Frequently asked questions

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

Yes. The automatic louvers rotate around its axis (rotation up to 165 degrees). You can rotate them to position to allow different angles of sun and control the shade. Each bay of the automatic Vergola® roof system can be adjusted individually. In installations with multiple bays, you can have different areas depending of the inclination angle of the louvers in each bay.

How does the Vergola® control system work?

The remote control system for your Vergola® may be hand-held or wall-mounted as preferred. It connects electronically to a control box, which is usually located in a concealed place where an automatically recharged backup battery also provides operation of the systems during temporary mains power cuts. The rain sensor is activated to shut the louvers with the first drops of rain. The rain sensor can be deactivated, but the system will be reactivate again after one hour.

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

There is no limitation to the size of a Vergola® roof system – it can comprise any number of bays. Each bay has a maximum dimension of 19' 8" by 11' 9", and up to 8 bays can be controlled by a single control system/remote control. Roof systems comprising of more than 8 bays have multiple controllers.

What designs of Vergola® roof systems are there?

The shape and design of your Vergola® is limited only by your 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 with alternate orientations – whatever enhances your environment and suits your circumstances.

IS My Vergola® energy efficient?

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

What can I put underneath my Vergola®?

We could say “The sky is the limit” because you can of course see it when your 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, barbecues, carports, restaurants, cafes, and terraces, etc. However, you must remember that you are fitting an outdoor space and 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 in to your Vergola® covered area (as well as sunlight, breezes, bird song, and flower perfumes, of course). Care should be taken when first opening your Vergola® after a time of use, as it may shed debris or moisture that has accumulated during the time it has been closed.

If you plan to put gas radiant heaters under the Vergola®, please discuss with our technical salesmen. These heaters are often used, but a minimum clearance will protect your Vergola® from damage.

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

We have our own designers to help inspire you how to best cover your area. Of course they have a lot of experience with Vergola®. Increasingly, architects and interior designers in the US are becoming familiar with the Vergola® as a roofing option and are getting to know the product.

How long does it take to install a Vergola®?

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. Estimated time for 1 bay system is 2 days, and for a 3 bay system, an estimated 4 days. Larger installations or special circumstances may extend this time; our technical salesman will provide a timing estimate when preparing your quotation.

Is my Vergola® rain-proof?

Yes. Under normal weather conditions, even steady rain, your Vergola® itself will not let rain in. In light rain, the louvers can remain partially open for ventilation if you wish, but for heavier rain, the fully closed position will block out rain with the louvers overlapping each other. As these panels are usually installed horizontally, they may drop water from the middle parts of the screen, as well as the ends, especially when it is opened after a 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 louvers or around the guttering. Above all, it should be remembered that a Vergola® is not and cannot be as waterproof as a conventional fixed and tiled roof. Whilst your open Vergola® brings the benefits of an “indoor-outdoor area”, it is not 100% proof against severe weather conditions.

How does the rain sensor work?

The Vergola® electronic control system includes a rain sensor and the control system is normally programed to close the louvers when rain is detected. The sensor is very sensitive to protect against the first drops of rain. This means it may be triggered, for example, by a heavy mist or dew or putting a wet hand over it. The rain sensor operates as the windscreen of some cars, it activates automatically when detecting humidity on the glass.

The rain detector can be over-ridden. This is important when the Vergola® is being cleaned, but we also find some clients want to let in rain water, for example to water pot plants on a covered terrace. A warning light shows if the rain detector is disabled.

Will I need to install rain gutters for my Vergola®?

With the Vergola® roof system, the gutter has drains located in the lowest points, where the water collected by the louvers will drain. This rainwater is then directed down through pipes to drain or storage to be used again. If your Vergola® is located in a position where runoff 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 runoff, but not additional load that may fall (perhaps from some height and at some speed) from an overhanging roof.

How does a Vergola® manage in strong winds?

Vergolas were designed in Australia for its harsh weather conditions which frequently include winds of tropical hurricane strength. The relevant Australian building standard 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 design of structures). To illustrate the confidence of the Australian company, they have installed a Vergola® on the waterfront in Darwin in the tropical far north of Australia, often the location 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.

What if it freezes?

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

Can I use a Vergola® next to the sea?

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

What is a vergola® made from?

The main component of a Vergola® is its patented, aerofoil-shaped louvers which are manufactured in Australia using a strong, multi-coated steel product called Colorbond®. 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); but the material has been successfully tested for up to 1,000 hours of continuous salt-water spray. The louvers 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, in some instances, BlueScope® Zincalume®.

what colours are available?

Vergola® roofing systems are available in a range of Colorbond® colors - Surfmist, Classic Cream, Paperbark, Shell Grey, Woodland Grey and a new metallic Cosmic that provides an aluminum type finish.

If clients wish to have another color, a complete range is available through powder-coating the louvers and other components. However in this case, we can only pass on the length of guarantee offered by the local powder-coating company, which is typically around 2 years.

How do you clean a vergola®?

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 be used to remove bird droppings and other debris. We find that clients with installations such as patios with garden furniture, or outdoor cafes, tend to hose down their Vergola® 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.

If your Vergola® is installed over a sensitive area (such as delicate fabric, electronics, or a kitchen) then using a hose or uncontrolled spray is not an option, and more care must be taken. With the louvers set to vertical, both sides can be cleaned with a damp mop on a pole. The rain sensor should still be switched off so that the louvers do not unexpectedly close.

what other maintenance is required?

Essentially none. 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 make sure the rain sensor is kept uncovered and free of fallen debris.