Pergola with polycarbonate roof
Polycarbonate: the ideal material for a pergola
Numerous materials can be used to construct the roof of a pergola. These include glass, PVC, Plexiglas, aluminium and polycarbonate. The latter, which is durable and resistant, offers good value for money and has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Polycarbonate is an extremely strong plastic material. It is made up of several transparent sheets on top of each other and is half the weight of glass. It is flame resistant and does not deform.
Polycarbonate comes in two forms:
- cellular polycarbonate is the most commonly used and strongest, often with UV protection;
- corrugated polycarbonate sheets are less attractive.
The different types of polycarbonate pergolas
The polycarbonate pergola with opening roof
The polycarbonate pergola with fixed roof
Colour & style
Colours, cornices, offset posts... below you will find the customisation solutions that we offer.
Colour:
Personnalisation :
The lighting
- LED spotlights or LED perimeter strips: the choice is yours to extend your evenings and add colour to your terrace.
- Low-consumption LED lighting with dimmer (depending on the type of pergola) to adjust the brightness according to the desired ambience.
- Lighting that is easy to control using the pergola remote control or a wall switch (depending on the type of pergola).
The equipment
Front protection, Protect option... our design office has studied several options to make your pergola more comfortable.
How does Akena help you and assess your budget?
The cost of your project depends on numerous parameters, particularly the dimensions and the equipment you wish to add to your project.
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Is it possible to install a polycarbonate roof yourself?
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It is possible to attach your polycarbonate sheets yourself. However, it is strongly recommended that you call in a professional pergola installer. The installation of the roof of your pergola will be guaranteed and customised.
Installing a polycarbonate roof
If you feel like a bit of DIY, here are a few tips to help you easily install your polycarbonate roof:
- the sheets are mainly fixed on horizontal or vertical surfaces. So don't even think about installing polycarbonate on a sloping roof;
- you can cut the sheets with a circular saw. Polycarbonate is very strong and will not crack;
- place the UV-resistant side facing outwards. You can add a solar film;
- the polycarbonate sheet fits into the existing edge profile.
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What are the characteristics of an aluminium and polycarbonate pergola?
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Polycarbonate is the most suitable material for an aluminium pergola. It is robust yet lightweight. In addition, a pergola with a polycarbonate roof protects you from the sun's rays. The heat is reduced and the light is preserved. As for bad weather, the polycarbonate sheets are perfectly waterproof. So you can enjoy your lean-to or freestanding pergola all year round!
Now let's discover the advantages and disadvantages of a polycarbonate pergola roof.
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What are the advantages of polycarbonate?
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Polycarbonate has more advantages than disadvantages for a pergola roof. This material has a higher elasticity than other plastics and is revolutionising the roofing of garden sheds!
The advantages of polycarbonate
Polycarbonate has more advantages than disadvantages for a pergola roof. This material has a higher elasticity than other plastics and is revolutionising the roofing of garden sheds!
An economic advantage
A polycarbonate-roofed pergola is ideal for those on a tight budget. With an average price ranging from €15 to €35 per square metre, this material is less expensive than double glazing or aluminium sandwich panels.
Impact resistance
Used in the manufacture of riot shields, polycarbonate is extremely resistant. It is 250 times stronger than glass and virtually unbreakable. It is therefore perfectly suited for building a secure pergola roof.
Fire resistance
Polycarbonate is self-extinguishing. It is very difficult to ignite this material, which extinguishes itself as soon as it is no longer in contact with the fire. Once again, this effectiveness against aggression is ideal for building a roof.
A lightness
Like aluminium, polycarbonate is a light and flexible material. It can be easily cut, drilled, folded or polished without the risk of cracking. You can therefore adapt the size of the sheets to the surface to be covered with complete peace of mind.
A very good thermal insulator
As the pergola is designed to provide protection from the sun and heat, polycarbonate is a real asset. It provides a pleasant greenhouse effect while blocking the sun's rays. It can be treated with an anti-UV coating and have a solar filter for optimal comfort. In summer, your guests and your plants will flourish. In winter, this insulating roof will keep the cold at bay.
A durable material
Polycarbonate is prized for its durability. Depending on its thickness and the number of cells it contains, its lifespan is around 15 years. It is also fully recyclable.
Quick installation
A polycarbonate roof is quick and easy to install, provided you have the right equipment. Installed by a pergola specialist, it allows you to quickly build a waterproof covering that does not let a single drop of rain through.
Easy maintenance
Maintaining polycarbonate is as simple as maintaining your aluminium pergola. The roof should be cleaned twice a year with soapy water and a cloth, at the same time as the structure. If your pergola is installed near trees, remember to remove dead leaves in late autumn to keep the light coming in.
A material that does not yellow
Unlike Plexiglas, polycarbonate does not yellow. This is due to its flexibility, which prevents it from hardening. Moreover, it is not affected by climatic hazards and, above all, the sun's rays, thanks to the UV treatment that polycarbonate sheets undergo.
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What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate?
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Polycarbonate has 2 disadvantages.
Less light
Polycarbonate is a plastic material and is translucent. It allows less light through than transparent glass. However, a certain amount of light is retained and the pergola is protected from the heat of the sun.
Sensitivity to scratches
Although it is ultra-resistant, polycarbonate is sensitive to scratches, but they can be removed by polishing the roof.
Ask for an Akena adviser to visit you at home
To find out more about polycarbonate roof pergolas, get in touch with the Akena advisers. After studying your needs and your budget, they will be able to advise you on the most suitable model and the best options for your project. They will also give you information on the price of this outdoor equipment.
Our other styles
Discover all the pergolas on offer below, they are endless, as extensive as Akena's expertise.
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