Deep Dive into Retractable Roofs, What Are They and Why Are They So Popular?*

Looking to upgrade your garden space so you can have an outdoor structure to enjoy the sunshine and be covered from the rain at the same time? Retractable roofs are the answer. Not sure what retractable roofs are? Let’s dive into it!

As Designed Shade Solutions explain on their website, these structures, also known as outdoor pergolas, are “designed to protect outdoor terraces in changing weather conditions.”

You might have heard of pergolas before, or you might have not. Pergolas are open structures that support a roofing grip of beams and rafters. An article on The Spruce compares and contrasts pergolas with other outdoor structures to better understand what a pergola really is.

Is a pergola similar to an arbour? Or maybe comparable to a gazebo? These three structures are sometimes associated together as they are all outdoor structures, however, they are all very different from each other.

For instance, arbours are simple and small freestanding structures which are placed along pathways and walkways in gardens. These are also known as garden arches as they feature curved edges and are commonly used as wedding arches.

Gazebos are larger outdoor structures more comparable to a hut as these are hexagonal, octagonal or round in shape feature a roof. A lot of gazebos have a built-in seating area which is closed off by latticework.

Pergolas differ from both structures above in many ways. Firstly, pergolas are often attached to houses, plus are large outdoor structures that feature flat lattice-styled roofs, which are supported by posts/columns.

So, what’s the difference between standard lattice-styled roof pergolas and retractable roof pergolas? Good question. The first type of pergola is the standard pergola most commonly used, however, the main disadvantage of this type of pergola is the fact that it lacks shade and it isn’t rainproof.

This is where retractable roof pergolas come in handy – a modern and functional solution to this problem. Retractable roof pergolas allow “you to sit in shade or sun in hot weather but immediately change to a fully waterproof pergola rood if it starts to rain.” As Designer Shade Solutions mentions.

If you are looking to get a retractable roof pergola for your outdoor area, look no further, visit Designer Shade Solutions at https://designershadesolutions.co.uk/ today and see their full range of pergolas available.