FAQS ABOUT
VERGOLA LOUVRE SYSTEMS

Can I adjust the automatic Vergola roof to control the sun and shade?

Yes. The automatic louvres rotate around their axis (rotation up to 165 degrees). You can put them in any position to allow different angles of sun, so you can control the shade. Each bay of the automatic Vergola® Roof System can be adjusted individually; that is, in installations with multiple bays, you can have different areas depending on the inclination angle of the louvres in each bay.

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How do the Vergola control systems work?

The remote control system for the Vergola® may be hand-held or wall-mounted as preferred. It connects electronically to a control box, usually located in a concealed place, where an automatically recharging backup battery also powers the systems during temporary mains power cuts. The rain sensor is set to close the louvres at the first drops of rain. The rain sensor can be deactivated, but the system will reactivate after one hour.

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What is the maximum area that a Vergola roof can cover?

There is no limitation to the size of a Vergola® roof, which can comprise any number of bays. Each bay has a maximum dimension of 6 by 3.6 metres, and up to 8 bays can be controlled by a single control system/remote control. Roofs comprising more than 8 bays have multiple controllers.

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What designs of Vergola roofs are there?

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The shape and design of a Vergola® roof is limited only by imagination. Typical installations can be flat, pitched or gabled; free-standing or attached to another building. Individual Vergola® bays can be interspersed with other roof coverings or installed in alternate orientations—whatever enhances your environment and suits your circumstances.

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Are Vergolas energy efficient?

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Yes, the double-skinned louvres provide both thermal insulation and sound reduction. The adjustable louvres help to reduce heating and cooling costs by controlling the amount of direct sunlight falling on exposed windows and walls. The Vergola® keeps the space beneath cooler in summer and, in winter, can trap natural warmth from the sun, as well as protect against wind and rain.

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What can I put underneath my Vergola?

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We could say “The sky is the limit” because you can, of course, see it when the Vergola® is open! But it is really up to your imagination – we can show you example installations above green areas, paved areas, outdoor furniture, indoor furnishings, kitchens, play areas, swimming pools, barbeques, carports, restaurants and cafe terraces, etc. You must remember that you are fitting an outdoor space, but it remains exterior, this means that dust, leaves, moisture, insects and all the other things that make the outdoors what it is – may find it easier to get into your Vergola®– covered area (as well, of course, as sunlight, breezes, bird song, flower perfumes…). Care should be taken when first opening your Vergola® after a period of use, as it may shed debris or moisture that has accumulated while it was closed. If you plan to install gas radiant heaters under the Vergola®, please discuss this with our technical sales team. These heaters are often used, but a minimum clearance will protect your Vergola® from damage.

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Can I have some help with the design of my Vergola?

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We have our own designers to help you with ideas on the best way to cover an area. Of course, they have a lot of experience with Vergolas. Increasingly, architects and interior designers in Australia are becoming familiar with the Vergola® as a roofing option and are getting to know the product.

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How long does it take to install a Vergola?

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Of course, this depends on the skills, help and tools available. But in our experience, we can say that once the support framework is completed, with a professional dedicating a full day, it can take one day per bay system plus one more day. The estimated time for a 1-bay system is 2 days, and for a 3-bay system, it is 4 days. Larger installations or special circumstances may extend this time; our technical salesman will provide a timing estimate when preparing your quotation.

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Is the Vergola rainproof?

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Yes. Under normal weather conditions, even steady rain, the Vergola® roof itself will not let in rain. In light rain, the louvres can remain partially open for ventilation if you wish, but in the fully closed position – for heavier rain – the louvres overlap with each other. As these panels are usually installed horizontally, they may drip water from the middle and ends of the screen, especially when it is opened after rainfall. But rainproof does not mean totally waterproof – remember a Vergola® is an adjustable, opening roof. Low-angle, high-pressure jets of water can force themselves between the louvres or around the guttering. Above all, it should be remembered that a Vergola® roof is not and cannot be as waterproof as a conventional fixed and tiled roof. On the other hand, a Vergola® opens, bringing the benefits of an “indoor-outdoor area”, but this means it is not 100% proof against severe weather conditions.

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How does the rain sensor work?

