3 practical solutions for closing a pergola

It’s an undeniably charming asset. On a terrace or balcony, in the heart of your garden or leaning against the facade of your house, the pergola offers you a space for well-being and rest, or for sharing with friends. Do you dream of being able to enjoy them from spring through to autumn? Here are our tips for prolonging the use of your terrace all year round.

The different types of pergolas

Bioclimatic means that the roof has adjustable slats to let in light, or not, according to your mood. This structure is highly appreciated in very hot locations, as it helps regulate temperature and light levels. The bioclimatic pergola offers real aesthetic and practical added value to your exterior.

3 solutions for closing a pergola

To open or close either side of your pergola, and shape it according to the direction of the wind, you have several choices:

1. Sliding bay windows
2. Anti-UV canopy tarpaulin
3. Blinds

Let’s take a closer look at each option:

1. Sliding glass doors

Sliding bay windows with a classic or bioclimatic pergola provide protection and increase the brightness of the space. The glass partition offers optimum protection against rain and wind. The advantage of glass is that it’s a solid, reliable material: its thickness means it can withstand outdoor conditions, including the force of the wind on a terrace or balcony.

Harmonious integration with a wide range of pergola styles

Sliding glass can be integrated into almost any style of structure. Contemporary in design, they are ideal for complementing
a bioclimatic pergola
. They also add a touch of elegance to rustic-style pergolas in wood, for example.

Preserve the view of your outdoor space

Closing your pergola doesn’t mean you want to be confined to a dark room. And if light is important to you, sliding glass doors are ideal, letting in the light and preserving your view of the garden.

Enjoy the natural warmth of the sun

Finally, when windows are closed, they create heat through the greenhouse effect. It’s ideal if it’s cool outside, like autumn, but sunny at the same time. In this way, you can turn your pergola into a small, warm room, like a winter garden or a cool veranda.

If, on the other hand, you want to protect yourself from the sun, you can often integrate a blind or curtain into a bay window.
integrate a blind or curtains into a bay window
.

2. Canopy cover

You can also enclose your pergola with a waterproof, UV-resistant tarpaulin. This is a canvas generally made from PVC, which you roll up or unroll according to your wishes and the weather conditions.

To avoid obstructing light penetration into the pergola too much, opt instead for a canopy, i.e. one that is transparent either over its entire surface, or in places.

This is a good solution if you have a limited budget. Tarpaulin is, however, a less resistant alternative to glass panels. So while it’s economical to buy, pay attention to its quality so as not to lose out on this point in the long term.

3. Blinds

Like a tarpaulin, awnings are a flexible fabric that covers the sides of your pergola. They usually roll up and unroll easily too. Once again, make sure they are strong enough for maximum durability.

Be careful: once closed, blinds can obstruct your view of the garden, reducing the amount of light you get. Nevertheless, if the sun is intense, they provide good protection. Finally, note that in the event of snow, rain or wind, they may prove less effective than glass partitions.

The advantages of closing your pergola

Unlike a veranda, a pergola is an evolving product. You can decide at any time to add one or more closures, such as canvas, blinds, or even a sliding bay window if you want a longer-lasting result.

A veranda is a complete structure with several walls, always attached to a house or other structure.

Choosing the right
closure for your pergola
allows you to enjoy your outdoor spaces, and in particular your terrace, for longer. The latter is one of the spaces we invest in to relax and enjoy good times at home.

Enjoy without worrying about the weather

In our regions, however, it can be useful to provide protection against the vagaries of the climate. The cool evening breeze, the occasional shower, the sudden drop in temperature as summer draws to a close… These are all commonplace in Belgium. But there’s no reason why this should stop you enjoying your outdoor haven!

This is a good reason to consider
side closures for your pergola
which act as windbreaks and keep you sheltered.

Protect yourself from the outside world and create a private atmosphere

Add an enclosure option to your pergola if you wish to use it as a private resting or entertaining area. Adding a curtain or roller blinds will create a feeling of privacy in your pergola.

Protecting your patio furniture

And if, like many of us, you’ve fitted out your terrace with garden furniture, you’ll want to protect it from rain, dust and the elements.

Whether your pergola is made of aluminum, wood, wrought iron or PVC, closing it means you don’t have to move or cover your garden furniture and fittings depending on the season.

Improving thermal insulation

By enclosing your pergola, you prevent draughts from entering the space. Closing the sides of your pergola can also help block the sun’s rays and UV rays, helping to regulate temperature and light levels and thus improve the shelter’s thermal comfort.

Improving the aesthetics of outdoor spaces

Modern pergolas blend harmoniously with the architecture of the house and garden. VERANDAIR pergolas can be customized to suit your lifestyle and garden.

What to think about when choosing a closure?

Here are some criteria to consider when closing your pergola.

The product’s value for money

It makes sense, but it’s worth repeating: first of all, you have to look at the relationship between the quality and price of the closure solution. It all depends on the purchase budget, of course, but also on the product’s lifespan.

At VERANDAIR, we offer excellent value for money for our sliding panels. We manufacture our walls with a fine aluminum structure, an ultra-stable and modern material that ensures they won’t move over the years. This is all the more important if your pergola is located outdoors, generally on a terrace, balcony or garden.

Dimensions of your pergola

Next, it goes without saying that you need to measure the space to be closed precisely to ensure that the result is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also effective. Our specialists will customize your project according to your wishes and the pergola you have.

The style of your terrace and home

What’s more, some materials integrate less well than others with certain structures. Depending on whether your pergola is made of wood, aluminum or wrought iron, you may prefer one or other closure solution.

Make sure you choose the right color for your tarpaulin or awnings, for a modern look. As for bay windows, their advantage is that they blend harmoniously with many styles, since they are totally transparent. What’s more, its aluminum profiles can be stained in the color of your choice: a standard shade, or to match your home’s frames or interior design.

Type of pergola

If it’s bioclimatic, opt for a translucent closure to take advantage of outside light. Coupled with an adjustable-slat roof, an opaque tarpaulin makes for a very dark environment. Especially the inside of your house, if the pergola is attached to it.

Conversely, a system with a translucent polycarbonate roof can benefit from any type of closure, as the roof will let light through.

In conclusion

In short, closing your pergola allows you touse your terrace earlier and later in the year. When it comes to choosing an enclosure solution, everything depends on the type of pergola (bioclimatic or fixed-roof), your budget and your tastes.

Don’t hesitate to ask a specialist pergola manufacturer for advice. At VERANDAIR, we also design sliding doors in tempered, laminated or sandblasted glass.