If you want to spend quality time with your friends and family while enjoying the fresh air and warm sun rays, you are surely thinking about sprucing up your outdoor space. From deciding whether you want a deck, patio or pergola and picking the right flooring materials to installing features like a fire pit and equipping the area to be cosy and inviting, there are many aspects you have to dedicate time to in order to create a truly serene space where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
However, while enjoying the sunlight can be beneficial in more ways than one as it helps the body produce vitamin D which plays a vital role in many bodily functions, the sun can sometimes be annoying and even dangerous. With that in mind, you also want to think about adding some type of roof to your outdoor space. One kind you should certainly consider is a louvred opening roof system. But what is it and are there different types? Read on to learn more and decide which opening roof would work best for your outdoor area.
How does an opening roof system work?
For starters, you should understand how an opening roof system work. This type of roof will provide you with shade thanks to the series of blades that are easy to open and close. Typically used for outdoor lounge and entertainment areas, louvre roofs are perfect for when you need to control the amount of sunlight you get during the day. As the individual louvres can move almost 180 degrees, you will be able to control how much light is coming in through the shutters. Furthermore, they also provide you with ventilation and protection from the elements.
A louvred roof can be installed over a veranda, patio or freestanding pergola while this type of system can also be added to sides of buildings and around windows as a way of lowering heating and cooling costs. In case you’re wondering whether you should opt for a louvred roof over a retractable one, keep in mind that this type is very simple to clean and can create a highly sophisticated outdoor space for you and your family.
What types of opening roof systems exist?
When it comes to types of opening roof systems, there are several aspects that you want to take into account when deciding which one to install in your home.
First of all, you need to take the louvre blade shape into consideration. You will probably be able to choose from a few types when picking the style of your opening roof system. Shapes typically include rectangular and aerofoil blades. Rectangular ones are the most popular as they create a flat surface when closed. On the other hand, aerofoil blades are usually chosen when the owners think a rippled look would better suit the property. As you can see, this mostly depends on the effect you want to create. However, when selecting the blades, you also need to think about spans, wind loadings and snow loadings. Fortunately, if you opt for the right supplier, this is something that their specialists can help you with.
The next decision you will have to make concerns the finish of the blades. The most popular type of finish is powder coating, which comes in a wide array of colours. What is more, you can even get a customised colour that will ensure the roof fits nicely into your outdoor space. Another finishing option available is anodising. The pro of opting for anodising is the fact that it is harder wearing than powder coating but it is also more costly and the number of colours available is limited.
Then, you also need to think about whether you want an electrically or manually operable roof system. While a manually operable system you would have to open and close on your own, an electronic-opening louvre roof can be adjusted with a touch of a button. You can choose if you’ll get a fixed wall switch, a remote or both. Furthermore, keep in mind that the automatic models can also be fitted with rain sensors. This can be especially handy if you choose to equip your outdoor space with soft furnishing as then your belongings will not be soaked if the weather changes unexpectedly while you are not home. Additionally, if you’re worried about the price, you should also know that the difference is minimal as the cost of labour and materials are quite similar for both options. However, there is also the option of stationary louvres, which cannot be opened and closed once installed. Although these are set at a carefully chosen angle, a mistake can make your outdoor space less cosy and convenient.
If you’re looking to create an outdoor space for your family, there are many aspects you have to take into consideration. Make sure you don’t overlook the importance of having a roof over your head.