Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about our louvered pergolas, carports and accessories — from choosing a size to installation, delivery and care. Search, or jump to a topic.
Everything about our louvered pergolas, carports and accessories — from choosing a size to installation, delivery and care. Search, or jump to a topic.
01 · 7 questions
How a louvered roof works and what makes it different from a fixed patio cover.
A pergola with an adjustable slatted roof. Rotate the louvers to let in sunlight and fresh air, or close them completely for shade and shelter — one structure for every kind of weather.
A bioclimatic pergola manages the climate underneath it mechanically, without using any energy for heating or cooling. Tilting the aluminum louvers opens a controlled air gap that lets warm air escape upward instead of pooling under the roof. Close the louvers and they form a solid roof surface that keeps out rain and wind. One structure does both jobs, and depending on the model you switch between them in seconds with the remote or a few turns of the crank.
A conventional patio cover has a fixed roof, usually glass or polycarbonate. It keeps rain off but does nothing to control sunlight, which is why many glass roofs end up needing an under-roof awning later. A louvered roof is adjustable on its own: full sun, filtered light, ventilation or a closed, watertight roof, with no second shading layer. The one real advantage of a glass roof is that it lets more daylight through in the depths of winter.
Yes. When the aluminum louvers close fully they interlock and form a continuous roof surface. Rainwater is not shed over the roof edge; it is collected in the louvers, carried along the perimeter frame and drained down through concealed downpipes inside the front posts. With a wall-mounted pergola, the seal between the house wall and the pergola frame is done on site by the customer or installer.
Yes. On the motorized models the louvers, the LED lighting, the solar side screens and the Aura infrared heater can all be operated from a single EG Pergola remote, so you do not need a separate handset for every accessory.
Because you are buying from the company that imports, stocks and supports the product in Canada. EG Pergola is the online store of EG Aluminum, so pricing is direct, technical questions are answered by the people who install these pergolas every week, and spare parts and warranty service come from one place. If you prefer local hands-on help, we also work with authorized dealers — see our dealer program or ask us for a dealer near you.
The crank mechanism sits on one of the two main beams. Which side ends up accessible is decided during assembly by the orientation of that beam, and the same choice also sets the direction the louvers open. Plan the crank position and the louver direction together so the crank stays easy to reach and the roof opens the right way for the sun. The handle is removed after use so nothing hangs down from the roof; a wall bracket for storing it is included.
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02 · 13 questions
Sizes, heights, mounting and which model fits your terrace.
Both models share the same powder-coated aluminum frame (13.5 × 13.5 cm profile), are waterproof with the louvers closed and are rated for winds up to 110 km/h — the differences are in the roof and the equipment:
A manual roof (Pergola Piano) is completely independent of any power source: no wiring, nothing to install electrically, and the optimised crank system opens and closes the louvers smoothly with minimal effort. It's the most cost-efficient route to the same sun and rain protection.
An electric roof (Equa) adjusts at the touch of a button on the remote — ideal if you fine-tune the louvers often or want integrated LED lighting for the evenings.
Yes. If the standard sizes don't fit your project, request a free quote and we'll plan a custom pergola around your dimensions.
Yes. Retractable screens (manual or solar-powered), sliding shutters, infrared heaters and LED lighting are available and can also be added later — every model is compatible with the full accessory range.
Plan around your furniture, not just the patio footprint. A dining table for four with the chairs pulled out needs roughly 10' × 13' to actually be under cover. A lounge set with a sofa and coffee table works from about 10' × 16', and for a dining area plus a lounge you will usually want 13' × 16' or larger. Also think about the sun: an extra 18–20 inches of depth on the west or south side can make a real difference late in the afternoon.
The listed size is the covered roof area, and we deliver slightly more than the nominal figure. A freestanding 10' × 13' Equa, for example, measures about 10'2" × 13'2" overall, with a clear span of about 9'3" × 12'4" between the posts. On pergolas of this type the posts sit inside the roof line, which is why we publish the clear span alongside the covered area so you can plan furniture and walkways correctly. Only the listed standard sizes are available; custom footprints are not.
