Keeping Your Pergola Safe During Bad Weather

Pergolas are a beautiful investment for your home or business, but it’s important to ensure they can withstand bad weather. At The Oi, we have extensive experience in building pergolas that last. That’s why this blog will explore how you can keep your pergola safe during bad weather.

Standing against the wind

One of the most important factors when building a pergola is to ensure it’s sturdy. Aluminium and steel pergolas are a great option when looking to last against the wind, as they’re strong, sturdy and more durable.

If your pergola has a louvred roof, leaving the louvres partially or fully open is recommended during high winds, as it allows the wind to pass through the pergola. This reduces pressure on the pergola and minimises any damage the wind could cause.

For retractable canopies or awnings you should fully retract the canopy or awning and secure them during high winds. This prevents the wind from damaging sails or the pergola mechanism.

Adding windbreaks, side panels and screens can also reduce damage caused by wind, by reducing the impact of the wind against the pergola.

At The Oi, we build some of the best pergolas for windy areas. Get in touch with us today to see how a pergola could be implemented in your home.

Protecting against rain and water damage

When it comes to protecting your pergola against rain and water damage, there are a few things you can do:

Add a waterproof cover - Adding a waterproof cover or opting for a solid roof allows you to effectively prevent water entering your pergola. You could also opt for a louvred or retractable roof that allows you to enjoy the sunshine, but close the roof when that bad weather comes.

Ensure any gaps or joints are sealed - Waterproof sealant can be used on any gaps or joints in your pergola, preventing it from rotting or damp.

Install drainage systems - It’s a good idea to add a drainage system to your pergola by adding gutters and a spout, especially if it has a roof. This prevents water pooling on the top of your pergola.

Prepare for snow early

Whether it’s already snowing or it’s predicted to, opening your louvres allow snow to fall through, preventing excessive weight on the your pergola caused by snow accumulation.

Important considerations

Here are a few extra tips to help you prevent damage to your pergola during bad weather:

Trim back any nearby bushes, hedges, trees or branches - This prevents them from causing damage to your pergola in strong winds or storms.

Secure any loose objects - Loose objects like furniture, planters and decorations should be secured to prevent them moving around during bad weather.

At The Oi, we specialise in building quality, durable aluminium pergolas that withstand bad weather conditions. Get in touch with us or book your free consultation today, to see how we can help you.

FAQs

Can pergolas withstand high winds?

Yes , pergolas can withstand high winds, depending on the material used and how well they are built and maintained.

How much wind can a pergola withstand​?

This can vary depending on the material used. For example, aluminium and steel frames can roughly withstand winds between 75mph - 120mph.