Pergolas are a beautiful and practical outdoor feature, but if you’re not careful, they can be vulnerable to the elements. To ensure that your pergola lasts and looks its best for years to come, it’s essential to waterproof the canopy roof.
Fortunately, at String Lights Outdoor, we’ve worked with homeowners and business owners to waterproof a diverse range of canopies. We’ve had to get creative, but that experience has taught us a lot about custom waterproofing projects.
In this article, our pergola experts reveal three ideas for waterproofing your pergola roof. Then, we’ll provide a look into one of these ideas in action, so that you can better understand the process.
How to Cover a Pergola: 3 Waterproof Roof Ideas
Covering a pergola is an important step to ensure that it provides the perfect outdoor living space during all kinds of weather. While there are many options available, some of the most effective waterproof solutions include:
- A Retractable Canvas Canopy System
- A Louvered Roof Pergola System
- A Fixed, Waterproof Canopy System with Serge Ferrari Fabrics
Retractable Canvas Canopy System
A retractable canvas canopy system is an excellent choice for those who want complete control over their pergola cover. This type of system allows you to open and close the canopy depending on what type of weather you are dealing with. The canvas material is strong, waterproof, and provides excellent shade and protection from the elements.
A Louvered Roof Pergola System
Another great option to waterproof your pergola is a louvered roof system. This type of covering has adjustable blades that can be angled to keep out the sun or close completely to keep out rain and other elements.
The mechanism used for this allows you to open and close the cover as needed. That way, you get maximum sun and rain protection depending on what kind of weather you are dealing with at any given time.
Using Serge Ferrari Fabrics for Fixed Canopy Systems
A fixed canopy system utilizing Serge Ferrari fabrics is one of the most reliable ways to cover your pergola and keep out moisture. These specialized structures have been designed in such a way that they create an airtight seal that prevents rain from entering your outdoor area. Additionally, these covers are made from solid polyester laminated fabrics, making them incredibly strong and durable.
Case Study: Fixed, Waterproof Canopy with Serge Ferrari Fabrics
For our case study, we will be looking at a fixed waterproof canopy system featuring Serge Ferrari fabrics. This feature was chosen for an ongoing project being carried out for a local restaurant.
As you can imagine, restaurants need protection from inclement weather conditions. At the same time, their spaces must also allow for beautiful views and lots of natural light on sunny days.
Here’s what we did:
- We covered the roof with waterproof fabrics from Serge Ferrari.
- We added silicone, aluminum L-shape, U-shape, and H-shape profiles.
- We assemble the parts between the frames and the vinyl canopy.
- We redesigned the traditional metal frames with aluminum box profiles to enhance the appeal.
- We added a sandwich wall system with composite aluminum and insulated panels to improve insulation during the cold season.
- Due to local regulations, we can’t use glass for the panels, so we used clear, polycarbonate, multiwall sheet panels to brighten the inside.
- We added a motorized, plastic, zip-screen system from Serge Ferrari on the front.
- We redesigned the outdoor sign with LED aluminum box letters to further improve its appearance.
Collaborate with Experts to Maintain Your Pergola System
Once you have chosen a waterproofing system for your pergola, the next step is to work with experts to make sure the system works as expected. Professionals are available to help select, install, and maintain any waterproofing system for your outdoor space.
Some louvered pergola roof systems (such as the Structure brand and Arcadia style) sometimes allow water inside their custom motors, which can be damaged easily. Our professional engineering team is able to repair these motors, and we can separate and organize the electrical lines to the roof panels so that you can manage the power properly.
Additionally, we can install a manual retracting mechanism so that your system is operable, even if the electrical lines or motors are damaged. In fact, this year we helped Pistolero’s Houston restaurant, and now all of the louvered roof systems are working very well.
Waterproof Your Pergola Roof with String Lights Outdoor
To upgrade, waterproof, and maintain your pergola system, reach out to our team today.
