Wondering what type of pergola to choose so you don't have to worry about wind, rain and heat? Find out which patio pergolas are really durable and what the structure must have to last for years to come.

What type of pergola will work best in Polish conditions? If you're looking for a durable solution that can withstand rain, snow and strong wind, it's worth looking not only at the material, but also at the quality of construction and installation. In this guide, we compare the most popular types of pergolas and suggest what to look for in order to choose a solid structure.

What affects the durability of a pergola?

The durability of a pergola is influenced by many technical and performance factors. Key ones are:

• quality of construction materials (thickness of aluminium profiles, grade of wood, quality of polycarbonate),
  
• security selection (powder coating, protective varnishes, drainage systems),
  
• installation method (chemical anchors, foundation slabs),
  
• completeness of the solution (e.g. trims on polycarbonate),
  
• functionality (whether the roof is airtight, whether it protects against snow, whether it has drains).
  

A well-designed and properly installed pergola will last for many seasons without the need for renovation.

Aluminium - durability of construction depends on profiles and type of alloy

There are two main types on the Polish market aluminium pergolas: lightweight, thin-walled market constructions and robust modular systems made from pressed profiles.  In contrast to thin, bent sheet, extruded aluminium is thick, rigid and resistant to deformation. It will not loosen, crack or rust. It can be powder coated, so it retains its aesthetic appearance for many years without the need for maintenance. Powder coating of aluminium also influences resistance - it protects in particular against UV radiation and corrosion.

If you want a pergola that can withstand wind, rain and time - pay attention to whether the structure is precisely made of extruded aluminium. This is one of the key indicators of quality.

It is worth noting what the construction is made of.

Extruded aluminium pergolas are the most durablewith a wall thickness of 3-5 mm, powder-coated and system-bonded. Extruded aluminium is a construction material that is produced by pressing metal through a special mould. This produces profiles with a very precise shape and high strength. It is from such profiles that solid, durable terrace pergolas are built. Such constructions are rigid, do not deform, are resistant to wind and do not require any maintenance. They work well in versions with adjustable slats, called bioclimatic pergolas.

Beware of thin aluminium pergolas (less than 2 mm) - are light and cheap, but not very stable. In high winds or snow loads, they can deform or loosen at the fixing points.

When purchasing, it is worth asking:

• what is the profile thickness?
  
• Is the structure systemic or made of ordinary tubes?
  
• Does the manufacturer specify wind resistance or roof load resistance?
  

Types of installation - what to look out for?

The most stable pergolas are those anchored to a concrete slab or a prepared point foundation. It is worth avoiding installation directly in the ground or on paving stones without suitable anchors.

The most durable solutions are:

• anchoring to concrete using chemical anchors,
  
• steel footings installed in the foundation,
  
• Stabilisation with expansion bolts for concrete or wooden decking (after reinforcement).
  

In the case of wall-mounted pergolas, care must be taken to ensure that they are watertight and correctly fixed to the building wall.

Does the pergola leak? Depends on the detail of the finish

W pergolas with a polycarbonate roof Trim strips are crucial to prevent leakage:

• the top trim should include a vapour-proof tape and gasket,
  
• the bottom strip must have a dripline (a small cut or groove) that drains water to the outside,
  
• The roof should have a slope and the water should run off into a concealed gutter system.
  

Cheap pergolas often do not have these elements - water ponding on the panels, leaking into the interior and shortening the life of the structure.

BSH wood - the most durable material choice in the wooden pergola category

Glulam is a glued laminated timber that is more resistant to cracking, warping and changeable weather conditions than solid wood.. It has a stable moisture content (approximately 12%) and each layer is inspected for defects and compressed under pressure.

Advantages of BSH wood:

• larger spans can be used,
  
• is more aesthetically pleasing,
  
• retains its shape and load-bearing capacity for longer,
  
• They can be stained in many colours.
  

A well-made BSH pergola, roofed with polycarbonate and treated with waterproofing, can last for many years without extensive renovation.

When talking to a contractor, it is worth asking:

• Is the wood BSH grade and what aesthetic grade?
  
• how are connections and cross-sections secured?
  
• what is the drainage system?
  
• Does the structure have gutters and a concealed drop?
  

Comparison: aluminium pergola vs wooden pergola

So what type of pergola to choose?

There is no one-size-fits-all type of pergola that will be the most durable for everyone. An aluminium pergola is a virtually maintenance-free, modern and durable solution, but only if it is made of good profiles and solidly installed. On the other hand, a glulam timber pergola from BSH, roofed with polycarbonate and well protected, can last just as long, retaining its natural charm and warmth. Want to know more? Read a guide to selecting the style of pergola for our blog.

Looking for a durable pergola for your terrace or garden?

Whether aluminium pergolas with fins or robust wooden structures with polycarbonate, we offer in-store Otwierane.pl. We tailor the design to your needs, provide advice, installation and a guarantee. Contact us if you want a pergola that will stay with you for years to come. Contact: +48 530 336 595 zadaszenia@otwierane.pl www.otwierane.pl