How to waterproof a pergola for the winter?
We show you the most modern, useful and easy to apply systems to waterproof your pergola and create an outdoor environment all year round.
Among the different solutions available on the market to cover or protect an outdoor space, pergolas are usually among the first choices in terms of comfort, versatility, design and savings.
In recent years we have seen how companies dedicated to the manufacture of sun protection systems have created more complete and functional elements, adapting to our needs and making it relatively easy to find the pergola of our dreams.
These outdoor complements have the particularity of being compatible with some formats of waterproof enclosures; that is to say, systems that allow you to completely close the pergola to avoid any filtration of rain or snow, and to be able to use that space 365 days a year.
Pergolas are highly versatile structures that respond to both aesthetic and functional needs and represent a great resource for those seeking to transform an outdoor space into something unique and with personality.
That is why, like other solutions such as awnings or canopies, the installation of a year-round pergola is an important element in the landscape of the home, and can determine the way in which we take advantage of our terraces or gardens later.
Let's discover now what are the options for waterproofing a pergola, without losing the lightness, versatility and aesthetics that they offer.
But first, let's remember what types of pergolas are available and which ones can be easily waterproofed.
What types of pergolas are available on the market?
Wooden pergola: a romantic choice
It is the ideal material when looking to adopt a classic and traditional style.
To complement it, you can place pots with climbing plants that will decorate the whole set in an exciting way and will make it unique from all points of view, also giving privacy to the interior.
Although a wooden pergola can be perfectly combined with curtains anchored to the structure, so that the outdoor space can also be used at other times of the year, it is a complicated structure to waterproof, so you can not use it in low temperatures or rainfall. You will also have to take good care of the furniture under the pergola because it could be easily damaged.
Wrought iron pergola
The wrought iron pergola is a good solution when you want to give an elegant and refined look to your outdoor space.
As in the previous type of system, wrought iron can be easily combined with fabric curtains, which will be used for the roof and for the side parts as a cover, and which will be closed and opened as needed.
However, it will have the same drawbacks as wood, as you will not be able to prevent water seepage with the curtains. In addition, wood must be treated periodically so that it does not deteriorate due to humidity from the elements.
Aluminum pergola: lightness and modernity
For a low-maintenance and aesthetically light pergola, it is best to opt for an aluminum pergola.
This material withstands external conditions very well, tolerating all types of weather such as wind, rain, snow and sun.
As they are lightweight materials, they are also particularly modern structures from an aesthetic point of view.
Pergolas made of this material, in fact, always have different shapes, ranging from soft and sinuous lines to create a romantic and more traditional ensemble to geometric lines for an innovative and avant-garde architectural style.
For waterproofing aluminum pergolas, in particular bioclimatic and tensioned pergolas, there are two main types of coatings.There are mainly two types of coatings available.
The fabric enclosure, which has become fashionable in recent years for its practicality. And glass cladding, which will fulfill the dual function of letting in light and, at the same time, protecting from the elements.
How to waterproof an aluminum pergola?
Advantages of waterproofing your pergola with glass curtains
Glazing is one of the best practices for enclosing the perimeter of a pergola, an excellent combination of aesthetics and performance. The result is a thermally insulated environment without sacrificing the style and function of the pergola.
The openings can be placed on the sides or in the center, adapting to the layout of the space and the location of the pergola. This provides good stability and a thermoregulating effect. Another great advantage is that you do not have to give up the view from your terrace or garden.
Regarding aesthetics and privacy, glazing types can be opaque or transparent. The movement on rails is practical and allows opening and closing the glass without obstacles or blockages.
The side and top rails prevent the annoying tripping effect. It is a simple but refined solution for waterproofing a pergola. The glass, which is usually laminated, is solid, resistant and non-slip.
Relying on an expert will give you the advantage of optimizing the space you have available and customizing your bioclimatic or tensioned pergola with all the accessories that will give you the enjoyment you are looking for.
This type of awning allows you to close a space vertically, and is fully integrated with an aluminum pergola to waterproof its interior.
Thanks to the zipper's side guides, the fabric is protected and perfectly tensioned, guaranteeing great protection against sunlight and inclement weather.
Zippered side awnings retain the fabric at the top to let in light and air, and slide down for complete closure.
The type of fabric can vary according to your needs: from a blackout system to a fabric that lets in much more light.
Its ZIP system offers maximum stability to close any type of gap and obtain excellent protection against wind and rain.
This system is usually motorized for ease of use, manufactured with powder coated aluminum structure for better adaptation to the outdoors.
Relying on an expert will give you the advantage of optimizing the space you have available and customizing your bioclimatic or tensioned pergola with all the accessories that will give you the enjoyment you are looking for.