Hi, I'm planning to build a freestanding pergola for our pool area. The pergola will measure 3x4 meters. I'm looking for a smart roof solution with retractable sun protection. I've looked at various websites, and the only available options seem to be different fabric solutions that are drawn over wires or entire aluminum pergolas with various roofing solutions ranging from 100,000 SEK and up, or ready-made aluminum pergolas from mail-order sites that I probably don't trust in terms of quality. I would prefer a solution that is motorized or has a crank. My idea is to build a pergola in glulam with a rectangular roof and attach an awning to the rear "beam." Has anyone done something similar and can share their ideas? Any better solutions?
Hi, without promoting what is both sold and installed, it sounds like a retractable awning is what you're looking for. As you said, pergolas are very expensive, so we often recommend building one yourself, then only installing the tracks on the rafters. The actual cassette with the fabric slides on these tracks. Installation is tricky if you haven't done it before. Just make sure not to skimp on the timber, as an awning like that weighs quite a bit. Measuring is extremely important, as always; you should cross-measure and also ensure everything is level. If the tracks aren't, it can lead to future problems like cords jumping track, motor issues, etc. Hope this helps you along the way.Chrillthesill said:
Thanks for the tip. Could you suggest a brand that sells the type of awning you describe? The ones I have looked at are more of the traditional type that extend outwards. Do you have any idea whether I need to have a slight tilt on the beam front compared to the back if I install an awning, or can they be at the same height? You usually set the awning so that it tilts a bit. I was thinking of over-dimensioning the posts and beams. However, I'm unsure if I will need three posts in the back to support the weight of the awning. I am considering having the beams be 4 meters long.
You can search for "Selt Veranda" on YouTube, and you'll likely find some results; that's the roof awning we have sold and installed. There are several different brands, a Google search for "roof awning" will give you various results to compare. Regarding the slope, it's always good to have one so that rainwater can run off, but such a solution also works for a flat roof. In the tracks, you have lines that are spring-tensioned wound around the roller that the motor drives. As for the weight, I believe your construction can handle it, such an awning isn't much heavier than a terrace awning of the same dimensions.
Thanks a lot. I checked out that Selt veranda, and it's exactly the kind of system I'm looking for at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, I can't find a Swedish retailer, only websites from Poland and the USA. Do you know where they can be purchased?