What Are Your Pergola Roof Design Options?

August 29, 2015 Guest Post

One of the most attractive and cost-effective ways to add a multipurpose living, relaxation and entertaining space to your home is through the construction of a pergola. Whilst it was originally defined as being an open structure with an open roof, the whole concept has evolved to also include semi-enclosed structures and even roofing. If you are thinking about adding one of these structures to your home, you might also be wondering about your pergola roof design options.

 

Shape
There are three main roof shapes that you could choose for your pergola designs. We recommend choosing one that complements that shape of your home’s roofing, as this will add to the aesthetic appeal:

 

• Straight – This is the most basic of the shapes available and involves either a flat or slightly angled roof. Just remember that you need to consider water runoff in your design.
• Curved – This shape involves the roofing arching in the middle, making it higher than the sides. The curve can be as subtle or dramatic as you like and allows for adequate water runoff.
• Gabled – This is the most complex of the shapes available and involves two panels angled upwards, meeting at the top in a point. It offers air movement, better ventilation and water runoff.

 

Style
There are actually a number of different pergola roof design styles to choose from; the options are as endless as your imagination! It is important to carefully consider how you plan to use the space:

 

•Battens – This is one of the more traditional styles and involves either straight or angled battens running from one side of the structure to the other. They remain open to the elements.
• Climbing Vines – This is another of the more traditional styles and actually involves the addition of battens or some other roof. Vines are grown at the posts and encouraged to weave over the top.
• Enclosed – This is currently the most popular style and involves the battens being completely covered over with panels or sheeting. It provides maximum protection from the elements.
• Openable – These days, it is also possible to choose roofs that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. These can be manual (with a handle) or automatic (with a button).

 

Material
There are also a number of different materials that your roof can be manufactured from. We recommend choosing one that complements other materials used throughout your landscape:

 

• Timber – This is the traditional material for pergolas and is still quite popular, as it can be stained or painted. It is quite durable, but must be treated to resist the elements.
• Polycarbonate – This is currently quite a popular material, as it allows maximum sunlight penetration whilst blocking ultraviolet rays. It also helps to insulate the space below.
• Metal – There are a number of metals to choose from (such as stainless steel and aluminium), but they do tend to make the space quite dark and can be quite noisy during inclement weather.

 

As you can see, you have so many pergola roof design options to choose from that it’s hard to go wrong! To help ensure that you have made the right choice for your home and your needs, however, it is important that you ask yourself a number of questions – will you only use the pergola when the weather is nice or do you want to use it in all weather; do you want an outdoor living or entertaining space; and do you want to include a spa?