The standard clear height under the beam is 2,350 mm (about 7'8½"). The overall structure height is 2,520 mm (about 8'3"), and the highest point with the louvers fully open is 2,682 mm (about 8'10") on the Equa or 2,600 mm (about 8'6") on the Piano. Before ordering, check door and window openings, roof overhangs and any height limits in your municipal by-laws, because the height cannot be changed after assembly.
Yes. Any clear height between 2,000 mm and 2,750 mm (roughly 6'7" to 9'0") is available for a flat surcharge, regardless of pergola size; see the product page for current pricing. The height must be specified when you order, because the posts are cut to length in production and cannot be altered afterwards.
The freestanding version stands on four posts and can be placed anywhere on the patio, independent of the house. With the wall-mounted version, wall brackets replace the two rear posts, so the pergola sits directly against the building and takes up less patio space. Both versions are priced the same. Wall mounting needs a structurally sound wall, and the seal between the wall and the pergola is done on site.
Every 13' × 19' configuration has a centre post along the 19' side. By default it sits in the middle and divides the side into two equal bays, but it can be offset; just tell us the position you want when you order. With an offset post the two bays are different widths, so in that case order side screens only after assembly, once you can measure the actual bay widths. With the standard centred post, screens can be ordered together with the pergola.
Yes. Two Equa or two Piano modules can be installed side by side. This layout cannot be ordered straight from the product page, because the junction, shared posts and drainage have to be planned around your specific site. Send us the area dimensions, the mounting situation and a photo or sketch, and we will work out a suitable layout and price.
No. The louver profile on the motorized Equa is different from the Piano's: it is thicker and spaced further apart, so the Piano roof cannot be retrofitted with a motor. If you think you may want motorized operation later, choose the Equa from the start.
The Screen Rollo (manual and solar), the Sliding Shutter, the Aura 2,500 W infrared heater and the custom-height option fit both louvered models; the LED kit is the add-on lighting for the Piano, and insulated louvers are offered only for the motorized Equa. Pay attention to the exact model name when ordering screens: the Screen Rollo for the Equa and the Screen Rollo for the Piano are different items. If you are unsure which pergola you have, the model is shown on your order confirmation.
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03 · 7 questions
Aluminum, powder coating, wind and snow ratings.
All models are engineered for wind speeds up to 110 km/h. For snow, the Piano carries 65 – 120 kg/m² depending on size, and the electric models carry 160 – 320 kg/m² per size — you'll find the exact table on each product page.
In heavy snowfall we recommend tilting the louvers to the vertical position, so snow falls through instead of resting on the roof.
The structure is aluminum alloy 6063-T6, the standard choice in architectural work for its combination of strength, corrosion resistance and clean extrusion. The profiles are not off-the-shelf sections; they were engineered specifically for this system and extruded in-house. Every profile is powder-coated to 70–100 µm with TIGER Coatings architectural powder in a Qualicoat-certified facility. Qualicoat is an independent quality standard for powder-coated architectural aluminum that sets requirements for pre-treatment, coating thickness, adhesion, impact resistance and accelerated weathering.
Aluminum does not rust the way steel does; it forms a stable oxide layer instead. Whether the colour changes over the years depends almost entirely on the coating, which is why the coating standard matters so much for the look of the pergola. No repainting, oiling or annual surface treatment is needed; an occasional wash is enough.
The posts on all models measure 135 × 135 mm with a 2.0 mm wall. The Equa uses 1.7 mm louvers spaced about 17 cm (6¾") apart; the Piano uses 1.5 mm louvers spaced about 13 cm (5") apart that open up to 115°. We publish these figures deliberately, because material thickness has a major effect on the stiffness and service life of an aluminum structure.
A freestanding Equa weighs roughly 348 kg (about 770 lb) at 10' × 13' up to 591 kg (about 1,300 lb) at 13' × 19'. A freestanding Piano ranges from about 207 kg (455 lb) at 10' × 10' to 309 kg (680 lb) at 10' × 16'. Wall-mounted versions are lighter because one row of posts is omitted. Around 95% of the total weight is aluminum, so weight and wall thickness are two of the most telling numbers when you compare pergola systems structurally.
