Opening Roof Systems
Expert tips from Opening Roof Specialists
If you're in the market looking for patio roof options, an opening roof might be perfect for your home. However, before you jump in, you'll want to make sure you're getting the most out of your investment. There are several elements to consider when shopping for outdoor opening roof systems. As an Opening roof specialist, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about making the right choices to achieve your goal, along with providing advice for taking care of your new opening roof. Read on below for tips on how to get the most out of your opening roofs.
Colours
The colour of your opening roofs is crucial and there are 3 key things to consider for this:
How you want the new structure to blend with your home
Consistency
Street angle
Opening roof colours are usually matched to a current colour from your home, for example window and door frames, downpipes, wall colour or the colour of your eaves. If there isn’t a consistent colour, white is a great versatile option that blends in with most homes. It’s important to blend the opening roof structure with your home’s facade to ensure it doesn’t look disconnected. You want the new structure to appear as a natural extension of your home especially when looking back on your house from the street or garden. One way to ensure consistency is by keeping the premier framework or structure the same colour as the walls.
It’s best to keep the underside of your patio a colour from the inside the home or the eaves, this will help blend the indoor and outdoor features. And nothing says WOW like a woodgrain timber finish to soften the feel of the outdoor area.
Motorised Roof
The motor of an opening roof system is one of the most important elements that sets the product apart from its competitors. Ensuring you pick a product with a quality motor will reduce issues in the long run. A few key questions to ask:
Does the motor comply with Australian standards?
What is the maximum area, 1 motor can drive?
What is the Warranty on the motor?
Powder Coating
Powder coating is typically applied to opening louvres. It’s an application whereby the paint is actually a powder and goes on dry. It’s baked inside an oven for durability and alleviates rusting, when applied correctly. The key things to consider with powder coated opening louvres:
Is it being applied by an accredited supplier?
What is the warranty period on the powder coating?
Lighting
Lighting is an important aspect of an alfresco roof extension, especially when you have an opening roof. There are many different ways to light an outdoor area, however there are some key considerations to consider to optimise the lighting in your outdoor space.
How will your seating be arranged?
Where will your BBQ be positioned?
Are there any focal points that you’d like to light up?
Optimising Sunlight
One of the most important things to think about with opening roofs is how to use the sunlight to your advantage. There are some key elements to consider to optimise sunlight in your outdoor space.
Direction of your patio and current sunlight exposure
Design of your construction
Direction of your opening louvres
A good builder will consider of all of these points when planning, designing and building your outdoor space and opening roof.
Is an Opening Roof Waterproof?
Yes.
Opening roofs do offer pergola waterproof cover when they are installed correctly by experienced pergola roofing contractors. Professionally installed opening roofs should ensure:
There is correct rainfall on the louvre or roof sheet
Gutters accurately direct water to the downpipes
A good seal is applied on overlapping louvres, flashings, or roof sheets
Superior sealants have been correctly used to waterproof the roof
Like with any outdoor space, the higher you raise the roof structure from the ground, the exposure can increase the possibility of driving rain or sunlight to penetrate the covered area. For example, if your patio roof is 4m of the ground it will offer limited protection compared to a lower roof.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Opening roofs do require some maintenance to minimize problems and ensure they last for years to come. Some tips to keep your opening louvres in order are:
Keeping gutters free from leaves or build up to avoid overflowing gutters.
Lubricating components if required.
Using the motor at least twice a day.
Surfaces can be cleaned simply with dishwashing detergent and for stubborn stains, methylated spirits can be used and and rinsed with water. Do not use aggressive solvents.
At GMC Home Improvements, we are expert builders of opening roofs with over 20 years of experience in construction. If you have any further questions about Opening Roof Systems, please contact us. We’ll be happy to provide our expert advice and guidance.