Gazebos are among the most popular amenities to set up in your backyard. They come in a variety of styles and designs to provide shade and comfort while lounging outside.
However, regardless of the type of gazebo you have, one feature that most gazebos have in common is having multiple holes, which leaves you wondering about the reason behind them.
In this guide, I’ll satisfy your curiosity by walking through the purpose of those seemingly out-of-place holes. So without further ado, let’s dive right in!
What Is the Purpose of the Holes in a Gazebo?
Gazebos are meant to protect their users from sunlight and some weather elements. As a result, having holes in the roof and sides might seem counterintuitive.
Yet, these holes have specific functions and are quite essential for the structural integrity of gazebos. Here’s a quick look at those purposes.
1 – Protect the Gazebo from Wind Damage
Gazebos come in a variety of shapes and styles, and many of these structures will feature a solid roof.
The problem with solid roofs is that they will resist air currents and prevent the air from passing through.
As a result, the gazebo roof will act like sails in strong winds and cause the entire structure to either topple or fly away.
To alleviate this high wind resistance, holes are strategically placed around the gazebo to let the wind pass through instead of pushing against the whole structure.
2 – Prevents Water from Pooling
Although gazebos are mainly built to provide shade, they’re also fairly convenient when it’s raining outside.
However, when it’s raining heavily, pools of water can quickly build up on the roof of a gazebo, which can be surprisingly heavy and damaging to the roof.
With time, the pooling water will cause the roof to sag or even collapse (especially for soft roofs.)
Having a few holes to allow the water to drain quickly can protect the integrity of the structure while maintaining the gazebo’s functionality.
3 – Improves Airflow
One of the main advantages of spending time in a gazebo is that you get to enjoy the fresh air outdoors.
However, on hot summer days, the air inside the gazebo can get humid and stuffy pretty quickly, and that’s where ventilation holes come in!
These holes help the air circulate freely in and out of the gazebo to regulate the temperature and humidity inside to keep you comfortable.
4 – Guide Points During Installation
Installing a gazebo can be an exciting and satisfying project, especially while working with a pre-cut DIY gazebo kit.
However, sometimes, aligning all the parts while assembling the gazebo can be quite confusing, even if you’re following the instructions manual.
Luckily, in that case, you can utilize the holes in different gazebo parts as guide points to facilitate the process.
5 – Provides an Aesthetic Touch
Manufacturers always try to combine functionality with aesthetics. Although holes are necessary for gazebos to maintain their structural integrity and facilitate drainage, they’re now designed so that they’re part of the design as well.
In other words, modern gazebos now include several holes that vary in size and placement to create a unique design.
Types of Holes in a Gazebo
A gazebo can have several types of holes, each serving a different purpose and contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the structure. Here’s a quick look at some of them:
Vent Hole
These are small holes, usually round or square shaped, located near the peak or the edge of the gazebo roof, whether it’s a hard or a soft one.
As the name suggests, the main purpose of these holes is to allow for air circulation and prevent heat buildup under the roof, especially in warmer climates.
Drainage Holes
These are holes designed to let rainwater flow down the gazebo, especially the types with a flat roof.
Similar to vent holes, these are also small and round, but they’re typically angled to facilitate water flow and placed near the lowest points of the roof.
Grommets
A Grommet is a special type of hole that is made in gazebos with fabric (soft) roofs. It’s usually surrounded by a plastic or metal ring to create an attachment point for accessories like drapes and side panels.
Roofing Gaps
These are found in wooden gazebos where the roof panels aren’t overlapping to create small gaps. These gaps allow rainwater to pass through, so they’re only used in areas with little to no rain.
How Many Holes Should a Gazebo Have?
Since holes in gazebos can have a variety of functions, the exact number of holes can vary from one model to another.
However, it’s common for most options to feature around 4 to 8 holes of different types across the gazebo.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, those holes in a gazebo aren’t just a cosmetic feature, as they serve specific purposes.
To extend the functionality and durability of your gazebos, regularly check these holes and make sure that they’re not clogged up.
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