Pergola Roof Cover Materials

Pergola Roof Cover Materials - The term used to refer to the patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise beams, rafters, and posts. They can be attached or detached to a house. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used for supporting vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you've got a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will increase the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can boost the value of a house. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, take note of these factors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two most significant expenses are the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) that's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you engage an architect? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will create it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have guidelines on setback and height restrictions. Zoning laws: Do you require approval from the city or county zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next few months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that represent various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets sure to be awe-inspiring! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. Landscape enhancements can help you create a feeling or personality in your home, and increase your family's warmth. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here are some reasons why: 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 is a great option if you find that your outdoor living space isn't as practical in the summer sun or that you need protection from inclimate conditions. A pergola will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. 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 offer a variety of design options 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. Materials will be your next decision. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if painted or stained. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the sawmill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. A cedar pergola is more expensive than a pressure-treated pergola, but you'll typically get a longer serviceable lifespan from cedar. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass can be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.