Louvred Pergola, Fabric Roof or Conservatory? Patio Roofs Compared

A patio roof turns your terrace into a second living room: shaded from the sun, sheltered from the rain and usable from spring well into autumn. The choice is wide – from an open pergola to a fully glazed conservatory. We explain the differences and help you decide.

Pergola with a louvred roof

A louvred roof is the most flexible solution. The rotating aluminium louvres can be adjusted continuously: open for sunshine and fresh air, angled for pleasant shade or – fully closed – as protection from rain. Rainwater drains away through integrated gutters and posts. With a motor plus rain and wind sensors, the roof reacts to the weather on its own.

Pergola with a fabric roof

On a pergola with a fabric roof, a weather-resistant fabric extends and retracts along guide rails. Extended, it provides shade and keeps the rain off; retracted, it opens up the view of the sky. This option is usually less expensive than a louvred roof and looks particularly light.

Conservatory

A conservatory is a fully glazed extension. As an unheated conservatory it extends the outdoor season; as a heated conservatory it becomes a living space – with correspondingly high demands on insulation, ventilation and sun shading. It is the most complex and most expensive solution.

Structural design, snow load and permits

Every patio roof must safely carry wind and snow loads. The permissible load depends on the snow and wind load zone at your location, which is why we design our pergolas with structural calculations that take the local snow load into account. Whether you need a building permit or only a notification depends on the size and type of the structure and on local regulations – if in doubt, ask your local building authority.

Extras for more comfort

• Side screens: vertical fabric blinds protect against low sun, wind and prying eyes.
• Glass sliding walls: they close the sides of the pergola and extend the season.
• LED lighting: integrated into the louvres or the frame – for atmospheric evenings.
• Smart home: control the roof, lighting and screens conveniently via app or remote control.

Aluminium pergolas from Aristofenster

Our pergolas are made of powder-coated aluminium in the RAL colour of your choice – with a louvred or fabric roof. They are rust-free, durable and easy to maintain. Find out more on our Pergolas page. For large glazed openings to the garden, we recommend our article on lift-and-slide and tilt-and-slide doors.