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

How do the Vergola control systems work?

How safe is the Vergola electrical system?

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

What designs of Vergola roofs are there?

What type of framework and material would I require to build my Vergola?

Are Vergolas energy efficient?

What can I put underneath my Vergola?

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

How long does it take to install a Vergola?

Is the Vergola roof rain proof?

How does the rain sensor work?

Is other automation available, apart from the rain sensor?

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

How does a Vergola manage in strong winds?

What if it freezes?

Can I use a Vergola next to the sea?

What is a Vergola made from?

What exactly does the 10-year warranty cover?

What colours are available?

How do you clean a Vergola?

What other maintenance is required?

Is it as good as a conventional roof?

Can I adjust the Vergola automatic roof to control the sun and shade?
Yes. You can adjust a Vergola automatic roof with the wall mounted or hand-held remote control. The automatic louvres go from horizontal through vertical to lean back on themselves (they rotate up to 155 degrees). They can be set in any position within this range which allows for different sun angles and so controls the shade.

Each panel or "bay" of a Vergola roof system can be adjusted individually, meaning that in larger installations different areas can experience different conditions.

How do the Vergola control systems work?
The standard remote control system for the 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 control system supplied as standard opens and closes individual bays independently to any angle between zero and 155 degrees. The rain sensor is usually programmed to shut on the first drop of rain and to re-open one hour after the sensor has become dry again. These settings can be changed by our installers.

How safe is the Vergola electrical system?
All Vergola motors are 12 volt DC which operate in an external environment and pose no danger to the user.

What is the maximum area that a Vergola roof can cover?
There is no limitation to the size of a Vergola roof, which can comprise any number of bays. Each bay has a maximum dimension of 6 by 3.6 metres, and up to 6 bays can be controlled by a single control system/remote control. Roofs comprising more than 6 bays have multiple controllers.

What designs of Vergola roofs are there?
The shape and design of a Vergola roof is limited only by 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.

What type of framework and material would I require to build my Vergola?
The frame of the Vergola can be constructed from timber, steel, aluminium, masonry or any other building material that complies with local building codes.

Are Vergolas energy efficient?
Yes, the double skinned louvres provide both thermal insulation and sound reduction. The adjustable louvres help to reduce heating and cooling costs by controlling the amount of direct sunlight falling on exposed windows and walls. The 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 rain and wind.

What can I put underneath my Vergola?
We could say "The sky is the limit" because you can of course see it when the 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, barbeques, car ports, restaurants, cafes and garden centres.

But in creating an "indoor-outdoor area", you must remember that you are bringing the outdoor elements inside and 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 of course as sunlight, breezes, bird song, flower perfumes...). Care should be taken when first opening your Vergola, as it may shed debris or moisture that has accumulated perhaps overnight.

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.

If you plan to enclose the sides of an area beneath a Vergola, you should also be aware of the limitations of opening walls or windows with respect to weather protection.

Can I have some help with the design of my Vergola roof?
We have our own in-house architects to help give you ideas as to the best way to cover an area. Of course they have a lot of experience with Vergolas. Increasingly, architects and interior designers in Spain are becoming familiar with the Vergola as a roofing option and are getting to know the product. If you are employing an architect, by all means refer him to our in-house architect ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for technical advice, etc.

We also offer a project management option, whereby if you wish we will design and then undertake a complete reform including a Vergola system. We use our in-house project manager to oversee this work, and use proven local building contractors. There is a fee for this project management work, which is included in any quotation you may request. If you are interested in this service, please tell our technical salesman.

How long does it take to install a Vergola?
Once the support framework is completed, a typical installation for a one or two bay system will take 2 days. Larger installations or special circumstances may extend this time; our technical salesman will provide a timing estimate when preparing your quotation.

We offer a simple modular framework structure for stand-alone or lean-to structures which we can install in less than one day.

However we find that many clients upgrade the covered area at the same time as installing a Vergola, to bring the entire new space up to a modern, efficient design. This may include new flooring, drainage, lighting, glass curtains - of which enhance the area but are best designed and completed before the Vergola roof is installed.

Is the Vergola roof rain proof?
Yes. Under normal weather conditions, even steady rain, the Vergola roof itself will not let in rain. In light rain, the louvres can remain partially open for ventilation if wished, but in the fully closed position -for heavier rain- the louvres overlap with each other. In squally conditions water can be driven inside, for example by strong wind gusts forcing rain around the gutter system.

