You know the benefits of a louvred roof. What are the drawbacks?
Our posts so far have talked about the many benefits of louvred pergolas. To recap quickly:
They let you enjoy your outdoor space with more flexibility, no matter the weather.
You can easily control temperature and airflow.
The materials are top quality and highly durable.
The sleek design will add thousands of dollars in value to your property.
But you might be wondering what’s on the flipside: after all, pros and cons usually go hand in hand. Surely there must be some drawbacks to installing a louvre system.
Let’s take a look at some issues you need to consider.
An opening roof will cost you more
This is a really crucial point given the rising cost of living. We can’t deny that a louvred pergola roof will typically cost you more than a more traditional structure. You’re paying a premium for advanced features, like motorised movement controlled by your smart phone, and the convenience these features bring.
The good news is that your initial investment will repay itself if you decide to sell your property. And in the meantime, it will provide you with a fantastic, liveable outdoor space.
You need to complete some basic maintenance
Although our pergola roofs are pretty easy to maintain, it’s important you keep the moving parts free from debris, such as twigs, and regularly clean leaf litter out of the gutters. We also suggest you run the motor a couple of times a day, so it stays in tip-top shape.
We’ll let you know which components to lubricate, but you won’t need to do this more than once or twice a year. The frequency will depend on your location, particularly how salty the air is.
Otherwise, maintenance can be as simple as wiping down the main surfaces with some soapy water.
Without maintenance, leaks might happen
We’ve stressed the importance of maintenance because it can affect how waterproof the pergola is. If a stick gets stuck between the louvres, the roof won’t close properly and water could sneak into your space. If you let too many leaves collect in the gutters, they’re likely to overflow.
The other risk for leaks is a power cut in stormy weather. If your home loses power, you won’t be able to run the motor and close the louvres. So you’ll need to think ahead if the forecast is for storms.
In normal wet conditions, though, you can be confident that your closed louvred roof will be leak-free.
A nearby power supply is essential
If your pergola roof system uses a motor, it will need to connect to a power source. It wouldn’t be safe to run cables throughout your home or garden, so the power source has to be near to your outdoor space.
The GMC Home Improvements team is here to address all your concerns and ensure that your louvred pergola fits your lifestyle and budget perfectly. Feel free to ask us anything!