Window Pergola Plans

Window Pergola Plans - What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun as well as wind, rain and sun as well as extending the living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or removed from a home. While opinions vary on the distinction between a pergola and a gazebo, usually the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is an structure that is used to support vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can prolong the time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply enjoying a relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this could increase a home's value. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two largest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And who will develop it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office should provide guidelines for setbacks and height limitations. Zone laws: Are need to obtain city or county zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live, this process can be lengthy and you must be on top of it if you want the project done within the next few months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets sure to be awe-inspiring! Homeowners who are enjoying relaxing and entertaining in their gardens have a tendency to be open-minded about what they can do next. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here's why: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. A pergola might be the right choice for you if your outdoor space is not as useful in summer heat or you want to protect it from inclimate weather. A pergola expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. When placed properly on your lot, a pergola will cast enough shade to make even a hot afternoon more enjoyable. You can also add a retractable shade cover to provide additional shade. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas Offer a Wide Range of Design Options When adding a pergola into your landscape, the first thing that you should decide on is "custom" or "kit". A local landscape pro can help you design the pergola from scratch. Materials will be your next major decision. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable 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 is popular 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 will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.