Pergolas - A Great Opportunity To Winterise The Great Out-Doors

An outdoor dining area

As the Covid Winter bites, temporary outdoor covers including brollies, parasols and pop-up marquees are showing the strain - is it time for permanent louvered pergolas?

Many commercial establishments have realised how important their outdoor space is - and how popular it may be even after Covid - especially if it opens up the opportunity for a greater number of diners.

 

 “Modern pergolas with either sliding fabric or rotating aluminium louvered roofs and sides offer a more pragmatic solution, providing protection from heavy rain, gale force winds and even snow.”

– Stuart Dantzic 

Managing Director, Caribbean Blinds

 

Blown away

"It is likely that more temporary covers such as brollies and parasols won’t stand up to adverse conditions," continues Caribbean Blinds' Dantzic. "Although retractable awnings can protect and shelter customers from sun, shade and light rain showers at the touch of a button, they can be susceptible to damage from high winds."

 

Features

"The framework of any terrace covering should be manufactured from powder coated aluminium. This super-strong, corrosion resistant and highly durable material can survive the knocks and bumps of bustling environments," adds Dantzic.

 

Fabrics

No matter the type of outdoor fabric canopy used, it is more likely to stand the test of time if it is manufactured from acrylic fibres – one of the highest quality materials currently available for use with these types of products. Fit for purpose and dimensionally stable, acrylic will not warp or stretch when under tension. In addition to this the material will not fade.

 

TEXgard

To prevent dirt and debris spoiling the material, it should be treated with a nano tech coating such as TEXgard. This invisible protective shield embeds into the fibre and essentially generates a self-clean effect whilst also repelling water. The latest generation of acrylic, CBA (Clean, Brilliant Acrylic), ensures up to 50% less dirt adhesion in comparison to regular acrylic.

 

Operation

As the default mechanism within most outdoor canopies, motorised operation allows for consistent movement as well as an effortless extension and retraction lengthening the life of your product as a result.

Integrated motors safeguard against exposure to the elements, whilst secure rolling codes and frequency guarantees no interference. Intelligent sensors (in particular wind protection sensors) are highly recommended as once incorporated into the install, they can allow for closure of the product when left unattended.

 

Where to go

If you are commissioned to install a pergola (or are interested in a white label option) - and there is no reason not to bid for such work as it is within your skillset at both a commercial and domestic level, wherever possible, choose a supplier that manufactures its products in the UK. Should anything go wrong, you can rest assured that it will be resolved quickly. You'll also get all the 'hand-holding' you will need to get you up and running.

Also, with an authentic ‘Made in Britain’ product, outstanding quality is usually guaranteed, and lead times are typically significantly shorter.

 

Caribbean Blinds

For over 30 years, Caribbean Blinds has been designing, manufacturing and supplying external shading systems. The family run firm prides itself on offering products that will perform and last. Finishing touches and attention to detail including colour co-ordinated stitching and concealed fixings. Expert advice ensures the right external shading system for your project, requirements and budget.

Picture: The Caribbean Blinds Prestige Outdoor Living Pod for use in commercial settings.

www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
17th December 2020

Share



Related Articles