Aluminium carport or pergola – which is better?

Owners of individual houses who like to spend time on the terrace will unanimously agree that a comfortable terrace needs a roof. Many people don’t realise this right away, so the roof is not thought of at the initial stage of designing and installing the terrace. However, the experience of living in your own house makes it necessary to come back to this question later and decide on a roof for your terrace.

One of the drivers for installing a roof on a terrace is the changing climatic conditions. We live in Lithuania, where we can feel the meteorological peculiarities of the four seasons physically. But even in summer, an open terrace can be seasonal: one day the sun may be blazing, the next a strong wind, the next a torrential downpour. There are times when all these phenomena come together in one day. Therefore, a roof terrace not only extends the enjoyment of the warm season, but also provides protection from all kinds of natural phenomena, without disrupting the family’s leisure time.

What should I consider when choosing a terrace roof?

There are a number of options available to increase the functionality of the terrace. The professionals at MDS Terasos Terrace Centre offer aluminium awnings or pergolas for those thinking of installing a terrace roof. But what are the criteria for choosing one or the other?

Practicality

A pitched roof is always the first option – to match existing roof pitches in terms of aesthetics and our climate – the roof needs to be robust and able to withstand the potential stresses of rainy weather. This is what the Stuttgart aluminium carport combined with a polycarbonate cover makes possible. In this case, the light above the shop windows is not lost, but the terrace is protected from rain and the 16 mm polycarbonate coating withstands snow storms in winter. An aluminium carport is a practical and low-maintenance solution.

Modernity

Modernity and aesthetics are other criteria for choosing a terrace roof option. As well as being made of quality materials and requiring little practical maintenance, it is important that the terrace roof blends in seamlessly with its surroundings and fits into the overall architectural ensemble. In this case, the aesthetic appearance of the shelter and the integration of smart systems are worth paying attention to, and a bioclimatic pergola is advisable for a modern aesthetic solution.

Functionality

Although at first glance a patio awning looks very simple, its design is not lacking in functional solutions, for example aluminium awnings and pergolas have a built-in invisible rainwater drainage system. The functionality of the pergolas is further enhanced by manual or automatic roof control and LED lighting. Side curtains (sliding or fixed) are available for both aluminium awnings and pergolas. Therefore, when choosing a patio awning, it is worth thinking in advance about the functionality you might need now or in the future.

Spatiality

The choice of a terrace roof can also be influenced by the location of the property. It is worth taking into account the characteristics of the outdoor space and the position of the terrace in relation to the cardinal directions. If the terrace is located on the south side of the house, the primary purpose of the awning will be to provide shade from the hot sun during the day. Conversely, if the terrace is located on a side of the house where there is little sunlight or where natural light is blocked by the shadows of objects or plants, you’ll want to make sure that the roof blocks as little of the sunlight as possible. If there are neighbouring properties close to the terrace, you may want to buffer against them with side covers, which can be installed in aluminium canopies and pergolas.

Stability

The stability of a terrace roof is ensured by its construction and the materials it is made of. It is therefore worth paying attention to the materiality of the roof covering and supporting structures. Equally important are the fixings and the control system, as well as the possibility of installing and dismantling the terrace canopies.

So, aluminium carport or pergola? Different needs – different choices

Aluminium carport “Stuttgart” – the practical choice

The aluminium carport Stuttgart is made of robust, high-quality aluminium profiles and is stable and extremely durable. The durable aluminium structure has an integrated invisible rainwater drainage system: a solid gutter with a rigid lip and polyethylene pipes for the rainwater drainage system. Aluminium profiles are manufactured using special technologies that provide protection against external factors and weathering, making the structure maintenance-free and long-lasting. The aluminium carport roof is made of a premium 16 mm channelled polycarbonate coating. It has a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The light colours of the cladding help to maintain light transmission and a sense of open space, while protecting against external influences. If required, stationary walls or sliding glass systems can be installed. The Stuttgart canopy is ideal for terrace owners who value quality and stability.

Nida carport – luxurious comfort

The bioclimatic pergola “Nida” has many advantages and is distinguished from other permanently roofed pergolas primarily by its transformable, remote-controlled roof. Opening the roof slats allows the desired amount of fresh air, light and sunlight to enter, or the roof can be closed completely to avoid precipitation and hot sunlight. The pergola roof slats are designed to withstand a snow load of 60 ^kg/m2 and are therefore suitable for the winter season. In the event of heavy snow, it is recommended that the blades are removed or kept open vertically.

The pergola structure itself also has many advantages: lightweight aluminium beams with a high-quality powder-coated finish, durable fixings and special gutters for draining off accumulated water. Remote-controlled curtains – fabric roller blinds – can be integrated into the pergola frame. The pergola is also mobile and quick to assemble. It is an easy-to-assemble and dismantle structure that does not require a building permit.

The choice of the Nida pergola will be particularly useful if you are looking for aesthetic solutions for your outdoor space. A subtle design combined with functionality and quality materials, it is designed for people who appreciate a modern, authentic and comfortable outdoor seating area.

Clearly, when planning a patio shelter, it is important to familiarise oneself with the solutions available on the market and to properly assess their compatibility with the vision of the outdoor space. It is worth taking professional help when making a decision. “MDS Terasos professionals provide competent advice on the installation of awnings, look into individual needs, professionally analyse the specifics of the terrace and the overall building project and help you choose the most suitable solution.