Frame and louvers can be chosen separately. On the Equa the frame comes in Anthracite RAL 7016, White RAL 9010 or the metallic finishes DB 703 and RAL 9007, and the louvers can match the frame or be White RAL 9010. Standard combinations, including an anthracite frame with white louvers, carry no surcharge; a metallic frame carries a surcharge and a longer lead time. The Piano is offered in Anthracite RAL 7016 and White RAL 9010, also in combination, but not in the metallic finishes. All finishes are TIGER powder coat applied in a Qualicoat-certified facility.
Open. In heavy snowfall and high winds the louvers should be in the open position. Light or moderate snow can sit on closed louvers as long as the rated snow load for your size is not exceeded, but once a heavier build-up is expected, open them so the snow falls through instead of loading the roof. In a storm the open position also reduces the closed surface exposed to the wind. On the Equa, set this position before the weather arrives, because it has no manual override; on the Piano the crank works at any time, including during a power outage.
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04 · 8 questions
DIY assembly, foundations, drainage and permits.
Yes. The system is designed as a kit for self-assembly: the connections are CNC-machined and pre-prepared, and no special tools are needed. You do need basic handyman skills, a level and load-bearing base prepared in advance, and enough helpers. Remember this is a load-bearing outdoor structure, not a piece of furniture, so take the assembly seriously. The Piano is a little simpler to build than the Equa because there is no motor position or wiring to consider, and if you would rather not do it yourself, any local contractor can assemble it from the instructions.
Plan on three people. Sizes with a projection up to 13' take about one day; the 16' and 19' projections take about a day and a half because the longer beams are harder to position. The smaller sizes can in principle be built by two people, but assembling the roof frame is noticeably more awkward. Prepare the base separately, before the delivery date.
Every delivery includes an illustrated assembly manual, and assembly videos are available from our support resources. The instructions are organised by model, size, mounting type and base surface, so make sure you follow the version that matches your exact configuration.
You will need a drill with masonry bits, a ratchet and socket set, hex keys, a level (ideally 1.5 m / 5 ft or longer), a tape measure, a rubber mallet, ladders, safety glasses and gloves. For concrete or pavers you will also need a hammer drill. The exact tool list for your configuration is at the front of the assembly manual.
The base must be level, load-bearing and permanently stable. Suitable surfaces include a sufficiently thick concrete slab, properly laid pavers on a compacted sub-base, tile or porcelain over concrete, and wood or composite decks with a structural substructure. Loose gravel, freshly placed fill and deck boards without a load-bearing substructure are not suitable. Full base and footing requirements are in the assembly manual for your configuration.
Water runs down through the front posts and exits at ground level at the base of the post. We do not supply a connection to an existing drainage system, so plan a gravel bed, a drainage channel or a tie-in to a downspout at those points if you need one. On the 19'-deep models with a centre post, the water at that position drains freely to the ground.
Requirements differ from one Canadian municipality to the next and depend on things like the height, the covered area and how close the structure is to the property line. Setback distances in particular are set by your municipal zoning by-law and usually depend on the height and footprint of the structure. Check with your local building or planning department before you order, because the size cannot be changed once the pergola is in production. We can supply dimensioned drawings and a product specification sheet for your chosen configuration to submit with your application.
We can provide dimensioned technical drawings of your chosen configuration and a product data sheet listing materials, dimensions and the coating specification. Request them through the contact page, quoting your order number or the size you are planning.
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05 · 8 questions
Motors, remotes, LED and what your electrician needs to know.
Whisper-quiet. The premium motors are optimised for silent operation, so opening or closing the louvers won't disturb the atmosphere on your terrace. Everything is controlled with the included remote.
