Pergolas are a mix of both functionality and beauty. If you have one installed in your backyard, you are amongst the lucky ones. Pergolas offers you an additional and private space for you to spend some time with your friends and family members without having to compromise the privacy of your house. But pergolas are often open to allow sunlight, which can bring in rainwater when the weather turns extreme as well. There are several ways you can enclose your pergola and enjoy the lovely weather as well. Use these ideas and consult pergola contractors for help.

Add Sliding Glass Panels

The biggest feature of pergolas tends to sometimes become the biggest concern as well. Pergolas are installed in a way that they complement the surroundings and do not appear as if they were forced. Plus, pergolas allow natural light to enter, which is a natural source of warmth for people who like to spend their days sunbathing in the winter.

But then again, when the bad weather sets in and you feel trapped, you need something to enclose the pergola to keep the excess water away. One of the best ways to enclose your pergola is by adding sliding glass panels. This is a great way to prevent rainwater from coming in without sacrificing natural light.

At the same time, sliding glass panels create a modern and clean look while offering flexible functionality. Not only can you block out the rain but also the wind. Once the coast is clear, you can reopen the panels to allow sunlight to enter.

Another major advantage of using sliding glass panels is that glass panels seamlessly blend with any design. You can cut the glass in a variety of different shapes and sizes. This option is perfect for people who love to enjoy indoors with friends and family members without having to worry about sudden weather changes.

Use Retractable Screens

Fitted retractable screens are another noteworthy option for those who value flexibility, style, and functionality. These screens can be extended or retracted depending on the needs. A major advantage of opting for fit retractable screens is that you get to enjoy the summer vibes, especially in the evenings with no mosquitoes in the air. This helps create a more intimate environment for both friends and family members.

Furthermore, retractable screens mostly come with weather-resistant materials. This means the material is tested to withstand extreme weather conditions and will last for a long time. You can opt for screens in different shapes and sizes to make the space more visually appealing and allow circulation and natural light to flow through while offering a protective barrier.

Install Wooden Shutters

Installing wooden shutters is a great way to visually improve the aesthetics of your pergola. Wooden shutters are an unbeatable choice if you want to make the pergola look visually warm and living. These shutters also give you a rustic and timeless appeal while providing good functionality.

The good thing about them is that their appearance and vibe stand the test of time as well. These shutters are designed to withstand external factors and won’t be losing their appearance or finish anytime soon. Wooden shutters can be closed or opened based on preference if you want sunlight or not.

The best thing about wooden shutters is that they go well with any style ranging from modern to traditional. You can also add curtains behind the shutters for making the place appear even more beautiful. However, keep in mind that wooden shutters will require a bit of frequent maintenance as well. So, you make sure you are up for that to keep the pergola looking brand new.

Include Fabric Curtains

Fabric curtains are a lot cost-effective when compared to the other options. This method of enclosing the pergola involves installing curtains made from a particular fabric if you want to create a bohemian and romantic ambiance in your outdoor space.

If you need the fabric to be waterproof, you can choose a water-resistant material. But if you want the place to be breezy, you can use a lightweight one. We do recommend water-resistant fabrics as they help you stay worry-free about your furniture under the pergola.

These curtains provide instant protection from the sun or drizzles. Additionally, you can also play around with the colors and textures to pick the best option. But, keep in mind that fabric curtains are not going to be a perfect option if you live in a region where extreme weather conditions are a norm.

Fabric curtains might be able to withstand extreme rain or snow but strong winds and other factors regularly can easily destroy them.

Build Louvered Privacy Walls

Building or adding a louvered privacy wall is another great way to enclose the pergola while maintaining a breathable and lightweight look. These walls come with adjustable slats that allow you to tilt to control light, airflow, and the view. This type of practical and refined addition performed by gazebo builders Port Jefferson ensures the pergola does not feel like a boxed-in space.

Plus, the design and architecture of these walls is such that they add sophistication to the pergola. With the addition of these walls, your pergola appears as a unique addition, which never fails to attract attention.

Incorporate Transparent Plastic Panels

Transparent plastic panels tend to be an excellent alternative to glass. These panels are a lot lighter and easier to install as well. The thing with transparent plastic panels is that they are clear and offer you an unobstructed view of your yard while enjoying the strong winds and heavy rain.

In addition to that, high-quality plastic panels are also scratch-resistant, meaning they do not lose their finish soon. They remain aesthetically pleasing for a long time. Another great feature of plastic panels is that they are easy to remove if the need arises for the pergola to be moved.

And, although they are a lot cheaper that does not mean they compromise the quality or style. These options are simply budget-friendly and appeal to those who have temporary or semi-permanent enclosures.

How To Maintain A Pergola?

At the end of the day, it all comes down to the amount of time and effort you are willing to put into maintaining your pergola. Regardless of the materials your pergola is made from, it will still require regular inspections and maintenance.

Pergolas made using aluminum or steel do not require regular inspections as wood pergolas. There is no doubt that wooden pergolas are tough and strong as well but they are not extremely weather resistant. Moisture and water can cause mold to perform and strong winds can easily damage the wood.

Plus, wooden pergolas tend to be on the expensive side as well. So, as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort, you are good to go.

Conclusion

In the end, enclosing a pergola means going through a variety of different options with each having its set of pros and cons. The information mentioned above will surely help you narrow down the options and ensure you make the right decision. If you want to update your pergola or want to install or replace a pergola, contact custom pergola builders Long Island.