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 louvres or around the guttering. So if clients use pressure jets for cleaning the Vergola, we advise them that care should be taken with décor or furnishings beneath. In addition, low angle, high pressure flows can result from stormwater being shed off a conventional roof and hitting the Vergola. There are solutions to mitigate this, and our technical salesmen will always check and advise.

Above all, it should be remembered that a Vergola roof is not and cannot be as waterproof as a conventional fixed and tiled roof. On the other hand a Vergola opens, bringing the benefits of an "indoor-outdoor area", but this means it is less than 100% proof against severe weather conditions.

How does the rain sensor work?
The standard Vergola roofing system includes an electronic rain sensor and the control system is normally programmed to close the louvres when rain is detected and to re-open them automatically to their previous position when it is dry. The sensor is very sensitive so as to protect against the first drops of rain. This means it may be triggered, for example, by a heavy mist or dew.

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.

Is other automation available, apart from the rain sensor?
Yes. We can supply wind and smoke sensors, timer controls to change the angle of the Vergola louvres at different times of the day, and interfaces between our control system and home automation systems such as AlbenDas or Domotica. All of these items are available on special order only.

Will I need to install rain gutters for my Vergola roof?
Specially designed Vergola gutters are included in a standard installation within the perimeter of the framework to collect the rainwater running off the Vergola. This rainwater is then directed down through pipes to drain or storage.

If your Vergola is located in a position where run-off 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 run-off, but not additional load that may fall (perhaps from some height and at some speed) from an overhanging roof. Our technical salesmen can advise you on this.

How does a Vergola manage in strong winds?
Vergolas were designed in Australia for its harsh weather conditions which frequently include winds of tropical cyclone 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 system on the waterfront at 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 our Levante, Sirocco and other winds year after year without ripping, tearing or flapping, unlike a canvas or fabric cover. In strong winds some drafts should be expected, for example around the edges between the louvres and the inbuilt guttering.

What if it freezes?
Sub-zero temperatures in any environment in the Iberian region will not affect your Vergola. If snow has fallen, and particularly if it has frozen, then it should be cleared off before attempting to operate the louvres. There are installations in many ski resorts around the world, for example in North America.

Can I use a Vergola next to the sea?
Yes. Probably most installations in Australia are close to the sea and many are built on absolute waterfronts. Maintenance guidelines suggest that Vergolas subject to direct salt-water spray should be washed down with fresh water weekly, or after a heavy storm, just as recommended for any waterfront construction, boat etc.

You may be interested in looking at an article with more information on Vergolas next to the Sea.

What is a Vergola made from?
The main component of a Vergola is its patented, aerofoil-shaped louvres which are manufactured in Australia using a strong, multi-coated steel product called Colorbond (www.colorbond.com/home/general-information/about-colorbond-steel). 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. We manufacture the guttering systems locally using powder-coated aluminium.

What exactly does the 10-year warranty cover?
We guarantee the louvres, which are the most expensive and most exposed components of a Vergola Roofing System, for 10 years from the date of installation. We guarantee the other components (including the electrics but excluding batteries) for 5 years. If you wish to see a copy of the warranty which you will be given upon completion of the installation, please ask one of our technical sales staff to include it in your quotation package.

What colours are available?
Vergola roofs are available in many different colours, but we find that our clients prefer the standard, neutral Vergola colour (it's called "surfmist" by the manufacturer). It is very suitable as a ceiling, and not unpleasantly glaring when opened in bright sun. The colour goes well with typical Spanish design, both traditional and modern. But if clients wish to have another colour, a complete range is available through powder-coating the louvres 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 much less than 10 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 of garden furniture, or outdoor cafes, tend to hose down their Vergolas 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.

Where Vergolas are installed over sensitive areas (such as delicate fabrics, electronics or kitchens) then using a hose or uncontrolled spray is not an option, and more care must be taken. With the louvres 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.

Is it as good as a conventional roof?
Actually, we think Vergolas are better than conventional roofs in many ways, providing sun, rain and wind control as they do. But as with any other temporary or moveable shelter, a Vergola is not, and does not pretend to be, as weatherproof as a well-built, conventional roof-just as any window or patio door (for example) would not resist storm conditions as well as a solid masonry wall.