Entertaining outdoors means you get to enjoy the sights of your backyard as well as the fresh air and gorgeous scents of your surroundings. However, weather events like burning sunshine, chilly rain, and pelting hail can quickly put a dampener on your festivities, particularly when weather events strike quickly out of nowhere.
Patios (commonly known as pergolas) are beloved in backyards throughout Melbourne for their elegant look, but they haven’t been known for providing much protection from the weather–until now. At Alfresco Blinds, we offer gorgeous retractable sunroofs (which can integrate with an existing pergola), pleated fabric roof ranges, folding arm awning ranges and louvred roofing system pergolas–all of which are fantastic choices for your property.
In this blog, we’ll help you choose the one most suitable for your space.
Let’s begin!
What exactly is a pergola? Let’s break it down.
A pergola is an outdoor feature often seen in backyards that consists of supporting vertical beams or columns that are holding up horizontal latticed support beams across a small space, like a sitting area or walkway. These beams do not have any fabric or plastic connecting them (they can be considered as uncovered roofs), giving you a clear view up into the sky and allowing natural light to pour in through them.
Because they don’t have any protective material, pergolas won’t provide you with cover from rain or hail–rather, they become a partially shady space to relax under outside. They are also commonly used to entice climbing plants up and over them. If enough time and care are taken with the plant, then the end result is a gorgeous feature that provides plenty of shade and becomes an attractive centrepiece for your garden!
Pergolas are commonly made from wood due to its charm and warm look, although many modern pergolas are made from aluminium or steel for their durability and strength. Pergolas can either be standalone structures, or attached to the side of your property.
While traditional pergolas boast an open, latticed top to entice plants, retractable and louvred pergolas give you options to fill the space with slats that can provide strong protection from the elements when properly aligned. In Melbourne, most builders add pergolas to avoid council permits because as soon as a roof is applied it is reclassified as a structure.
A retractable roof is the ideal way to avoid this, but please be aware that sunroofs, like the varioscreen, can be integrated with existing pergolas with no permit.
Folding arm awnings can sit on top, but this depends on back wall fixing; we recommend folding arms be independent. If you have a pleated terra roofing system, louvred roof, or folding arm awning, it’s best to ask your builder not to install a pergola, as it’s easier to work with a blank canvas in these cases.
Before we get into comparisons, let’s quickly define the several types of retractable shading, retractable pergola roof systems and louvred roofing systems you’ll find at Alfresco Blinds.
Pleated patio shade or sunroof system: These generally integrate with an existing pergola and are fabric-based retractable roofing systems which either sit on top of an existing pergola or sit underneath. The varioscreen sunroof system can also be its own structure! The pleated patio shade sits underneath and pleats back and forward to provide shade, whilst the sunroof system provides protection from the sun and minimal water by sitting in tensioned rails above a pergola.
Folding Arm Awnings: These are freestanding fabric-based retractable roofing systems which either sit on top of an existing pergola or sit off a wall or roof rafters. These can provide protection from sun and light rain, and when retracted, they completely tuck away with no visible rails or footings/posts required. They are a cost-effective and permit-free choice.
Retractable Roof System Pleated Pergola Roofs: These pergolas are fabric-based retractable roofing systems that can integrate within an existing structure (which can be complicated) or be its own structure! The retractable pleated fabric roof system provides protection from the sun and rain, and complete protection from adverse weather elements. This is best when it is a stand-alone structure with rails that remain in the air when the fabric is retracted. It can feel like a proper roof when closed, as it has built-in water drainage through the posts and integrated LED lighting.
Louvred Roofing System: These pergolas feature aluminium slats in the gaps at the top that can be slanted or rotated up to 130 degrees to provide more or less protection from the sun and fully closed to provide full rain protection. These slats are always in place and cannot be removed, only angled. This structure is the most desired and aesthetically appealing of all the roofs, but will need Melbourne council planning, permits and engineering.
For all these retractable roof pergola types, the slats are made from either metal or various material fabric options.
Now, let’s dive into how these types of systems can differ.
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All of these pergola options are oozing with timeless style, but they do have their differences, which can mean one may look more suitable for your property than the other. All retractable roofing systems, shading devices or retractable pergolas can be customised on the ‘columns/pillars’ side of things in a neutral colour of your choice.
Folding Arm Awnings are Melbourne’s most popular product for people with small backyards, balconies and side pool areas. They come in several different designs and are basically a retracting fabric roof coming out of a casing attached to a wall or roof, which projects out arms and holds fabric in place once tensioned.
