Adding a roof to a pergola
Discussion
Last year, him indoors and I bought this pergola for the back garden:
I think we underestimated how much we'd use the space and have been out there most of last summer and into the colder months. The issue is the roof is a fabric/canvas pull along roof which if left open fills with water, so leaving furniture cushions out is a no no and I feel like I'm forever emptying the roof of water.
I'm trying to think of a way to attach a polycarbonate type clear roof to the top, leaving the underneath fabric still movable.
The top rails of the pergola are metal and above the mechanisms for the blinds and it has a metal brace piece down the middle, so my thinking is could I somehow fix plastic sheeting to the rails, but then how do I get the rise so it drains and how do I attach it to the metal?
This is it on the website which shows the top better:
https://www.blumfeldt.co.uk/Pantheon-Cortina-Gazeb...
Anyone have any genius suggestions?
Answers on a postcard please
I think we underestimated how much we'd use the space and have been out there most of last summer and into the colder months. The issue is the roof is a fabric/canvas pull along roof which if left open fills with water, so leaving furniture cushions out is a no no and I feel like I'm forever emptying the roof of water.
I'm trying to think of a way to attach a polycarbonate type clear roof to the top, leaving the underneath fabric still movable.
The top rails of the pergola are metal and above the mechanisms for the blinds and it has a metal brace piece down the middle, so my thinking is could I somehow fix plastic sheeting to the rails, but then how do I get the rise so it drains and how do I attach it to the metal?
This is it on the website which shows the top better:
https://www.blumfeldt.co.uk/Pantheon-Cortina-Gazeb...
Anyone have any genius suggestions?
Answers on a postcard please
A local blacksmith / metal fabricator could probably make some right angled triangle pieces that could be attached to the house on ghe side with the security light and the pergola at the other. You could then get away with easy to fit rectangular sheets. Water run off cauggt in a drain pipe and fed into your downpipe or a water butt.
P.s move the wiring from the security light to below the pergola. It will be nicer.
P.s move the wiring from the security light to below the pergola. It will be nicer.
Edited by sherman on Saturday 6th July 22:14
sherman said:
A local blacksmith / metal fabricator could probably make some right angled triangle pieces that could be attached to the house on ghe side with the security light and the pergola at the other. You could then get away with easy to fit rectangular sheets. Water run off cauggt in a drain pipe and fed into your downpipe or a water butt.
P.s move the wiring from the security light to below the pergola. It will be nicer.
Security light packed in not long after pergola went in and ring camera that’s also there needs shifting so it’s been on the to do list for a bit. Problem I have is dragging him out of the garage when the weather is nice P.s move the wiring from the security light to below the pergola. It will be nicer.
Edited by sherman on Saturday 6th July 22:14
Bloody good ideal that! It’s a reasonably sheltered space as well so doesn’t need to be fixed to within an inch of its life.
Definitely worth trying to make it work - we have a large covered porch area and use it all year round despite being halfway up a North facing hillside in darkest Aberdeenshire.
How substantial is the framing of the pergola? Don't underestimate the weight of wet snow and the stresses created by wind. Guess it depends on where you are in the country but still worth thinking about.
How substantial is the framing of the pergola? Don't underestimate the weight of wet snow and the stresses created by wind. Guess it depends on where you are in the country but still worth thinking about.
Edited by Snow and Rocks on Sunday 7th July 00:16
SistersofPercy said:
Last year, him indoors and I bought this pergola for the back garden:
I think we underestimated how much we'd use the space and have been out there most of last summer and into the colder months. The issue is the roof is a fabric/canvas pull along roof which if left open fills with water, so leaving furniture cushions out is a no no and I feel like I'm forever emptying the roof of water.
I'm trying to think of a way to attach a polycarbonate type clear roof to the top, leaving the underneath fabric still movable.
The top rails of the pergola are metal and above the mechanisms for the blinds and it has a metal brace piece down the middle, so my thinking is could I somehow fix plastic sheeting to the rails, but then how do I get the rise so it drains and how do I attach it to the metal?
This is it on the website which shows the top better:
https://www.blumfeldt.co.uk/Pantheon-Cortina-Gazeb...
Anyone have any genius suggestions?