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The Vergola® electronic control system includes a rain sensor and is normally programmed to close the louvres when rain is detected. The sensor is very sensitive so as to protect against the first drops of rain. This means it may be triggered, for example, by heavy mist or dew, or by putting a wet hand over it. The rain sensor operates like the windscreen of some cars; it activates automatically when it detects moisture on the glass. The rain detector can be overridden. This is important when the Vergola® is being cleaned, but we also find some clients want to let in rainwater, for example to water potted plants on a covered terrace. A warning light shows if the rain detector is disabled.

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Will I need to install rain gutters for my Vergola?

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With the Roof System, the gutter has drains located in the lowest points, where the water collected by the louvres will drain. This rainwater is then directed through pipes to a drain or storage for reuse. If your Vergola® is located in a position where run-off from an existing roof may fall onto it, you may wish to consider installing additional guttering on your existing roof. This will depend upon what level of rain protection you require in the area beneath the Vergola®. The Vergola® roofing system is designed to handle its own rainwater run-off, but not additional load that may fall (perhaps from some height and at some speed) from an overhanging roof.

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How does a Vergola manage in strong winds?

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Vergolas were designed in Australia for its harsh weather conditions, which frequently include winds of tropical cyclone strength. The relevant Australian building standards with which Vergolas comply are AS1562 (which sets out the requirements for design and installation of self-supporting metal roofs) and AS1170.2 (which sets out requirements for wind loads used in the design of structures). To demonstrate their confidence, the Australian company has installed a Vergola® system on the waterfront in Darwin, in the tropical far north of Australia, which is often the site of severe cyclonic storms. In the Mediterranean climate, the sturdy construction of the Vergola® means that it can easily resist the Levante, Sirocco and other winds year after year without ripping, tearing or flapping, unlike a canvas or fabric cover.

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What if it freezes?

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If snow has fallen, and particularly if it has frozen, then it should be cleared off before attempting to operate the louvres. If you install a Vergola® in areas of snowfall and local weather forecasts predict ’heavy snow, leave the louvres in an open position to avoid problems with the weight of the snow.

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Can I use a Vergola next to the sea?

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Yes. A lot of installations in Australia are close to the sea, and many are built on absolute waterfronts. Maintenance guidelines suggest that Vergolas subject to direct salt-water spray should be washed down with fresh water weekly, or after a heavy storm, just as recommended for any waterfront construction, boat etc.

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What is a Vergola made from?

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The main component of a Vergola® is its patented, aerofoil-shaped louvres, which are manufactured in Australia using a strong, multi-coated steel product called Colorbond® or high-quality Australian-made aluminium. In environments close to the sea, it is recommended that the roof is washed down with fresh water at least once a month (a good rainfall will do the job); however, the material has been successfully tested for up to 1,000 hours of continuous salt-water spray. The louvres have no moving parts in the bearings, ensuring many years of virtually maintenance-free operation, apart from the occasional clean. We manufacture the guttering systems locally using Colorbond® or powder-coated aluminium depending on design and aspect.

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What colours are available?

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Vergola® roofs are available in a range of standard Colorbond colours; however, if a client requires a specific colour, powder-coated extruded aluminium blades allow for a complete colour spectrum, with applicable powder-coat supplier warranties.

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What other maintenance is required?

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Very little. Batteries in the remote controllers should be replaced periodically. If you are in an area where sand or leaves blow onto the Vergola®, it’s a good idea to clean out the integral gutters from time to time, as you would with any gutter. The motors and control systems are sealed and require no maintenance. It’s a good idea to keep the rain sensor clean, free of moss and fallen debris, and uncovered.

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How do you clean a Vergola?

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The easiest way to clean a Vergola® is to gently wash it down with a garden hose. Occasional rain will do the job for you, but otherwise gentle mopping (with car body detergent, if appropriate) can remove bird droppings and other debris. We find that clients with installations such as patios, garden furniture or outdoor cafes tend to hose down their Vergolas at the same time as they are washing down the rest of the area. The rain sensor will need to be switched off, of course. Where Vergolas are installed over sensitive areas (such as delicate fabrics, electronics or kitchens) then using a hose or uncontrolled spray is not an option, and more care must be taken. With the louvres set to vertical, both sides can be cleaned with a damp mop on a pole. The rain sensor should remain switched off so the louvres do not close unexpectedly.