Advantages and disadvantages of bioclimatic pergolas

There are numerous solutions to be able to take advantage of our outdoor spaces regardless of the weather. To create comfortable spaces that make the value of our home grow. Bioclimatic pergolas are one of the most efficient, innovative and intelligent. Do you want to know what they are and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

What is a bioclimatic pergola?

Bioclimatic.

2. adj. Said of a building or its arrangement in space: That tries to take advantage of environmental conditions for the benefit of users.

Bioclimatic pergolas are pergolas whose ceilings have adjustable slats that allow modulating light, ventilation and temperature and protect this outdoor space from inclement weather. All thanks to an efficient and intelligent system that can be fully automated.

The key to this type of pergolas are the aluminum slats that make up the roof. Adjustable slats parallel to each other, welded to a metal structure that can be operated with a crank, a switch or a remote control, depending on the degree of automation of the model and that can be:

• Adjustable. The aluminum slats are oriented to adjust the brightness, reduce the amount of wind or protect us from rain and UVA rays.
• Retractable. It is the most dynamic system. With it you can also open, close and orient, collect the slats in order to achieve a totally open space.

Main features

Once you understand what a bioclimatic pergola offers us, it is not difficult to deduce their main characteristics. Features that are shared by most of the designs that you will find on the market and that are also part of the advantages as we will see below.

• Robust structure. Aluminum profiles are usually robust with thicknesses of up to 4 mm. made of high-strength alloy.
• Watertight. The bioclimatic pergolas are 100% stakes against the rain or nine thanks to the anti-drip rubbers. In addition, they have an intelligent rainwater channeling that prevents water from stagnating and falling on the space in which it is installed when the slats are reopened.
• Efficiency. Creates a chamber between the outside and inside, ensuring the comfort necessary to enjoy this space rain or snow. In addition, attached to the house contribute to the energy efficiency of the home.

Advantages

Installing a bioclimatic pergola in our garden has many advantages that other structures that we can install for the same purpose do not have. And what are those advantages? We list them from the first to the last:

• Sun protection: The adjustable ceiling slats allow us to regulate the entry of light, so you don't have to worry about the sun's rays.
• Wind protection: The slats will not only allow you to regulate the amount of air that enters and leaves the pergola, they will also allow you in times of strong gusts of wind to reduce their incidence, closing them.
• Dodge rain and snow: In the event of rain or snow, the bioclimatic pergolas provide a watertight space preventing us from getting wet. You will not do it either when you open the slats again since they cost, as we have already explained, with a channeling system that avoids it.
• Intelligence. Possibility of including home automation to be able to manage the system from your mobile, as well as rain, temperature or lighting sensors that allow the system to be fully automated so that you don't have to worry about anything if you don't want to.
• Minimum maintenance: Unlike wooden pergolas or manual awnings, bioclimatic pergolas require little maintenance. They are very robust and easy to clean with soap and water.
• Energy efficiency: A pergola is an efficient solution to create an enjoyable outdoor space all year round that, in addition, will also help to regulate the temperature inside your house if it is attached to it.
• Personalization. There are so many different types of finishes and colors that nothing will prevent you from installing a bioclimatic pergola that fits the style of your home. The slats can also be manufactured in the same color as the structure or in a different one, depending on the context where the pergola is to be installed.

Drawbacks

Few are the disadvantages that we can mention but important. The biggest "buts" of these freestanding pergolas are associated with installation and budget. Installation is simple, however, prior work may be necessary to make it more expensive.

• Preparation of the land. The pillars of the bioclimatic pergola can be placed at different heights to save steps, however, the base on which the bioclimatic pergola is supported must be stable and flat.
• Installation by professionals. The installation must be done by professional assemblers who will first be in charge of fixing the structure and then anchoring the slats one by one, by sectors.
• Price. Installing a bioclimatic pergola requires a large investment, higher, of course, than a traditional pergola or an awning. You will not find them for less than € 2800
• Permissions Bioclimatic pergolas do not usually require permits because they do not expand the surface of a home, but it never hurts to consult it to avoid problems. It will be essential, however, if you intend to close it with glass walls to be able to enjoy this outdoor space also in the middle of winter.