The motor and LED lighting on the motorized models run from a standard household circuit. The pergola's internal wiring is pre-installed with plug connectors, and the motor comes with a 7 m (about 23 ft) lead so the connection point can be planned flexibly. The final connection to your home's electrical system should be made by a licensed electrician, on a circuit as required by local code. The manual Piano needs no power at all unless you add the LED kit.
The 7 m (23 ft) motor lead gives you flexibility on where the supply comes in, and the motor position itself can be decided on site to suit the louver direction you want. Plan the connection point together with the pergola layout, run the supply before assembly and leave it accessible; getting into a post afterwards is much more work.
On the Equa the louvers simply stay where they are. There is no manual override, so the roof can only be moved when mains power is present and the remote works. Before a forecast storm, heavy snowfall or a long winter absence, open the louvers in advance, and keep a spare CR2032 battery for the remote. The Piano is unaffected: it has no motor, the crank works at any time, and a power cut only affects the optional LED lighting if fitted.
The integrated LED strip is 3000 K warm white and is built into the profile; RGB colour changing is not offered. Current production lighting is dimmable and switchable from the same remote that operates the louvers. Pergolas built before the dimmable lighting was introduced have simple on/off lighting.
The Equa supports smart-home control through the Tuya app, so the louvers and lighting can also be operated from a smartphone. Ask our team to confirm app support for your specific order.
The remote uses a single 3 V CR2032 coin cell. With normal use it lasts around two to three years. Swapping it at the start of each season is a sensible precaution, because a dead remote leaves the louvers wherever they are and the motorized roof has no manual override.
Yes. The LED kit is available as an option for the Piano and can also be added later. Because the Piano has no motor, the lighting is its only electrical component; power draw is low, but you still need a supply run to the post, with the final connection made by a licensed electrician.
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06 · 13 questions
Quotes, payment, delivery across Canada and what to check on arrival.
Yes — you have a 14-day right of withdrawal, provided the product is unassembled and undamaged. Pergolas ship as freight, so contact us first and we'll help organise the return transport. Please keep the original packaging.
Fill in the short quote form — approximate sizes are enough. A pergola expert will contact you to discuss the right model, size and configuration.
No. Choose the model, size, mounting type and colour on the product page and the price for that configuration is shown immediately; you can order directly online in CAD. If you would like to talk it through first, request a callback or use the quote form, and a pergola specialist will contact you. A quote is only essential for non-standard projects such as joined modules or commercial orders.
Contact our team in Waterloo, ON or Laval, QC through the contact page and we will arrange a viewing by appointment. Seeing the system in person lets you operate the louvers, judge the coating quality and check the profile sizes for yourself before you decide.
The accepted payment methods are shown at checkout. For pergola orders we can arrange a deposit at the time of ordering with the balance due before shipment, so you are not paying the full amount weeks before delivery; contact our team to set this up.
Yes, as long as the order has not gone into production. Contact us as early as possible with your order number; the sooner we hear from you, the more can be adjusted at no extra cost. Once a customer-specific configuration is in production it can no longer be changed.
Yes. For orders of five or more units, such as restaurant patios, developments or larger installations, we price the project individually rather than at the regular list price. We also have a partner program for resellers and installers. Send us the planned scope and we will prepare a project price.
Lead times depend on the finish and configuration; metallic finishes and custom heights take longer than standard colours. The typical lead time is confirmed when you order, and we agree the actual delivery date with you before the shipment leaves.
Yes, we deliver across Canada. Shipping for your address and configuration is shown at checkout before you confirm the order. Accessories ordered separately at a later date ship on their own and may carry their own shipping charge, so it is usually cheaper to order screens, shutters and heaters together with the pergola. The one exception is a 19'-deep pergola with an offset centre post, where the bay widths have to be measured after assembly before the screens can be ordered.
Delivery is by freight carrier to the nearest accessible curbside at your property; the driver will not carry the packages into the yard or to the assembly location. The carrier contacts you before dispatch to agree a delivery window, so make sure the phone number on your order is one you actually answer, because a missed appointment can push redelivery back by several days. The packages are long and heavy: a 13' × 19' pergola weighs about 591 kg (1,300 lb) in total, split across several packages. Arrange two or three helpers for the delivery day and a level storage area close to the build site.
