Are pergola roofs / canopies waterproof?

Do you want a one-word answer? Yes.

But… there’s always a but isn’t there – they aren’t “water tight”. Now generally that doesn’t matter in the way that 99% of customers tend to use them.

Let’s break it down.

Are Aluminium Louvered Roof Pergolas Are Waterproof?

The pièce de résistance of our aluminium pergolas? Well, that's the louvered roof, which is basically French for "dream outdoor living" (loose translation, of course).

All our Aluminium Pergolas come with a bioclimatic aluminium louvered roof. Wondering what "bioclimatic" means? Good question!

It means your that your pergola is an area where you control the weather. It's all about creating the perfect hangout spot, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you!

Imagine this: you're all set for a BBQ extravaganza, and suddenly, a few raindrops start to fall. Time to pack everything up and sadly retreat indoors for dinner, right? Wrong! It's just time to close that louvered roof. In a matter of seconds, your pergola becomes waterproof, catching the rain and whisking it away through the base of the legs. That previously day ruining rain stays out of your entertaining space, you and your guests stay dry, and you can savor that delicious meal you worked so hard on, stress-free!

Even better, when the weather changes its mind once again, and the sun comes out, you can adjust those louvres and let the sun flood in again.

So yes, your aluminium louvered pergola will keep you dry whenever the British weather does it’s thing. So go ahead and enjoy your garden whatever the weather, without worrying about getting drenched - an aluminium louvered roof pergola has got you covered!

Waterproof, not watertight

When it comes to the waterproofness of pergola roofs and canopies, it's important to understand that they are designed to be waterproof, but not necessarily watertight. What does that mean? Well, let me explain.

While Aluminium Pergolas with roofs are built to protect you from rain and other elements, but they may not be completely impervious to water. You see, a waterproof pergola is designed in a way that the roof will repel most rainwater and prevent it from seeping through. It’s a bit like an umbrella or a raincoat. Will it keep you dry? Yes. Will it 100% guarantee not a drop of water will drip onto you, no.

Simply, while an aluminium pergola is indeed waterproof and will keep most of the rain out, there might still be some instances where water could penetrate through small openings or gaps due to extreme weather conditions.

It's important to note that these occasional instances should not deter you from enjoying your outdoor space with an aluminium louvered roof pergola. Your aluminium pergola is perfectly set up to keep you and your guests dry in the rain.

Just steer clear of leaving items under your pergola all year round, that cannot be exposed to any moisture at all.

Side Blinds To Create Complete Shelter

Most louvered aluminium garden pergolas offer the flexibility to add side blinds, louvered sides, LED lighting, and even infrared heaters.

These side blinds are the key to ensuring you’re also protected from the rain, wind and the cold.

Ever had that moment when a perfect day turns into a chilly evening, and your outdoor gathering loses its spark? We've all been there. You've enjoyed a fantastic day with drinks and mouthwatering BBQ, but as the sun dips, so does the temperature and the party vibe. Coats start replacing wine glasses, and the fun seems to fizzle out.

But fear not, your Aluminium Pergola comes to the rescue, equipped with side blinds and, perhaps, some trusty infrared heaters. With a quick move, you lower the side blinds, keeping the cold breeze at bay, and switch on the infrared heaters, bringing back the warm, sunny vibes from earlier in the day.

Now, you're cozily ensconced in a delightful enclosure, and you and your guests can keep the good times rolling well into the night, making unforgettable memories!

Are wooden pergolas waterproof?

When it comes to wooden pergolas, the answer to whether they are waterproof is not as straightforward as with Aluminium Pergolas. The natural properties of wood make it susceptible to water damage, so without proper treatment and maintenance, wooden pergolas will not be completely waterproof.

One factor that affects the waterproofness of wooden pergolas is the type of wood used. Some types of wood, such as cedar or redwood, have natural oils and resins that make them more resistant to water.

These oils act as a protective barrier against moisture penetration, increasing the overall waterproofness of the pergola. However, even with naturally water-resistant woods, it's important to note that over time, exposure to rain and other elements can cause the wood to warp, crack or rot.

Additionally, maintaining proper drainage is crucial for wooden pergolas' longevity. Ensuring rainwater does not accumulate on top of the structure will prevent pooling and reduce potential water-related issues.

Whether they will keep you dry in a shower or not… well that’s pretty obvious really. If they have a solid hard top roof, absolutely. If they have a slatted open roof, of course not!