Enjoy the Outdoors in any Weather with a Pergola with Retractable Roof
The arrival of the sun changes the look of British gardens. You should really take the time to enjoy the sun outside, not from inside, where you have to squint. A pergola with retractable roof could be the perfect addition to your garden.
Can you picture yourself outdoors in the summer, dry even though it’s raining? The following day, sunbathing in the same spot under the sun. Magic? Not quite. That’s just the result of some smart engineering.
People have been using pergolas for a long time. For many years, these supports were just wooden frames to help climbing plants. Having a retractable roof allows this design to fit into the modern era.
Why are they unique?
The slatted roof of a pergola offers some shade when sitting underneath it. Nice, but it lacks many features. If you add a retractable roof, you can now make use of it in any weather.
You can enjoy the sun whenever you like. Ensure your garden party is safe from rain. You can leave your patio furniture outside without worrying.
They can be made in many different ways. You will find some tents with fabric canopies that glide on rails. Some people instal aluminium louvres that can be adjusted to let in more or less sunlight or shut completely when it rains. In some models, you can press a button on your phone to make the roof move, as the controls are motorised.
British weather is a common problem.
We Brits find the weather to be quite a complicated subject. We complain about the rain and then we complain when it’s too hot. For many months, we often neglect our gardens since the conditions aren’t just right.
A pergola with retractable roof is the perfect solution for this problem in Britain.
Drizzling? Close your roof and still enjoy the fresh air.
Scorching? Yes, this situation can arise at times. Allow some light in through the top of the canopy.
Sunny day? Pull your head back and absorb all the sun you can.
Winter? A few systems provide both heating and lighting, so you can use your outdoor area all year long.
Installation considerations
The size of your garden will influence your decisions. A large pergola may not fit well in small yards. Consider the measurements before deciding on a certain style.
You usually do not need planning permission for a pergola, though rules may differ. If your home is in a listed building or conservation area, you should contact the local authority first.
The base of a building should be carefully considered. If your pergola is large or complex, you should use concrete footings instead of ground anchors.
Material choices
Wood gives a classic look, but it must be maintained. Properly caring for cedar and oak results in them ageing gracefully. Using pressure-treated pine is a cheaper choice.
Aluminium frames are considered the modern choice since they are light, rust-free and require little maintenance. They are not as warm as wood, yet they outlast it.
The retractable part can be made from waterproof acrylic fabrics, aluminium or polycarbonate. They all have their own set of benefits.
Fabric systems are cheaper to instal but might not last as long. You can rely on hard-panelled systems for a long time, but they are usually more expensive to instal.
Cost reality
A basic manual system will cost around £3,000 for smaller rooms.
You can expect to pay between £5,000 and £8,000 for a mid-range model with motorisation.
You can expect to pay more than £10,000 for a system with all the latest features (heating, lighting, smartphone control).
There are DIY kits, but to instal retractable systems, you need to be precise. Installing a TV yourself is cheaper, but a professional installation ensures it will work properly.
Besides the simple pergola
Nowadays, systems come with exciting additional features.
Setting up LED lights creates a warm setting for the evening.
They are installed to protect you from wind and to ensure privacy.
Thanks to the heating elements, you can use your home all year long.
When the rain sensor detects water, it automatically closes the roof which is great if you’re away from home.
The way the garden was transformed
There is more to a pergola with retractable roof than just being practical. It gives you new ideas for using your garden.
Enjoying coffee in the morning is now an outdoor activity. People can work from home in the fresh air. Family meals are not limited to the kitchen.
The way individuals see the world can make a difference as well. Rather than just looking at it from indoors, your garden becomes a room you can enjoy being in.
These types of gardens are typically enjoyed more often throughout the seasons. The benefit comes from enjoying a better lifestyle rather than from the rise in your property’s price.
It is true that they need an initial outlay. Yes, there is some disturbance during the installation process. You should enjoy your garden by walking in it, not only by looking at it.
A retractable roof pergola can transform the way you enjoy your outdoor area. It means that the unpredictable weather in Britain is something to be experienced and appreciated.