Inspect the packages together with the driver before you sign for them. Note any visible damage on the delivery slip and photograph it before the driver leaves. Then report any transport damage to us within 48 hours by email or through the contact page, with your order number and photos. Keep the original packaging until assembly is complete.
Document the damage to both the part and its packaging, and make sure visible transport damage was noted on the delivery slip. Then contact us with your order number and photos and we will arrange replacement of the affected components. Do not go ahead and install a damaged part: even a slightly bent profile can throw off the alignment of the whole structure and make later assembly steps harder.
Our team is based in Waterloo, ON and Laval, QC. Reach us by phone or email, or through the form on the contact page. For questions about an existing order, include your order number and photos where relevant so we can help without a round of back-and-forth.
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07 · 7 questions
Cleaning, winter, warranty and spare parts.
You get a 5-year warranty on the aluminum structure and a 2-year warranty on the roof mechanism — the crank system on the Piano, and the motor unit and electronic components on the electric models. The warranty covers material and manufacturing defects.
Wash the surfaces once or twice a year with clean water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse with clear water. In late fall clear leaves out of the drainage channels so meltwater can run off freely during thaws. No painting, oiling or annual sealing is required.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, solvents and strongly alkaline or acidic products, all of which can attack the powder coating. Do not aim a pressure washer at coated surfaces, the LED profile, the motor housing, the crank mechanism or directly into the drainage channels.
No. The structure stays up year-round in the Canadian climate. In regions with heavy snowfall, open the louvers whenever a build-up beyond the rated snow load for your size is expected, so the snow falls through instead of loading the roof. If you need to clear heavy snow, use only plastic or wooden tools, never hard or sharp-edged metal ones.
The crank turns easily. The effort rises slightly with size because more louvers are being moved, but every available size is designed to be operated comfortably by one adult. There is no regular maintenance or lubrication schedule; just keep the mechanism clear of leaves and debris. If the crank ever feels unusually rough or stiff, do not force it; contact our support team instead.
Yes. The Screen Rollo (fabric, cassette and guide rails), the Sliding Shutter and the carport structure and roof are covered by the EG Pergola warranty (5 years on the aluminum structure, 2 years on mechanical and electrical components) against material and manufacturing defects, with the shorter electronics term applying to motors, LED lighting and solar drives. Coverage starts automatically on delivery; no registration is needed. Damage from use or external impact is not covered, though a damaged screen fabric can be replaced separately. Full terms and exclusions are on the warranty page.
Yes. Because the profiles are made specifically for this system rather than bought in as a generic kit, spare parts remain available long-term and can be ordered by the part number in the assembly manual, even after the warranty period. Touch-up paint in the matching colour code is also available on request.
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08 · 13 questions
Manual and solar retractable side screens.
The Screen Rollo is a zip screen that closes an open side of the pergola with a tensioned technical fabric. The screen drops down from an aluminum cassette and is held in guide rails on both sides, so the fabric is guided on all four edges and flutters far less in wind than a free-hanging exterior blind. It gives protection from low sun, cuts wind, adds privacy and makes a patio heater noticeably more effective. It is available in a manual and a solar-powered version, each in sizes for 10', 13' and 16' openings.
All the external components are identical: aluminum cassette, guide rails, Serge Ferrari fabric, the CLIPzip retention system and the wind rating. The only difference is the drive. The manual version uses a spring mechanism in the cassette and is moved directly by hand, with no crank, pole or cord, so it needs no battery or remote and costs less. The solar version uses a 45 mm tubular motor and an internal 5,200 mAh battery charged by an 18 V / 5 W solar module, so there is no wiring or mains connection at the screen, and it is operated from the EG Pergola remote. Choose solar where the screen is hard to reach, where you want to move several screens at once, or where you want screens, louvers and lighting on one remote.
CLIPzip is the Plastex retention system used to hold the fabric. A continuous profile is welded along both edges of the fabric and runs inside the guide rails, which keeps the fabric taut over its full height and stops it being pulled out of the guides by wind. When closed, the screen behaves like a tensioned panel rather than a loose curtain.