They are ideal for sun protection and, depending on the model, rain, are easy to use, have no posts required, and easily retract away when not required. They can be manually crank-operated or installed as motorised awnings. Folding arm retractable awnings do not need Melbourne council approval.
Retractable sunroof or pleated pergola roofs are more open to the sky, as they completely retract away and will not be in place at all until you activate them. When you are under one, you may feel like the space is ‘bigger’ or more open due to the lack of coverings above your head.
Of course, once activated, it will be like sitting under a verandah or deck–the slats will completely cover the top of the pergola, providing you with total coverage from the sun.
These are generally integrated onto existing pergolas and, depending on the model, either under or on top. They do not require council approval.
The TERA system is Oztech's best-selling retractable roof pergola, with all-year-round outdoor functionality and versatility. The pleated patio roof uses a marine-grade PVC membrane that pleats and retracts when not required, providing natural open space and sunlight when not required, and a fully capable waterproof roof structure when used.
The pleated pergola roofs can be cantilevered off your house or freestanding, offering flexible options to meet diverse design needs. They have built-in drainage and upgrade options like LED lighting, and the frame will always remain visible even when retracted. It needs posts, and planning permits to build them may be required in Melbourne.
Louvred roof pergolas have their slats in place at all times, which can mean they don’t feel quite as spacious when you’re under them–the sky will always be partially blocked. When underneath them, you will always be able to enjoy a bit of shade, depending on the angle to which the slats have been tilted–but more on that later. The lumex louvred roofs can be attached from the house, freestanding or integrated within a pergola existing structure as long as specifications are met. They have an in-built gutter system to allow water to be drained through to a downpipe, can be motorised, and have downlight or LED upgrade options.
Depending on the colour you have chosen, you may find that louvred pergolas can look everything from industrial, to timeless, to modern!
The strength and durability of pergola roofing systems mostly come down to the materials they are made from.
Retractable pleated patio shade or retractable varioscreen sunroofs are a fabric roof that runs in channels or using rope and pulley guides, and usually sits on top or below the pergola depending on the model selected. Being primarily for sun, they use lightweight canvas or acrylic fabrics.
These systems need care in maintaining fabric longevity and cannot be misused in Melbourne's harsh climate.
Folding Arm Awnings have an impressive durability that comes from the fact that they can be retracted and are not left exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. Folding arm awnings generally are made using extruded aluminum components, meaning they are hard wearing.
The fabrics used for them are generally marine grade acrylic fabrics like HVG Sattler, which do require some maintenance but generally are made to be stain and water resistant. Also, Alfresco Blinds sells these with motion sensors to always self-protect them in bad weather.
These awning systems can be relied upon to last many years with up to a 10 Year warranty, just be careful which folding arm awning you purchase as many cheaper alternatives give these products a bad rap. As long as you look after their extending mechanisms and fabric, they will be great!
Retractable pergola roofs can also be retracted, protecting them from exposure and keeping them in good condition for longer than pergolas that are constantly exposed. They are made from durable materials using all aluminium framing, and unlike sunroofs or folding arm awnings, the retractable pergola uses a marine-grade PVC fabric membrane which is stain-resistant and fully waterproof.
These retractable roofing systems can be relied upon to last many years, as long as you look after their extending mechanisms. Having a 120km wind rating means that, other than a fixed pergola, these are superior to most other types of awning or shading devices.
Louvred pergolas have their slats exposed to rain, hail, and shine all the time, necessitating them being made from durable materials to withstand this. At Alfresco Blinds, our louvred roof systems are all made from aluminium (NOT Colorbond ).
Not only is it light, but its resistance to corrosion and toughness make it the perfect choice for an outdoor pergola. These systems are practically bulletproof and can be used all year round, and are superior to any basic alfresco or pergola as they perform equally but allow you to control light with the flick of a button.
The main reason you’ll want a retractable roof, awning or louvred pergola over a traditional patio/pergola in Melbourne is the option for sun and weather protection when you need it. How do they compare?
Folding Arm Awnings are the most cost-friendly option for sun shading. Compared to an umbrella, they are stronger, don't need to be moved around and are aesthetically pleasing (as they can be retracted at will). When retracted, depending on the model, they are neatly tucked away and the fabric stays protected in its casing. Using premium Siena Italian awnings with chain belt arms combined with high-end acrylic and set at the correct pitch, they can now offer light rain protection. If you’re after a product with a minimalist appearance or you simply can't afford or acquire permits for other roof options, this is the ideal product.
