Opening and Closing Pergolas vs Retractable Pergolas

The patio cover you choose plays an integral role in the look and functionality of your outdoor living space. You have many options to choose from, and the glut of options on the market can be overwhelming. Two top contenders for looks and functionality include opening and closing pergolas and retractable pergolas. What’s the difference between these two patio shelter styles, and which is best for your space?

Retractable Pergolas

Retractable pergolas provide partial shade, supporting a piece of cloth or canvas overhead that can be expanded or retracted via a manual or motorized rail system.

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Louvered Roof Systems

Opening and closing pergolas use advanced technology to provide better protection and more versatility than retractable pergolas designs. They feature a motorized louver system that opens or closes slats as needed. Louvers pivot up to 170 degrees at the push of a button, giving you the ability to respond to changing weather conditions with ease.

Advantages of Adjustable Louvered Pergolas

Aluminum louvered roof pergolas offer distinct advantages over retractable canvas pergolas:

Opening and closing pergolas offer better weather protection.

The cloth cover on retractable pergolas won’t hold back snow and rain for long without drips or damage. With adjustable pergola louvers, simply close louvers for lasting, drip-free precipitation protection when the weather changes, allowing the integrated gutter system to whisk rain and snow melt away. Later, reopen the louvers, dialing in the ideal angle and amount of sunlight or shade. Enjoy the sun’s warmth and sky views on a cool day, improve airflow, or close for cooling shade and UV relief, maximizing comfort and taking advantage of your outdoor space without worrying about weather interruptions.

Louvered pergolas are more durable than retractable canvas pergolas.

Cloth coverings tear in high winds and snow and break down with sun and rain exposure. StruXure’s powder-coated, fully extruded aluminum pergolas are built to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance. You don’t have to worry about constantly rolling them away or putting them up. They resist corrosion, reflect sunlight and heat, and withstand rain, hail, heavy snow, and hurricane-force winds.

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Integrated pergola accessories enhance outdoor living enjoyment.

Customized motorized pergolas outfitted with wet-rated lighting, ceiling fans, patio heaters, outdoor speakers, and motorized screens enhance comfort, allowing for 24/7, year-round use of your outdoor living area. Point-and-click remote control operation, programming from your mobile device using the Somfy MyLink app, voice command via compatible home automation products, and optional built-in rain, wind, and freeze sensors make operation a breeze.

Aluminum pergolas add lasting curb appeal and value.

While retractable pergolas offer many fabric choices to accent your home, they don’t elevate your backyard space the same way a luxury adjustable pergola does. Unlike the temporary feel of fabric, aluminum pergolas are a lasting asset. Customized with your choice of powder coating color or faux wood wrap and accented with custom columns, cornice façade, corbel ends, or a cap and base trim package to complement your home perfectly, they enhance your home and lifestyle, offering an excellent return on investment.

Open Up to New Possibilities in Outdoor Living with a Louvered Pergola

Don’t settle for a patio cover that will snap in a Denver storm. When it comes to attractive, functional patio shelter, opening and closing pergolas beat retractable pergolas hands down. Learn more about the latest in cutting-edge pergola technology. Contact StruXure Denver at 303-500-6669 to schedule a design consultation and take the first step to incorporate more valuable, usable square footage into your home today.

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