Operating force stays low across the whole range. The 10' and 13' screens use one spring; the 16' screen uses two, one at each end, so movement stays even and light, and all three sizes are designed to be operated comfortably with one hand. The screen stays wherever you leave it: lower it part-way to block low afternoon sun, or close it fully for more wind protection and privacy.
The fabric is Serge Ferrari Soltis 7635, a technical composite made in France from 42% glass fibre and 58% PVC. It weighs 515 g/m² and is 0.73 mm thick, and the same fabric is used on the manual and solar versions. The glass-fibre core gives high dimensional stability and resists stretching, sagging and shrinking from heat and age. It carries fire classifications including B1 (DIN 4102), M1 and Euroclass C-s3,d0.
A 5% openness factor means only a small fraction of the fabric is actually open. From inside, you can still see out during the day. From outside, the view in is heavily reduced in daylight because it is brighter outside the pergola than inside. In the evening this reverses: with the pergola lit, silhouettes can become visible from outside. For full privacy after dark, the Sliding Shutter is the more closed solution.
Two standard fabric colours: Grigio (RAL 7037 grey) and Bianco (RAL 9003 white), the same colour on both faces. The cassette and guide rails are powder-coated with TIGER powder in the same Qualicoat-certified process as the pergola so they match the structure. The fabric colour is part of the composite material, not a surface print; Soltis 7635 was developed for permanent outdoor use and is also used on building facades and in textile architecture, so it is designed for long-term colour stability outdoors.
One screen per side or opening you want to close. On 10', 13' and 16' sides a single screen covers the whole side. On a 19'-deep pergola the centre post splits that side into two bays, so you need two screens there. If the centre post is installed offset, measure the actual bay widths after assembly and order the screens to suit.
Yes. The cassette and guide rails are identical on both versions, so the screens sit flush next to each other and look the same from outside. A common setup is a solar screen on the hard-to-reach sides and manual screens where they are easy to grab.
The system is rated wind resistance class 3 under EN 13561 and tested to EN 1932; the rating applies to both the manual and solar versions, since the aluminum parts and fabric are identical. Class 3 corresponds roughly to Beaufort 6, a strong breeze of about 39–49 km/h, and above that the screen should be raised. The rating applies to the screen itself, not to the pergola structure. The screens can otherwise stay installed year-round, including through winter; with the manual version you can push the screen up by hand at any time, since it needs no battery.
No water passes through the fabric itself when the screen is fully closed, but the screen is not a sealed wall. In driving rain, some moisture can get in at the sides or at the bottom where the screen meets the patio. The space under the pergola is much better protected, but not hermetically closed.
Yes on both counts. The mounting points are already built into the pergola profiles, so you can install the pergola without screens and add them later. The screen arrives assembled and the installation is far smaller than the pergola build; the manual version has no solar panel or motor to consider. The one exception is a 19' side with an offset centre post, where the bay widths need to be measured after the pergola is up before ordering. Use the installation guide for your configuration.
Clean the fabric with a soft cloth or sponge and a mild household cleaner, then rinse with clean water; it is easiest with the screen fully lowered. Keep the guide rails free of dirt, grit and leaves. The spring mechanism needs no regular servicing, adjustment or lubrication. If the fabric is damaged, it can be replaced on its own without changing the whole screen unit; replacement fabric for damage from use or impact is supplied at the cost of material and shipping, and you can fit it yourself.
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09 · 9 questions
Aluminum louvered sliding panels.
The Sliding Shutter is an adjustable louvered panel that slides sideways along the pergola. Each panel is 1 m (about 39") wide and has aluminum louvers whose angle you set by hand; the louvers carry a wood-look film in one standard finish, while the frame and guide rails come in the EG Pergola standard colours, so you get the look of wood without the upkeep. It is not a fixed wall but a movable element you park wherever sun or privacy screening is needed at that moment. Every panel comes with a top and bottom guide rail, chosen to suit the pergola side: 10', 11'6", 13' or 16'. It fits all EG Pergola louvered models.