Retractable pleated patio shade or retractable sunroofs are somewhat of an all-or-nothing option when it comes to weather protection. When the fabric is retracted, you’ll get only sun coverage from the top and can expect 100% blockage from the sun's UV rays! But that's where it ends–they have no water capability to allow it to flow off. These are practical only for shade application onto existing open pergolas or to cover lazorlite panels.
Retractable pergola roofs are an all year round weather protection solution. When the panels are retracted, you’ll allow for natural sunlight on demand but, you’ll be fully exposed to the sun or rain. But when engaged, the fabric panels will extend and close, turning your open pergola into a practically solid roof. Expect 100% blockage from rain and UV rays!
Louvred pergolas have adjustable slats that you can tilt to offer more or less protection from the sun and rain. The blades rotate 130 degrees from vertical to almost horizontal. When open you won’t have much coverage, but when closed they should be just as effective as a standard roof.
If the time comes that you need to utilise your retractable roofing system, you don’t want it to be difficult. At Alfresco Blinds, we pride ourselves on designing systems that are easy to use for everyone.
Our Folding Arm Awnings can be manually operated via a crank handle or, if too large, they can be motorised. The awning can be left at any distance with a maximum of 4m projection available. They are simple to use, and when not required, hide away in their casing.
Our retractable pergola roofs or sunroofs can be opened or closed at your leisure using an automated system. Simply push the button, and the fabric will extend and close without any further input from you. Our Pleated patio shade is low-tech and can be used using a simple rope and pulley system.
Our louvred pergolas are controlled using smart devices or a separate remote control. You can tilt the slats this way to your chosen angle, and some versions even come with sun or rain sensors, so they will adapt to the weather without your input.
If price is an issue for you, don’t stress–at Alfresco Blinds, we have payment plans in place that make paying for your retractable roofing system easy.
Because we use strong and durable materials in the construction of all our retractable pergola roofs and louvred pergolas, you can trust that investing in either roof system is a smart choice. With the right care, you can expect yours to last you for decades!
Our pergola systems are made-to-measure, so prices will vary depending on the size you want yours to be. To get started, please fill out our online form for a free measure and quote.
If you have an existing pergola and want just shade, then the most cost-effective solution would be pleated patio shade. If you want a pergola but can't afford a custom-built one or a retractable roofing system, then a folding arm ranging between 6 and 12k could be the solution for you. Our retractable roof pergolas are high-tech and a more user-friendly option than a fixed patio, pergola or alfresco.
They are on the more costly side, starting at 15k onward. They are the crème de la crème louvred roofs and are a premium option–as planning and permits are required, these generally exceed 25-30k.
Now that you know about these types of retractable roofing systems and pergola systems, it’s time to decide on which will be the best choice for your property. Let’s break it down:
Folding Arm Awnings are a versatile product that is a cheaper alternative to a more premium louvred or retractable pleated pergola. They can be used in wind speeds of up to 40km, have light rain blocking capabilities and no visible frames or posts. This is an ideal all-weather blind solution for Melbourne homes on a budget or a home with a small backyard to work with.
Retractable pleated patio shade or retractable sunroofs are simple shading solutions which are streamlined to integrate into existing structures. You have two options, one being premium and high tech sitting above your roof, and the other a basic pulley system of pleated material under a patio or pergola.
Retractable pergola roofs are an all-or-nothing option that can give you impressive open sky views or complete protection from all the elements Melbourne weather can throw at you. Because the fabric panels are folded away when not in use, you don’t need to worry much about keeping them clean and free from debris–but it is recommended that debris between folds is cleared.
Louvred pergolas are a versatile system that allow you to have control over how much protection you have from the sun, with the slats always in place and providing a base level of coverage. Because the slats are always out, they will need to be occasionally cleaned and serviced to keep them looking good and working smoothly.
All options look lovely, are easy to use, and are made from durable materials like bochini maine PVC, acrylic fabrics by HVG, or extruded aluminium components.
Overall, it will come down to budget and whether or not you want the posts or slats to be visible and exposed at all times. The choice is yours!
No matter which type of shading device or retractable pergola roof you are after, you can find it right here at Alfresco Blinds. Our range of retractable roofing systems are sure to have something perfect for your property!
We also sell pergola blinds! Patio and pergola blinds can provide you with protection on the sides of your pergola, and are great for privacy, wind protection and for keeping out insects. You can choose from clear or tinted pergola blinds to suit your needs.
To get in touch with us to ask a question or to start ordering your custom-made pergola, call us on 1300 735 077 or send us an email on info@alfrescoblindsco.com.au. You can also visit us at our store in Epping to see and feel our incredible range in person.
