SERVICE SCOPE
Separate screen damage from support damage
A damaged screen batten and a soft support post are different repair enquiries. Tell us which part is affected, whether the pergola has a roof and whether it connects to the house. This helps distinguish a decorative timber repair from work involving beams, posts or roof supports. If the enquiry concerns the walking boards or restoration of the deck below, use our deck repairs and restoration assessment; identify posts, beams or screens separately.
We inspect post bases, joints, beams and surrounding drainage to locate deterioration and understand each member’s role. Ongoing wetting can extend decay beyond the visible patch, while weakened supports or connections can affect the structure. Any required structural assessment and temporary support are resolved before timber is removed.
- A soft pergola post base
- Weathered verandah timber
- A loose privacy-screen component
Assess the post, beam and connected structure
A rotten post or damaged beam does not always mean rebuilding the whole pergola. We assess the post, beam or rafter, adjoining timber, connections and footings before deciding on local repair or replacement. Filling the visible surface does not establish a member’s load-bearing capacity. Any temporary support and required structural input are resolved before a support member is disturbed.
We set out the retained and replacement timber and connections in the quote. For changes to the roof, footprint or supports, we plan the timber work and any related roof, drainage or electrical preparation together before scheduling.
Define existing repairs and any alterations
Your quote identifies the members to retain or replace, their measured sizes and quantities, connections, access and disposal. Surface preparation and painting are listed for the agreed area. Recurring wetting or ground contact is addressed alongside the repair; a new timber section alone does not resolve the conditions that caused decay.
Contact Ellis about the affected pergola timber and your suburb. We assess posts, beams, rafters, screens and any roof or house connections, then explain the repair scope and any specialist input required. Existing drawings or photographs can help prepare the visit.
WORK PHOTOS
Timber and connection details
Timber pergola and verandah at a Canberra home
Close view of a timber beam connection and roof-edge repair area
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Repair and quote questions
Can a rotten pergola post be replaced without rebuilding the whole structure?
Yes, where the connected structure is suitable to retain. We inspect the adjoining beams, connections and footing to decide whether local repair or a replacement post will suit the structure. We arrange the support needed during removal, fit the replacement and complete the agreed connections and finish.
How do you plan repairs to pergola posts and beams?
We inspect the posts, beams, connections and footings together, then explain local repair or replacement. Our plan covers support during removal, replacement timber and fixings, moisture-related work and finishing. We include any structural input needed for the assessed repair in the work sequence.