There are so many rebranded louvre pergolas in the UK now it is difficult to work out the differences and performance expectations. Like many products now with AI and CGI they tend to all look the same sometimes on a screen.

The best pergola systems using rotating aluminum blades will generally be ones which are used in larger commercial applications, as well as domestic. The best systems are inevitably the more expensive ones and this is simply because the louvre pergola has multiple moving mechanical parts and the pergola framework also needs to be totally stable in all weather conditions in order to work every time.

Cheaper, smaller support legs and roof structures will move around in high winds, or even if a person happens to lean or fall onto a support post. Lower quality aluminium blades on the roof using cheaper mechanisms for the rotation, whether manual or electric, can rattle in the wind and fail if the structure moves around too much.

Put simply, for a reliable and long lasting louvre pergola systems, especially freestanding models, you need the system to be robust and developed for larger sizes and commercial use if possible. Yes, it will cost more, but last you a very long time compared to a cheaper system always battling our ever more aggressive climate and high wind speeds.

Some higher end manufacturers for louvre pergolas which can be used in commercial and domestic applications include:

• KE – The Kedry range offers 5 models to cover various sizes and specifications, with all systems made to order for the perfect final results.
• Weinor Artares – German manufactured louvre pergola with excellent options for add on and enclosure, with their own highly developed glass doors, vertical electric blinds and LED lighting.
• Morvelle – UK manufactured louvre pergola offering beautiful colour finishes which have been developed specifically for the UK market and property. Bespoke shapes and sizes offered

A common disadvantage reported, which is possibly obvious, but not to everyone, is that a bladed aluminium louvre roof protects from the rainfall only when the blades are totally closed up. With the blades closed you will block out most natural light and it can be very dark underneath such a system, even in the daytime. A better alternative is a glass veranda roof, which not only protects with 100% waterproof guarantee, you also get all the natural light all the time. Fitted with a retractable fabric blind and you have sun and rain control sorted.

Many cheaper louvre roof bladed roof pergolas will only rotate less or to 90 degrees, where more expensive and generally electric operated systems can rotate up to 140 degrees to give fresh air flow in 2 directions and also more sunlight control. Most louvre pergolas have fixed position blades, so you can only ever get partial light ingress, but there are retractable systems available where the roof rotates the blades to a vertical position and then the blades slide along to provide up to 80% complete open air space.

You may always feel a little oppressed under a bladed pergola roof if there isn’t full sunlight. The louvre blade system originated in far sunnier climates compared to the UK, where we actually want to get more sunlight generally when it appears and not less…

A proper specified and usually electric operated, louvre pergola, with the ability to add sliding glass doors or other systems to the side can create a great outdoor space, but we would always recommend you have good LED lighting built in and they are actually often better for evening use generally, although never insulated in any way… A louvre pergola roof system which is bespoke, retractable and manufactured for both commercial and domestic applications will be your best option if this is the product for you and your home or business. Expect to pay £10-15,000 plus for anything decent which will last in all weathers.

A ‘bioclimatic pergola’ is a term used to describe an electric operated, aluminium profile pergola system using tilting aluminium roof slats or blades, also referred to as ‘louvre blades’. This type of pergola roof creates and assists with air flow using the direction and variable angle of the roof blades, helping control the overall climate underneath the pergola structure. (more…)