What are the disadvantages of a louvered pergola roof?

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.