If you’d like to add a little style to your deck or terrace area, then a pergola is a great option.
However, unlike other forms of outdoor structure, having an open roof means you can’t use your garden in less favourable weather.
What’s more, if you have outdoor furniture under the pergola, it will really take a battering from the rain and sun without a waterproof roof.
However, don’t worry, there are some great ideas to improve the function of your pergola for all weathers.
In this guide we have put together some excellent waterproof pergola roof ideas.
Waterproof Pergola Roofs
There are a ton of options for a pergola roof below that will provide various protection for your gazebo or pergola. These covers can be made from different items and have various weather resistances against snow or rain.
Waterproof shade is the best of both worlds. It will allow you to find protection from the sun and the rain. Yes, you need the right equipment to provide against all elements.
Many of these options are DIY, or you can hire contractors at home, to help you get any style you desire. You can find the exact perfect one that will work best on the following:
- Light
- View
- Patio
- Shade
- Plants
Now that you know what to consider, let’s take a look at the pergola cover options.
Pergola Cover Ideas
1. Vines
To begin, we are working towards a pergola option that has waterproofing protection, offering barrier protection for light rain only.
Vines are a great way of making your pergola look naturally integrated, but be sure to select the most suitable if you want to keep some of the excess moisture out.
Vines such as grape vines or the wisteria are perfect for keeping the light drizzle at bay from you as they are more dense in terms of foliage.
While there will be no adequate protection from heavy storm rains, they work sufficiently enough to keep you dry during a light shower.
In as much as they are not the best shield from rain, they are a great option, if you’re looking for shade.
Please be cautious with some vine choices! Some are very invasive, e.g. wisteria, and there can be messy clean-up with dropped leaves.
If you established your cooking area under the pergola, this may not be for you.
But if you want to cite the aesthetic of vines, they are truly stunning, and does not detract from the project.
They are worth a consideration, especially if you envision a tropical feel to your patio.
2. Shade Sails (Fabric)
If you’re looking for something more than the minimal waterproofing of vines, shade sails are a prospective option. Shade sails are a decent option for rain coverage from a pergola but be sure to get some really good angles on them or else they won’t do you any good.
The fabric is indeed a type of material that has very tiny holes, but enough to stop rain water, as long as it isn’t raining hard.
The way it protects you from rain, is that the water beads and collects on top of the shade sail before it rolls off. This is why you need an angle for a shade sail.
You will have to keep in mind that with very heavy rain, there is a high likelihood of getting drips from the roof of your pergola before the water rolls off, so you likely would still have a hard time enjoying this type of weather anyway.
You should also keep in mind that it is much more of semi-permanent attachment that you can’t retract.
As of some of the other methods I will be showing you later in this guide you will find that it is fine if you want to sit under a covering of shade permanently, but if you want a lot of options then shade sails will likely not be the best way to go.
3. Rolling Canopy
If you’ve ever checked out a retractable pergola awning for the patio, you would no doubt recognize a rolling canopy cover, because they are basically the same product.
Except, instead of the arm that you would see on a patio awning, the canopies have tracks and cables to move them back and forth. This makes an excellent option for a pergola cover.
One of the best things about these canopies is that they change with the weather.
When it is sunny – you can move the cover back and enjoy the weather, but even when the heavens open you will be able to cover up and keep dry.
That said, you should only use them in light rain because once things start to get a little heavier, you will find that pools of water make it almost impossible to roll it off.
4. Single Or Multi-Track Pergolas Canopy
Right now, there’s a real shortage of pergola single trak-canopies out there.
One company to point out is ShadeFX who’s got an option.
There is truly just one track running down the middle of the cover with multiple battens attached.
The good thing with these canopies is there is a clear peak which means the water is much MORE likely to roll off, so you’re not going to have pooling issues like you would with a rolling canopy.
You can go the route of a multi-track canopy if you want.
First of all, the track frames are a little more expensive so you’ll have to commit to a bigger investment to protect your pergolas.
Keep In Mind: The curved battens mean that water will very easily roll off and most of these designs have gutters within the pergola frame so it all drains away easily.
5. Tin Roof (Waterproof Shade)
Having a tin roof on top is going to be a tad bit pricier than a few of the options we’ve seen already, but, if you want a permanent fixture, it’s a great option.
Tin is tough and really looks good (particularly if you are going for an eclectic or industrial style garden).
You will need to make sure that it is installed with a slight pitch (to allow the water to run off).
If not, you will be in trouble because it will pool and you will have to find a way to remove it.
It is not very likely that rolling tin will rust, however, if it sits in pool of water constantly, well, you won’t be happy about it.
As an alternative, if you wanted a metal roof that’s really resistant, you could go with galvanized steel.
It’s extremely solid and durable, and it comes in some colors, to help you add even more flavor to your garden.
From Experience – This will keep shade off really well, although it might get a little hot under a metal roof so it’s always worth leaving some ventilation holes.
Instead of putting one hole in the middle, it is better to leave a hole at each corner so when it rains, you won’t be wet.
6. Wooden Roof
Wood is really used in a ton of outdoor applications because it’s such a durable and versatile material.
It does a fantastic job of resisting water, as long as it’s been treated correctly.
The only downside is that you’ll need to keep up with maintenance and the treatments and stains for as long as you have the roof.
It’s also crucial to choose the right wood.
Things like cedar and pressure treated products work well.
Just like any other solid roof type, you need to install your wood roof sloped.
Other than that, it’s just like putting up decking, just higher up!
7. Louvred Roof
Some may refer to something like this as an adjustable cover, a motorized pergola, or an opening roof.
Regardless, you simply have to understand that you are looking at a type of “roofing” (per se) with “shutters” or “blinds” which can be opened/shut at an angle while you enjoy your outdoor space.
This roof design is totally different than that of a rolling or retractable canopy and you have more options on how open or closed you ever want that roof to be.
It’s a louvered roof which is great for controlling how much light you let in and when the weather turns sour, you can simply close that roof off completely and no one will get wet!
When the roof is closed, the pitching ensures any rainwater runs directly to the ground.
What’s great about louvered roofs is that they look modern and tolerate all weather extremes. Since they are built with a variety of patterns, materials, sizes, and colors, you are bound to find something that matches the style of your garden.
The mechanical components are typically manufactured using durable materials so you don’t have to worry about rot or mold.
Louvered roofs are also more operationally friendly because you control the roof using a remote or even an app for your phone, which is super convenient.
8. Corrugated Roof
A corrugated roof design can be installed on a pergola. It can be made of several materials.
Possible materials include:
- PVC
- fiberglass
- polycarbonate
If you want to keep costs down, fiberglass is the best option.
The downside is that some have had issues with clouding that will ruin your pergola’s appearance and how much light is getting through.
If you want to keep it looking attractive, PVC panels are good to use, however, these are not very tough and can break easily.
If you want to balance everything out, you would choose polycarbonate panels, but a much higher price.
They are also good for blocking UV rays so you are safer sitting underneath them.
There also other panels that are not clear. They are solid colors and opaque.
They may look nice but will block a portion of the light getting in and be able to see out.
Because they are a fixed structure, you do not get the option of retracting them but they will keep out rain and snow well!
Pergola Cover Conclusion
The pergola is most likely where you hang out on your deck or patio. However, if the pergola isn’t covered over, you can’t enjoy it in all weather conditions.
Therefore, it’s important to find the best waterproof pergola cover, and we have some awesome ideas.
If you’re looking for flat panels or natural vine roofs, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.
Now you can enjoy the shade of your pergola when you’re chilling on the patio.