Pergolas are fairly common garden features. Many people install pergolas in their yards so they can enjoy a bit of shade.
You can use pergolas at various points in your yard. Some people install them along garden walkways while others use them to provide shaded spots where they can sit and enjoy lunch out in the yard.
Have you heard of people utilizing pergola roofs? What is a pergola roof?
Below, you’ll learn about pergolas and pergola roofs. This should make it simpler to know what you can and cannot do with pergolas.
Why Isn’t There a Roof on a Pergola?
Traditional pergolas don’t have normal roofs. They have an open design that is simply supposed to give you some protection from the elements.
Instead of having a normal roof, these structures have slotted roofs. They usually have either a crossbeam or a lattice covering.
This type of design isn’t going to be very good for staying out of the rain. If it’s raining outside, you’re going to get soaked if you’re sitting or standing underneath the pergola.
Thankfully, it’s become more common for people to install roofs on their pergolas. A pergola roof is exactly what you would expect it to be.
It’s a roof that sits on top of a pergola. Some pergolas are sold with roofs these days.
Of course, these aren’t technically traditional pergolas. People would call these structures gazebos or pavilions.
Can Pergolas Be Covered?
Yes, you can choose to cover pergolas if you want to. It’s actually common for people to cover pergolas.
Depending on what you want, there are different things that you can use to cover these structures. Below, you’ll learn a bit more about this.
What to Cover a Pergola With
When you want to cover your pergola, there are a few things that you can do. One common option is to cover it with a fabric cover.
Fabric covers do a good job of providing you with shade. It makes it easy to sit or stand under the pergola while enjoying your garden area.
Many pergolas will come with simple fabric covers that you can take off when necessary. You can also buy a fabric cover or make your own if you’re so inclined.
Of course, you can also choose to cover a pergola with a proper roof. There are many different roof options to consider.
Some people build flat roofs for their pergolas. Others might utilize different designs that will prevent water from pooling.
What Do You Cover a Pergola Roof With?
You don’t generally cover pergola roofs. Pergola roofs are designed to provide you with shade and protection from the elements.
So the roof is the thing that’s covering the pergola. You don’t need a cover for the roof.
Typically, pergola roofs will be durable enough to last for many years. Depending on what material you make the roof out of, the roof might last anywhere from ten to twenty years.
It’s wise to choose a pergola roof based on your specific needs. Depending on what the weather is like in your area, you might gravitate toward one option or another.
What Are Pergola Roofs Made Of?
Pergola roofs can be made out of many different materials. It depends on what you’re looking for.
There are various companies that offer pergola roofs. Some local companies might offer custom pergola roofs.
A pergola roof could be made out of wood or it might be made out of metal. Both aluminum and steel are common materials used to make pergola roofs.
A heavy roof made out of steel is particularly good at protecting you from wind and heavy rainfall. If your area gets a lot of bad weather, it might be worthwhile to have a pergola roof that’s made out of a heavier material.
Of course, many other materials are commonly used for pergola roofs. Sometimes you’ll find plastic pergola roofs being utilized.
Glass roofs are also fairly common. You might see people using glass or plastic to make roofs for their pergolas so they can enjoy looking up at the sky while sitting underneath the roof.
Polycarbonate materials might be used sometimes, too. This is a lightweight option that doesn’t cost too much cash, and it still allows you to enjoy having a clear roof on your pergola.
Which material you will want to choose for your pergola roof will depend on many factors. You should look into your options while considering your situation.
Can You Build Your Own Pergola Roof?
You can build your own pergola roof if you have the necessary skills. However, many people won’t find it to be convenient to do so.
Depending on whether you have the carpentry skills, it might be easy for you to make a simple roof for a pergola. However, many people aren’t familiar with what it takes to work with certain materials.
Making a clear roof will be a bit more involved than making a simple wooden roof. So many people will have an easier time turning to professionals for help.
You will likely be able to find a business in your area that will build a custom pergola roof for you. There are even companies that offer things such as retractable pergola roofs for your convenience.
Can You Turn a Pergola Into a Covered Porch?
It is possible to turn a pergola into a covered porch. You’d simply have to do some work to convert it.
You’d need to cover it with some type of roof or a fabric cover. Then you’d simply need to add whatever other parts it’s missing.
Many pergolas are designed to be right up against the house. Some are freestanding structures that are out in the middle of the yard or garden area, though.
So if your pergola is connected to the house, you could choose to turn it into a covered porch. It just depends on whether you’re willing to do the work.
What do you expect a covered porch to have? Think about this and then consider whether the basic design of your pergola is a good starting point to achieve what you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that a pergola roof is simply a roof that is attached to a pergola. Pergolas don’t normally have traditional roofs.
They usually have crossbeams or a lattice design on top. This means that they don’t provide much in the way of protection from the elements.
Often, people purchase fabric covers to go on top of pergolas. If this limited protection isn’t enough for your needs, you might consider adding a roof to the top.
This can be great for when you want to sit underneath the pergola and enjoy being outside. You can sit under the pergola even when it’s raining if you have a really good roof design.
You can enjoy your pergola even more if it has a roof, but technically it’d be a gazebo or a pavilion once a roof is added. That isn’t something that you really need to worry about, though.
People often use the term “pergola roofs.” Some companies sell retractable pergola roofs so you can enjoy the structure with or without a roof.
Choose whatever option is going to fit your needs the best. You should be able to have a good experience.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
--
If you want more backyard tips including recipes, how-tos and more, make sure you subscribe to my youtube channel