FAQ
Design
What is Kermit made from?
Frame
Kermit's frame is built from higher-tensile aluminium, which is 50% stronger than standard window joinery aluminium.
- Made from 100% recycled aluminium
- Proudly sourced and manufactured in New Zealand
- Assembled with stainless steel fasteners for long-lasting durability
Shade Cloth
Our shade cloth is manufactured in Australia, for the Australasian market, using advanced processes—including heat-setting—for excellent shape retention and long-term performance.
- Made with premium polymers and UV stabilisers
- Engineered to remain strong, protective, and visually appealing for years
- 15 year warranty - ask about exclusions
How easy is installation?
Kermit has been designed with DIY installation as the main focus, along with quality and great pricing, so we've made everything as easy to install as possible:
- All aluminium parts are precision-cut to length, with holes pre-drilled before powder coating.
- We've also minimised the number of parts and included all the structural fasteners you’ll need.
- The only things we don’t supply are fasteners for the ground or adjoining structures, and brackets for house connections—but even then, we provide guidance and recommend fasteners and brackets you can easily find at Bunnings or Mitre10.
Full instructions, including video guides, will be available in May
If you are a confident DIY or have some building neighbours mates then you are good to go
Is Kermit waterproof?
Shade
Kermit shelters fitted with shade cloth are designed to provide attractive, tensioned shade with excellent ventilation, but they are not waterproof.
However Kermit shelters are somewhat showerproof, but after a while water will pass though - the magic of this is no fall or water management is needed - saving you money - and bother for installation!
(In 2026 we will introduce a waterproof version! - send us a message if you wish to be notified : info@flexiroof.com )
How do I connect multiple frames?
Kermit shelter frames are rectangular by design, making them easy to connect to each other, to posts, existing timber pergolas, houses, and many other configurations.
This gives you great versatility to create magical social spaces for family and friends—or a quiet, peaceful spot to relax with a good book.
Ask us how it all works—it’s simple, and we know the best ways to make it happen!
Where is Kermit designed and made?
Kermit is proudly designed and made in New Zealand—specifically in New Plymouth.
Our recipe is simple: premium aluminium, high-quality sheet materials, and stainless steel fasteners.
- With components like these, we have no hesitation in offering a 10-year warranty.
Stronger by design:
Thanks to our clever tensioned sheet frame design, all the structural stress is contained within the frame itself—not transferred to your house or giant leaning posts.
- That means a cleaner install, a sleeker look, and a structure that stands strong on its own.
Payment
Do you offer finance?
At this time we do not, however we are looking into this and will have financing in the future
What kind of warranty do you offer?
Our recipe is simple: premium aluminium, high-quality sheet materials, and stainless steel fasteners.
With components like these, we have no hesitation in offering a 10-year warranty.
Delivery & Installation
How long does it take to deliver?
Standard delivery is 4 weeks from payment.
- Please allow an additional week for South Island deliveries.
- Antarctica deliveries may take up to 12 months
What is the cost of delivery?
Free to any Mainfreight depot in NZ
We offer a home delivery option for urban areas only (not available for rural delivery addresses – RD) at an additional cost of $149.
However, if you choose our installation service, this delivery fee is waived.
Notes:
- If your address is classified as rural, your order will be shipped to the nearest Mainfreight depot.
- You will need to collect it from there or make your own arrangements for delivery from the depot to your address.
Important: Mainfreight may charge storage fees if your order is not collected promptly.
How long does it take to install?
A competent DIYer, with a helper, can install a free-standing Kermit Shade or Kermit Shelter in under four hours.
How difficult is installation?
We've designed this shelter with DIY in mind, making it super easy to assemble.
- A free-standing shelter is simpler to install, while attaching it to your house or another structure may require a bit more knowledge.
- You can install Kermit on your own, but we recommend having at least two people for the job to make things easier and safer.
Will you install for me?
If you are in the Waikato or Taranaki ... absolutely we will, and our pricing can be seen as an option if you click Buy Now
For all other areas you can install yourself, o failing that ... can find a local builder or relative, friend, or neighbour, and bribe, pay or beg them (Kermit is worth it)
Do I need a permit?
In New Zealand, a building consent is not required for tensioned structures up to 50 square metres in size, provided they are at least 1 metre away from any legal boundary.
Detail
"A building consent is not required for the following building work: The construction, installation, replacement, alteration, or removal of any shade sail made of fabric or other
similar lightweight material, and any associated structural support, if the shade sail --
(i) does not exceed 50 square metres in size; and
(ii) is not closer than 1 metre to any legal boundary; and
(iii) is on the ground level, or, if on a building, on the ground or first-storey level of the building.
If you are unsure, it's best to check with your local council to ensure your project complies with the Building Code!
How many people are needed to install?
If you're a confident DIYer, you can install Kermit yourself — however, we strongly recommend having at least two people for the installation.
What is included, and what do I need?
Included
- High tensile aluminium frame
- Posts - if ordered
- Stainless steel fasteners
- Shade or PVC sheet (with a beam pre-attached
Needed
- 5mm Allen key for the M8 fasteners
- 13mm spanner, or Crescent spanner
- Electric drill
- A trailer - If you opt for free delivery to Mainfrieght
Not included
- Ground connection fasteners
- Brackets for house conection
Help?
Kermit a DIY kit so you need to be a very competent and confident DIYer, but of course we are very happy to help if you get stuck.
Phone us at 0800 400 000 to chat, or alternatively, fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Can't find what you're looking for?
If you have any questions about a product or need to get in touch with us, simply fill out the form below, and we’ll respond as soon as possible, or if you’d prefer to speak to someone directly, give us a call on 0800 400 000 - we’d love to chat and assist you!