Answers on a postcard please
What's the distance from the wall of the house to the front of the pergola / edge of the deck in the photo? Looks like around 8-10ft?I think we underestimated how much we'd use the space and have been out there most of last summer and into the colder months. The issue is the roof is a fabric/canvas pull along roof which if left open fills with water, so leaving furniture cushions out is a no no and I feel like I'm forever emptying the roof of water.
I'm trying to think of a way to attach a polycarbonate type clear roof to the top, leaving the underneath fabric still movable.
The top rails of the pergola are metal and above the mechanisms for the blinds and it has a metal brace piece down the middle, so my thinking is could I somehow fix plastic sheeting to the rails, but then how do I get the rise so it drains and how do I attach it to the metal?
This is it on the website which shows the top better:
https://www.blumfeldt.co.uk/Pantheon-Cortina-Gazeb...
Anyone have any genius suggestions?
Answers on a postcard please
If so, any covering (or rather the structure/fixings) will have to cope with a significant amount of load in the event of a storm / high wind otherwise it will end up a few gardens down.
Not really what you've asked for but this appeared on a similar thread; aluminium roof pergolas
Understand it might have cost a few quid to install the pergola last year, but if you now find you use the area a lot the obvious & best solution would be to get rid of the pergola and replace it with an electric retractable awning:
https://www.awningsonline.co.uk/category/retractab...
Not massive money and if you are wedded to the pergola, the awning could be installed at a height that would oversail the front edge when extended.
An awning would be far more versatile and no worries about wind/snow loading or rainwater run-off as it just gets retracted when not in use.
A lot more aesthetic than polycarbonate panels too if that is a factor.
https://www.awningsonline.co.uk/category/retractab...
Not massive money and if you are wedded to the pergola, the awning could be installed at a height that would oversail the front edge when extended.
An awning would be far more versatile and no worries about wind/snow loading or rainwater run-off as it just gets retracted when not in use.
A lot more aesthetic than polycarbonate panels too if that is a factor.
An electric awning could work but you would lose one of the main benefits of a permanent covered porch - the ability to leave stuff out there all year round and for it to stay dry.
Furniture, decking and even soft furnishings can be left out which really makes it feel like a proper outdoor room that can be enjoyed without any set up. Even an unplanned 10 minute cup of tea sitting in a decent chair while you listen to the rain makes it all worthwhile.
Furniture, decking and even soft furnishings can be left out which really makes it feel like a proper outdoor room that can be enjoyed without any set up. Even an unplanned 10 minute cup of tea sitting in a decent chair while you listen to the rain makes it all worthwhile.
Snow and Rocks said:
An electric awning could work but you would lose one of the main benefits of a permanent covered porch - the ability to leave stuff out there all year round and for it to stay dry.
Furniture, decking and even soft furnishings can be left out which really makes it feel like a proper outdoor room that can be enjoyed without any set up. Even an unplanned 10 minute cup of tea sitting in a decent chair while you listen to the rain makes it all worthwhile.
True, really depends on how SoP wants to use the space.Furniture, decking and even soft furnishings can be left out which really makes it feel like a proper outdoor room that can be enjoyed without any set up. Even an unplanned 10 minute cup of tea sitting in a decent chair while you listen to the rain makes it all worthwhile.
Just noticed the pergola appears to be steel frame rather than timber as I first assumed, in which case it could be more suited to a fixed or retractable aluminium cover at a horizontal / low pitch.
Only issue with a fixed cover is if the pergola frame is anchored to deck surface timber rather than to a structure under (as an open frame never intended to resist forces), then wind-loading will be a problem.
hidetheelephants said:
Not really what you've asked for but this appeared on a similar thread; aluminium roof pergolas
That's exactly what I have on order (4m x 3m) after weeks of research online. We got let down big time on the delivery date but we've stuck with them and they've told us we are first on the list for first week of August - they've assured us there are improvements to the system overall and also upgraded the 'free' heater to a 3kw version and also gave us extra lighting for the front two uprights. Do you have a link to the other thread you mentioned please?
A lean-to shack on the back of your lounge?
It will make the room quite dark.
We have a covered outdoor area, it's good to have, but not slapped against the lounge window in winter.
Also do not underestimate the power of the wind, or how far rain will penetrate a structure with one or more open sides.
It will make the room quite dark.
We have a covered outdoor area, it's good to have, but not slapped against the lounge window in winter.
Also do not underestimate the power of the wind, or how far rain will penetrate a structure with one or more open sides.
