A backyard pergola is an excellent outdoor structure for homes. While it provides extra space to carry out activities with your closed ones, it is also exposed to elements that could damage the furniture and other expensive items underneath it. Extreme rain, snow, and similar weather conditions can take a toll on the pergola’s health and you must waterproof it to help prevent expensive damage. Unfortunately, not many people are aware that pergolas can be made waterproof. This is why pergola contractors recommend waterproofing and rainproofing your pergola during installation. Here are waterproofing tips for you to begin working on your pergola.

Installing A Retractable Canopy

When it comes to looking for ways to waterproof your pergola, you will come across many options but installing a retractable roof tends to be the most dynamic one. Back in the day, a retractable canopy was not even an option as the technology and skillset of the individuals were not sufficient.

The biggest advantage of installing a retractable canopy is that it helps prevent excess amounts of rainwater from flooding the entire pergola. At the same time, the homeowners are also able to control the sunlight. Installing a retractable canopy means that you can enjoy the rain without having to move your furniture and stuff that’s under the pergola.

Retractable canopies are made of weather-resistant materials like vinyl and polyester that are not only reliable but also easy to maintain. The installation of these materials requires experts to install angles based on the design of the pergola.

This allows you to open or close the pergola as you prefer. But you have to keep in mind that in order for the canopy to look good, you will have to maintain it. It can take some time and effort but you won’t be needing a replacement anytime soon.

Add Protective Roof Panels

Adding protective roof panels is a great way not just to waterproof the pergola but also to improve the visual appeal of the entire space. The good thing about roof panels is that there is a lot of variety out there. Amongst the options, polycarbonate roof panels tend to stand out for being lightweight and durable, providing excellent protection against the rain.

Roof panels keep the rain away but still allow the light to keep the space bright. As mentioned earlier, roofing panels are available in a wide variety so you can choose what you want for your outdoor space.
Furthermore, if you need a budget-friendly option, check out corrugated metal roofing panels. Plus, these panels also add to the sturdiness of the pergola. In addition to that, aluminum pergola covers are also preferred and popular for their sleek appearance.

The biggest advantage of opting for aluminum roofing panels is they don’t rust. Plus, the maintenance is going to be easy as well. All you need to do is perform regular inspections to make sure there is no damage. It’s a good way to prepare your patio for summer if there are many sunny days in the season.

Seal The Wood

Another great way to waterproof your pergola is sealing and treating the wood. Even though it will not stop the water from entering the pergola directly but will definitely save the wood from external factors. To waterproof the wood, you can use a high-quality sealant such as varnish or polyurethane.

These sealants not only help protect the wood from rain, moisture, humidity, and other factors but also increase the durability to ensure the pergola remains the center of attention for years. But you should keep in mind that sealing and treating of wood is done every 1-3 years.

Additionally, opting for pressure-treated or naturally rot-resistant wood like redwood or cedar is going to further bolster the defense against rain. Even then, regular inspection and maintenance are going to be important to ensure the wood lasts for years to come.

Install Water Drainage Systems

A common problem faced by homeowners with pergolas in their backyard is flooding. If you live in a region that experiences extreme weather conditions mostly throughout the year, you cannot have a pergola without a proper drainage system.

Even if you install a canopy or roof panels, the water is still going to make its way and form pools of water. This can cause significant damage to the wood and other items placed inside the pergola. The only way to stop pools of water from accumulating inside the pergola is by installing a drainage system.

You will have to design or slightly redesign the pergola in a way that the water runs down and exits through the gutter. For instance, you can opt for sloped roofing materials and apply water-resistant sealants that prevent water from pooling and the wood from getting damaged by moisture.

Plus, you can also incorporate a gravel bed or French drain. Such additions help absorb water and prevent water from accumulating around the base. But, in order for the drainage system to be effective, you will need to ensure regular maintenance to avoid clogs as well.

Consider A Permanent Roof

You can use retractable canopies and fabrics, but if you live in a rainy region or you don’t like your pergola the way it is, you can install a permanent roof as well. You can use polycarbonate, metal or glass to be your permanent pergola roof. If you haven’t built the pergola yet, you can install a gazebo by consulting gazebo builders Port Jefferson.

Can I Waterproof The Pergola Myself?

Waterproofing a pergola requires extensive planning and thinking. The process might look easy but there are a lot of minor details that need to be considered. To begin with, you will need to analyze and measure the dimensions of the pergola. At the same time, you will also have to define your needs and preferences along with the budget as well.

This will help you walk straight to choosing the right materials instead of wasting time and effort on materials that are either not suitable or you cannot afford them. Once you have made a plan, you will need to consult an expert who will go through the idea and offer a second suggestion regarding improvements.

At this point, you might think that waterproofing a pergola can be done on your own but wait till you get to the installation part. The installation process is going to require a lot of skills, time, patience, and hard work. Even a small mistake can lead to durability problems.

This is why you should hire an expert who possesses the skills, tools, and experience to get the job done for you. You might be thinking of saving some money but it is not going to be worth it. Opting for professional services goes a long way in terms of ensuring the waterproofing stays for years to come.

Conclusion

Waterproofing your pergola can be made easy if you make the right decisions. The information mentioned above covers the foundation but there are a lot of other details that vary based on the pergola you have. To be able to properly waterproof your pergola requires consulting a pergola builder Long Island. It is going to be more of an investment rather than an expense. Make sure you opt for someone who is licensed and specialized to perform such tasks.