike a folding arm awning the fabric is held in place with the side rails and depending on width can be zipped into the side rails, this means they can handle windy conditions that folding arm awnings would retract in.

Will the membrane stretch or sag in cold Ballarat winters?

No, the fabric is tensioned using a motorised drive system that maintains consistent tension even in cold temperatures. The membrane is designed to resist sagging, pooling, and shrinkage.

Do retractable roofs need special coatings for Hobart’s coastal environment?

Yes — and we include them as standard. All aluminum components are powder‑coated, and all fixings are stainless steel to prevent corrosion in salty coastal air.

Do I need council approval in Ballarat or Hobart for a retractable roof?

Often No, if installed within an existing building envelope, however depending on the size for large spans and projections it may be required. We can manage all local compliance requirements for both Ballarat and Hobart councils.

Can a sun‑only system handle rain?

No — it is designed for shade and airflow, not weather protection. It can handle light rain but show be retracted in rain.

Are retractable roofs suitable for Ballarat’s winter weather?

Yes they can handle windows up to 110klm and can make Ballarat entertainment space more usable.