A pergola is a lattice-style outdoor structure consisting of columns or pillars that support an open roof fashioned out of equally spaced rafters. A pergola provides shade while still allowing in some sunlight. You get a cooler place to sit and enjoy the outdoors without feeling closed in.
Pergolas can have either a curved, gabled, or flat roof. While pitched roofs do allow water to run off the roof and away from your home more easily, some homeowners prefer the look and function of a flat roof structure. Why might you want a flat roof over your pergola? Let’s explore some of the reasons..
Benefits of A Flat Roof Pergola
1. Versatile Design Options
A flat roof pergola has a modern, yet mid-century revival feel. Flat roof pergolas are trendy with crisp, straight lines and a boxy look. The basic design alone makes flat roof pergolas a popular choice.
But, in addition to its structural beauty, there are other design options to make your pergola fit your style.
- Color– When building a pergola, you will want to ensure that the pergola matches the color and design of your home. You don’t want your pergola to stick out like a sore thumb; it should look like a natural extension of your home. Choose your pergola colors accordingly.
- Material– Pergolas (and their roofs) can be constructed from wood, aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, or Alumawood.
- Attached or Free-Standing– A flat-roof pergola can be free-standing or attached. A freestanding patio cover is nice because you can have it constructed anywhere on your property, creating a separate gathering space. An attached pergola looks like a natural extension of your home. If indoor/outdoor living is your style, an attached pergola might be just the thing for you.
2. Personalization
Along with the color and material options, you can personalize your pergola even further to suit your needs and desires. Some of the personalization options available include:
- Fabric Covers– To provide extra protection from the elements, consider adding a removable fabric cover to the roof of your pergola.
- Automated Screens– With the push of a button, you can have shade on all sides of your pergola with motorized screens.
- Hanging Plants– Make your pergola more inviting by adding some hanging plants. This will also help the air quality of your patio area.
- Insulated Roof Panels– To keep the inside of your pergola more comfortable, add some insulated roof panels to help fight off the intense heat of the summer sun.
- Louvered Patio Roof System– If you want to control just how much sun or shade you have in your pergola, adding a motorized louvered roof system is just what you need.
- Fans– To further help air circulate and keep the area cool, install fans to the roof of your pergola.
- Misting Systems– Another way to control the heat is to add misting systems around the roof of your pergola.
- LED Lighting– Adding some LED lighting to your pergola is a great way to enjoy the cooler night air while still being able to see what you are doing.
3. Proper Drainage
Unfortunately, we don’t see much rainfall here in Arizona. But when we do, you don’t want to worry about drainage issues.
Not all flat roof pergolas have a truly flat roof with zero slope. Flat roof pergolas may look flat even though they have a slight slope of up to five percent. This slight pitch allows water to run off the sides easily so it doesn’t accumulate in puddles on the roof.
4. Comfortable Outdoor Living Space
A flat-roof pergola provides an oasis in your own backyard. The open roof design allows for air circulation and shade while also allowing in some natural light from the sun.
This kind of outdoor living space is an ideal area to rest, relax, entertain, and simply enjoy your backyard.
5. Less Costly Than Other Options
When considering the cost of labor and materials, a pergola with a flat roof is less expensive to construct than pergolas with gabled or curved roofs. Flat roofs are also easier to install than their counterparts.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Flat Roof For Your Pergola
Now that you know the benefits of a pergola with a flat roof, here are some things you should consider when choosing a flat roof for your pergola.
- Slope– As mentioned above, flat roof pergolas are not entirely flat; they need a slight incline on one side to help with any water runoff. When designing or choosing your flat roof, be sure there is at least a five-degree slope.
- Design– When deciding on the design of your pergola, you will want to consider your local climate and choose options that are ideal for your area.
- Material and Durability– Many pergolas are built entirely out of wood. While you can still opt for a traditional wood pergola, there are other options to consider.
When choosing a material for your flat roof pergola, you will want to select one that can withstand any harsh weather conditions that are common in your area, as well as something that will last for years.
In our opinion, the best type of pergola is an Alumawood pergola. Alumawood is a hybrid product, essentially a cross between wood and aluminum. Alumawood is low-maintenance, long-lasting, durable, and beautiful.
Flat roof pergolas are a great addition to any home and can be custom designed to complement the style of yours. If you want to enjoy your backyard area more than ever before, contact a local patio cover installer to discuss what options are best for your area.
Infographic
Flat, curved, or angled roofs are all possible for pergolas. The aesthetic and functionality of flat roof structures are preferred by some homeowners because it makes water easier to drain off the roof and your house. You might wonder why you would want this type of pergola, let’s examine why.