A fixed louver in the middle divides each panel into an upper and a lower zone, each with its own adjustment mechanism. You can close the lower zone for privacy while keeping light and the view up top, or close only the upper zone against low afternoon sun and let air circulate below. No motor or remote is involved.
They solve different problems. The Screen Rollo is a fabric system that closes a whole opening evenly, filters light and disappears into its cassette when raised; it is the better choice for closing a side, cutting wind and holding heat in with a patio heater. The Sliding Shutter is aluminum, stays visible as a panel, and offers adjustable louvers, two independent zones and the ability to slide to exactly where the sun or a neighbour's window is a problem, with the look of wood louvers and none of the upkeep. Depending on the patio, both can be combined on one pergola.
Everything is manual. Each panel has two separate mechanisms, one for the upper zone and one for the lower, so each zone can be opened, closed or set to any angle independently. The panel itself slides by hand along its guide rail over the full rail length; on a 13' rail, for example, you can park it at one end or position it exactly where the sun or sightline is bothering you. It works equally well as a permanently positioned privacy screen or as a shade you move through the day and the seasons.
One set consists of a 1 m (39") panel plus its matching top and bottom guide rails in 10', 11'6", 13' or 16'. Each panel runs on its own pair of rails and slides independently of the others. Up to three panels can be installed side by side on one side of the pergola.
Up to about 10' of a side can be covered, since a maximum of three panels of 1 m each is planned per opening. On a 13' or 16' side there will always be an open section. The Sliding Shutter is intended for targeted sun and privacy screening; if you want a side closed completely, the Screen Rollo is the right product.
In strong wind, open the louvers so the wind passes through, and on an exposed side slide the panel to the end of the rail rather than leaving it mid-opening. The shutter has no wind class rating like the zip screens, so set it to the open position before the wind arrives. With the louvers closed a panel sheds water across its own 1 m width, but three panels give at most about 10' of side protection, so for rain protection along a full side the Screen Rollo is the better choice. The shutter stays installed year-round with no seasonal removal; leave the louvers open over winter so wind and snow have as little surface to push against as possible.
Yes to both. It can be fitted to a pergola that is already built; there is no need to order it with the pergola or prepare the pergola in any special way, though a later accessory order may carry separate shipping. Installation is straightforward: the guide rails bolt to the pergola frame and the panel is then inserted. It is a much smaller job than building the pergola. Use the installation guide for your configuration.
Clean the panel and rails with water and a mild detergent, and keep the rails clear of grit, dirt and leaves so the panel keeps sliding smoothly. The frame, rails and louvers are aluminum, with engineered plastic components in the two louver mechanisms for quiet, easy movement outdoors. The wood-look surface needs no special treatment, oiling or repainting.
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10 · 12 questions
The aluminum carport with LED lighting.
The carport is a freestanding aluminum structure with a fixed, insulated roof. The frame uses the same aluminum profiles, the same 6063-T6 alloy and the same Qualicoat-certified powder coating as the pergolas, in Anthracite RAL 7016 or White RAL 9010 (the Equa's metallic finishes are not offered on the carport). The difference is the roof: instead of adjustable louvers it has a closed insulated sandwich panel that keeps the vehicle permanently sheltered. LED lighting is included as standard, and rainwater is collected in a perimeter gutter and drained down through the posts. See the product page for current pricing.
A louvered pergola can certainly be used over a parking space, but a carport has a different job: the vehicle should stay dry permanently without anyone managing light or ventilation through a movable roof. That is why the carport uses a fixed insulated roof with no motor, no remote and no moving roof mechanism. Because aluminum does not rust and never needs oiling or painting like wood, the powder-coated frame only needs an occasional wash. Note that the carport is offered only as a freestanding structure; if you want a cover attached directly to the house, the wall-mounted pergolas are the option, but with a louvered roof rather than an insulated fixed one.
