Pergola Sun Shade
Adding a pergola sun shade gives you a comfortable spot to relax in the garden. Choose a fabric canopy that is easy to maintain and provides privacy when you want it.
If you prefer a more natural shade option, try planting vines like grapevine or wisteria. They grow fast and add color to the space.
Retractable Canopies
A retractable canopy adds an extra level of protection to your pergola, keeping you and pergola sun shade your guests comfortable in nearly all weather conditions. This unique shading system comes in a variety of fabric choices, and it can be motorized or manually operated for easy adjustment of preferred sun shade levels. It’s also possible to add a louver roof, which is made from aluminum slats (also known as blades or louvers) that are individually adjustable for rain and snow protection. Louver roofs are often preferred for commercial purposes, such as outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs, taverns and more.
If you’d prefer a cleaner look, install the wooden support bars above the canopy fabric rather than below it. To do so, drive 2 1/2-inch screws horizontally through the ends of the support beam at one end of your pergola. At the other end, anchor a deck cleat to each of two pieces of nylon rope that are the length of your pergola plus 4 feet. Then tie the free ends of the ropes to the anchored screw eye.
You’ll want to assemble this section on a day that is not too hot or windy, as you will need to work upwards into the sunlight for a large portion of the construction process. If you have a helper, this will make the process go much more quickly and efficiently.
Shade Cloth
Aside from durability and water resistance, the aesthetics of shade cloth also play an important role. Soft neutrals blend with the environment while brighter colors amplify the ambiance, bringing energy and liveliness to your backyard. Patterns, too, introduce a new element to the aesthetic. The type of finish, whether matte or glossy, determines how light interacts with the fabric and creates nuances in appearance throughout the day. Moisture-resistant fabrics fend off the growth of mold and mildew, increasing lifespan and usability.
The material from which shade cloth is made also dictates how resilient it is. Polyester fabric, for instance, reflects most of the sun’s UV rays and helps to keep outdoor temperatures cool. This fabric also resists stains and is able to withstand wind and light rain. Another sturdy option is polyethylene, which combines resilience with affordability.
Aside from a basic pergola with standard-sized shade cloth, you can also choose to upgrade your outdoor area with an adjustable louvered pergola. This stylish alternative offers dynamic shading, allowing you to control how much sunlight reaches your backyard or garden. You can even choose the position of your movable louvers depending on the weather. Moreover, this design is relatively affordable and can be easily assembled without the need for any complicated equipment or skills. This means you can enjoy the comfort and protection of a louvered pergola for years to come.
Lattice
For homeowners who love the look of a pergola but want a little extra sun protection, a lattice roof is a great choice. Lattice roofs are a unique design that Aluminum Pergola Manufacturer creates a fenced-in look with rafters and beams. They are often used to support climbing plants and vines. Because of their structure, they offer plenty of shade while still allowing sunlight to filter through.
A typical pergola can only offer a maximum of 20% to 30% sun shade coverage, depending on the style. Adding a lattice roof to your existing pergola can give you up to 75%-90% shade. This is the type of shade that can truly make a difference on hot summer days when you’re spending time outdoors.
Pergolas can be covered with a variety of different materials, including shade cloth and fabric. While these options can offer some shade, they can easily tear and wear with the elements, making them less than ideal for a permanent solution. A lattice roof, on the other hand, is a permanent solution that will not tear or wear and will keep your backyard cool and comfortable.
Aside from offering shade, a lattice roof is also a good option because it will promote air circulation. This will help to keep the area cooler and prevent stagnant air, which is especially helpful during Southern California’s summertime heat.
Solar Screens
Solar screens are a great option for pergolas that don’t have built-in privacy walls. They reduce sun glare and heat, regulate temperature, and protect furniture and flooring from fading.
They’re also easily customizable with a wide variety of color options and weave openness percentages, which determine the amount of sunlight that passes through and visibility. Choose a darker shade to block more sunlight, or opt for a lighter variation to increase light flow and visibility.
Our motorized solar shade screen systems are the perfect solution to create a climate controlled outdoor space for your family or business. They are operated with a premium Somfy(r) motor and can be customized with extruded and polished clear vinyl windows to create a fully enclosed outdoor addition. Whether you’re looking for an upgrade to your existing patio or adding privacy and protection to new construction, we’ll work with you to find the best solution.
Our Tension Zip Shade System is the perfect addition to any pergola, porch or skylight. Its sleek design and seamless integration allows it to reduce sun glare and heat, cool your home, and protect furnishings from fading. These screens are customizable in sizes up to 16 feet in width and stand up to the toughest wind conditions, providing you with year-round sun protection.