Solar Pergola Uk

Solar Pergola Uk - What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun and rain and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist 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 the gazebo is freestanding, and is built with a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within the garden. If you've got a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you are spending outdoors having fun with guests or simply relaxing. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could boost the value of a house. Before you begin a pergola project, think about the followingfactors: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include wood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: Your two biggest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as imagination come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or do you want to hire an expert? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who will design it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you require city or county Zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live this process can be lengthy, so stay on top of it if you want the project done within the next few months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications can fall through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that reflect various styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles sure to impress you! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further). Expand Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it's not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclimate weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. Designed and oriented correctly on your lot, a pergola can cast enough light shade to make even a warm afternoon enjoyable or if you still need additional protection, you can install a retractable shade cover for more shade. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. 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 choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain 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: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant benefits. Fiberglass is extremely strong so you can span more distances without the need for posts. In some cases, it can even reach 20 feet. This will give you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.