The carport is offered as a 19' × 19' double for two vehicles, with a centre row of posts dividing the area into two bays. The usable clearance under the gutter is 2,500 mm (about 8'2"), and the overall height is 2,743 mm (about 9'0"), which may matter for your building department. Before ordering, measure your vehicle at its highest point, including roof rails, roof box, bike rack or antenna.
The double carport has two bays, each about 9'7" clear width. That is comfortable for two ordinary cars; with especially wide vehicles, allow for the space needed to open the doors. If you regularly use child seats, load from the side or park two large SUVs, it is worth marking out the bays with a tape measure on your existing driveway before you order.
The roof is built from insulated sandwich panels with a 50 mm PIR foam core between coated steel skins. Above the core is a 35 mm trapezoidal profile, for a total panel depth of 85 mm. The panels are each about 3'3" × 10' and are joined together; the thermal transmittance is roughly 0.44 W/m²K. The insulation reduces heat build-up under the roof in summer, noise in heavy rain, and condensation.
The 10'-long panels are laid in the direction the water flows, so the joints run parallel to the run-off rather than across it, and each joint is closed with a purpose-made sealing connector; rainwater never has to cross a transverse butt joint. The water is then collected in a gutter running around the roof, carried through concealed drains inside the posts and released at ground level. No external downspouts are needed, and water is not dumped off the roof edge onto the area where car doors open and people get in and out.
The roof is a fixed surface, so snow can accumulate on it. Clear heavy build-ups before they compact, using only plastic or wooden tools, never hard or sharp-edged metal ones that could damage the coated surfaces. Also keep the perimeter gutter free of leaves and debris so meltwater can drain. Beyond that, no seasonal removal is needed; the carport stays up all year.
The sandwich panels can in principle carry a solar array, but we do not currently supply a mounting system or an approved fastening guide. If you are planning solar, agree the fastening method and the extra load with us and your solar installer before ordering. Penetrating the roof panel without an agreed method can compromise the seal and the roof warranty.
Carports and parking covers are often regulated differently from patio covers, and the rules vary between Canadian municipalities. The double carport covers about 36 m² (388 sq ft), with a 2,500 mm (8'2") clearance and a 2,743 mm (9'0") overall height. Check these figures with your local building department before ordering. We can supply dimensioned technical drawings and the product data sheet for your application.
The base must be level, load-bearing and permanently stable, and of course able to carry the vehicles as well. Typical solutions are an adequately sized concrete slab or properly laid pavers on a compacted sub-base. Loose gravel and freshly placed fill are not suitable. Full base and footing requirements are in the assembly manual.
Yes, LED lighting is standard on the carport, not an optional extra. The wiring inside the structure is pre-prepared; the final connection to your home's electrical system should be made by a licensed electrician on a circuit as required by local code. Plan the supply route before assembly if you can, since getting into a post afterwards is considerably more work.
Partly. A screen can be fitted across a 10'-wide end opening; the long sides stay open. This keeps air moving around the vehicle and deliberately sets the carport apart from a closed garage. For the same reason, no heater is offered for the carport.
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11 · 3 questions
Infrared heating and LED lighting.
One Aura 2,500 W infrared heater covers roughly up to 15 m² (about 160 sq ft), assuming the sides are closed with zip screens or shutters. With a fully open pergola a large share of the heat escapes sideways. If you want to use the patio in the cold months, plan the heater and the side screening together. Mount the heater high and angle it inward toward the seating area; it can be operated from the same remote as the louvers on the motorized models.
In practice, yes, if you want the space to feel noticeably warmer in the cold season. The 2,500 W rating of the Aura assumes closed or sheltered sides; on a completely open pergola much of the heat is lost to the sides. Screens are the better choice for this: a Sliding Shutter covers at most about 10' of an opening and its louvers never form a fully closed surface, so it is not the ideal way to hold heat in.
The Equa comes with LED lighting integrated into the profile, in 3000 K warm white, controlled from the same remote as the louvers. The Piano has no lighting as standard; the LED kit for Piano is available as an option and can be added later, with the final electrical connection made by a licensed electrician.
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