Aluminum Pergola With Adjustable Louvers.
Aluminum Pergola With Adjustable Louvers - What was once known as the patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts. They can be attached or detached from a home. Although opinions differ on the distinction between a pergola and the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is an structure that is used for supporting vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can prolong the time you spend outdoors hosting guests or just taking a break. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into an pergola project, take note of these factors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two most significant expenses will be labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and that's most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also who will design it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height restrictions. Zone laws: Are need to obtain city, county, or regional Zoning laws and approvals? It depends on where you live this process can take a long time and you must be on top of it if you wish to get your project completed within the next couple of months or even the entire year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets sure to inspire you! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. Backyard enthusiasts crave continued improvements, as each adds beauty, visual appeal, and an opportunity for enjoyment. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here's how: Pergolas (further). Extend Your Living Space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. A pergola may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. A pergola extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. Properly positioned on your lot, the pergola will offer enough shade to keep even hot summer afternoons enjoyable. Retractable shade covers can be added for additional protection. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways When you decide to add a pergola to your landscape the first thing you'll need to decide is, "custom or kit?" A local landscape professional can help you design a pergola from scratch and can custom build it right in your backyard or you can purchase a kit from one of the many well-known manufacturers in the U.S. You won't have the same design flexibility--you're typically limited to rectangles and fixed dimensions--but all the parts will be delivered to your home for your landscape professional to assemble and install. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas are typically the most expensive option, but they offer significant benefits. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.