OutInTheShed said:
A lean-to shack on the back of your lounge?
It will make the room quite dark.
We have a covered outdoor area, it's good to have, but not slapped against the lounge window in winter.
Also do not underestimate the power of the wind, or how far rain will penetrate a structure with one or more open sides.
OP already has the structure so knows about any light issues. Their plan is to cover with a clear cover so no light issue.It will make the room quite dark.
We have a covered outdoor area, it's good to have, but not slapped against the lounge window in winter.
Also do not underestimate the power of the wind, or how far rain will penetrate a structure with one or more open sides.
However you're spot on about wind issues here. The existing pergola seems to be attached to wooden decking and unless there's concrete pads underneath and bolted to that I suspect it could be a major problem.
The one I've ordered, that looks substantially stronger, only guarantees against 100km/h winds if fixed correctly.
Baldchap said:
Get a decent quality one and they can be left out 24/7.
Really? Asking with genuine interest as I suspect even the best extending awning is going to be a liability in a storm. There's a lot of leverage going on there so I assume they must have extending legs to fix the front to the ground? Much to think about here, thank you all.
To answer some questions the pergola itself is 3m x 4m and metal framed. It is a reasonably weighty structure that doesn't move in winds and is in a spot that is quite well sheltered between the house and some pretty tall trees so doesn't get a battering. The deck it sits on is PVC and is about half a meter larger than the footprint of the pergola.
We're in Staffs so don't really get biblical amounts of snow, but thats not to say we've not had a good covering in the past. Again though, the spot that the decking is in is pretty sheltered so when we have had snow it's rarely been outside the back door (much to the annoyance of our late dog who loved nothing more than launching himself into a snow pile). There is a large window above the pergola so in theory snow could be brushed off the roof in a heavy storm that way, but agreed, still a risk.
Light isn't an issue, the fabric roof is already pulled over as much as possible and the room has a huge bay at the front, can't say we've noticed any change in light levels there, but as I said above we are surrounded by tall trees on that side anyway.
Retractable awning is a good idea, but ideally I want a permanent roof. @snowandrocks sums up exactly what I'm after, a space I can leave out cushions and have a cuppa in any weather watching the rain.
I must admit my first thought was this is going to be simpler to start again, especially with the roofing materials cost, but I think for him indoors it's a bit of a sunken costs fallacy that he needs to work through in his head to reach the same conclusion I did. I did wonder if a fixed awning above would be the best solution, something independent to the pergola. Time to sit and talk through with him I think.
To answer some questions the pergola itself is 3m x 4m and metal framed. It is a reasonably weighty structure that doesn't move in winds and is in a spot that is quite well sheltered between the house and some pretty tall trees so doesn't get a battering. The deck it sits on is PVC and is about half a meter larger than the footprint of the pergola.
We're in Staffs so don't really get biblical amounts of snow, but thats not to say we've not had a good covering in the past. Again though, the spot that the decking is in is pretty sheltered so when we have had snow it's rarely been outside the back door (much to the annoyance of our late dog who loved nothing more than launching himself into a snow pile). There is a large window above the pergola so in theory snow could be brushed off the roof in a heavy storm that way, but agreed, still a risk.
Light isn't an issue, the fabric roof is already pulled over as much as possible and the room has a huge bay at the front, can't say we've noticed any change in light levels there, but as I said above we are surrounded by tall trees on that side anyway.
Retractable awning is a good idea, but ideally I want a permanent roof. @snowandrocks sums up exactly what I'm after, a space I can leave out cushions and have a cuppa in any weather watching the rain.
I must admit my first thought was this is going to be simpler to start again, especially with the roofing materials cost, but I think for him indoors it's a bit of a sunken costs fallacy that he needs to work through in his head to reach the same conclusion I did. I did wonder if a fixed awning above would be the best solution, something independent to the pergola. Time to sit and talk through with him I think.
dickymint said:
That's exactly what I have on order (4m x 3m) after weeks of research online. We got let down big time on the delivery date but we've stuck with them and they've told us we are first on the list for first week of August - they've assured us there are improvements to the system overall and also upgraded the 'free' heater to a 3kw version and also gave us extra lighting for the front two uprights.
Do you have a link to the other thread you mentioned please?
Retractable patio shade that's not an awningDo you have a link to the other thread you mentioned please?
SistersofPercy said:
Much to think about here, thank you all.
To answer some questions the pergola itself is 3m x 4m and metal framed. It is a reasonably weighty structure that doesn't move in winds and is in a spot that is quite well sheltered between the house and some pretty tall trees so doesn't get a battering. The deck it sits on is PVC and is about half a meter larger than the footprint of the pergola.
We're in Staffs so don't really get biblical amounts of snow, but thats not to say we've not had a good covering in the past. Again though, the spot that the decking is in is pretty sheltered so when we have had snow it's rarely been outside the back door (much to the annoyance of our late dog who loved nothing more than launching himself into a snow pile). There is a large window above the pergola so in theory snow could be brushed off the roof in a heavy storm that way, but agreed, still a risk.
Light isn't an issue, the fabric roof is already pulled over as much as possible and the room has a huge bay at the front, can't say we've noticed any change in light levels there, but as I said above we are surrounded by tall trees on that side anyway.
Retractable awning is a good idea, but ideally I want a permanent roof. @snowandrocks sums up exactly what I'm after, a space I can leave out cushions and have a cuppa in any weather watching the rain.
I must admit my first thought was this is going to be simpler to start again, especially with the roofing materials cost, but I think for him indoors it's a bit of a sunken costs fallacy that he needs to work through in his head to reach the same conclusion I did. I did wonder if a fixed awning above would be the best solution, something independent to the pergola. Time to sit and talk through with him I think.
You may have done the sums already but here's a quick reality check using Wickes product in 3,4 and 5mm thickness to cover 3m x 5m area.........To answer some questions the pergola itself is 3m x 4m and metal framed. It is a reasonably weighty structure that doesn't move in winds and is in a spot that is quite well sheltered between the house and some pretty tall trees so doesn't get a battering. The deck it sits on is PVC and is about half a meter larger than the footprint of the pergola.
We're in Staffs so don't really get biblical amounts of snow, but thats not to say we've not had a good covering in the past. Again though, the spot that the decking is in is pretty sheltered so when we have had snow it's rarely been outside the back door (much to the annoyance of our late dog who loved nothing more than launching himself into a snow pile). There is a large window above the pergola so in theory snow could be brushed off the roof in a heavy storm that way, but agreed, still a risk.
Light isn't an issue, the fabric roof is already pulled over as much as possible and the room has a huge bay at the front, can't say we've noticed any change in light levels there, but as I said above we are surrounded by tall trees on that side anyway.
Retractable awning is a good idea, but ideally I want a permanent roof. @snowandrocks sums up exactly what I'm after, a space I can leave out cushions and have a cuppa in any weather watching the rain.
I must admit my first thought was this is going to be simpler to start again, especially with the roofing materials cost, but I think for him indoors it's a bit of a sunken costs fallacy that he needs to work through in his head to reach the same conclusion I did. I did wonder if a fixed awning above would be the best solution, something independent to the pergola. Time to sit and talk through with him I think.
Obviously if you're looking at metal fabrication as well then the mind boggles.
Cut your losses, sell what you got [or use somewhere else in the garden) and look at Hygee or similar. Everything included, wind proof blinds, IR heater and some lovely lighting
I’ve gone through all the points with him and I think we’re on the same page, and @dickymint has just brought the reality right home with those costings.
I think we are going to look for a solid wooden pergola with a clear roof, though I do plan on looking at all your other suggestions over a coffee after lunch and see if anything works better for us.
We should be able to deconstruct and sell, roof blind needs a wash but hopefully will come up well. Suspect selling it will become ‘giving it’ to my daughter though
I think we are going to look for a solid wooden pergola with a clear roof, though I do plan on looking at all your other suggestions over a coffee after lunch and see if anything works better for us.
We should be able to deconstruct and sell, roof blind needs a wash but hopefully will come up well. Suspect selling it will become ‘giving it’ to my daughter though
Presumably, you're not out there when it's actually raining, so the main function of the poly roof is to keep the rain of the fabric roof when extended. If so...
what about having just enough poly for the retracted fabric to sit under and, thus, stay dry?
Would avoid the wind/snow load issue and the fabric filling with water issue, but it would require the fabric to be retracted into its "garage" between uses.
what about having just enough poly for the retracted fabric to sit under and, thus, stay dry?
Would avoid the wind/snow load issue and the fabric filling with water issue, but it would require the fabric to be retracted into its "garage" between uses.
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