Create extra living space by using the pergolas

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

How to increase the usable space around the house and in the garden? This task seems difficult, but appearances can be deceiving. There are at least several ways to deal with it, one of the most interesting seems to be investing in pergolas. What is worth knowing about them and what aspects related to them are best to pay attention to in the first place?

What are pergolas?

Pergola is a term that applies to dozens of original roofing systems applied to smaller or larger surfaces. They are associated primarily as solutions that protect people outside the home against rain and sun rays. However, it is worth remembering that the list of pergola applications can be much longer. The side shutter system is not limited to reducing the amount of heat entering the interior of the structure. You can also count on pergolas when looking for a shaded place and at least a bit of privacy.

People who decide to use this type of solutions are also able to point out some of their additional advantages. By investing in pergolas, you can gain additional space, and there are no contraindications to use it all year round. We are talking about a prestigious product, so you can be sure that the pergola will increase the value of your home and everything in its surroundings. As if that was not enough, the vast majority of models in the Knall offer can be expanded modularly. So if the pergola turns out to be too small, enlarging it will not be a difficult task.

At this point, it should be emphasized that the pergolas available on the market can differ significantly from each other. The most popular classification criterion is that which relates to the materials used in their production. However, pergolas are also solutions that differ in terms of their appearance.

The most classic models are usually described as a vertical grille. They can be placed not only in the garden and on the terrace, but even on a larger balcony. These are small structures that primarily have a decorative function. Such a function is usually also referred to in relation to a double-leaf grille - a small pavilion consisting of two elements connected with each other by hinges.

Of course, not all pergolas can be considered purely decorative. Tunnel pergolas, i.e. those equipped with an arch, are much more functional. They appear in garden and terrace arbors and can be used to create beautiful arrangements using various types of flowers. Lamellar pergolas are also popular - functional, aesthetic, and at the same time still affordable. Listing the most popular types of such solutions, it is also worth mentioning segment pergolas - large-size structures based on a frame made of wood or aluminum.

The use of a pergola in modern construction

Although we associate pergolas with classic solutions, modern construction also eagerly reaches for them. Interest in them may come from several sources:

• the popularity of metal pergolas is growing, much more popular in modern construction than glass and wooden models,
• glazed pergolas which can be used to create a unique winter garden are becoming more and more fashionable,
• the modular structure allows the pergolas to be expanded according to the wishes of their owners,
• more and more bioclimatic pergolas are available for sale, also known as lamella pergolas, which (with their proper installation) can provide users with energy savings in the winter,
• buyers can count on pergolas to create a home SPA that can be used regardless of the season.

Pergolas are no longer just a charming shelter that allows you to drink coffee away from the sun's rays. They open up a number of additional functions that cannot be ignored. Modern construction does not cut itself off from functional solutions just because they were popular before, and functionality is one of the greatest advantages of a pergola today.

Modern construction appreciates pergolas primarily in the winter, when short days and long evenings make the inhabitants of houses become prisoners of the four walls. As already mentioned, the interior of the roof can be built-up, it is possible to introduce not only glass walls, but also plastic walls - according to the individual needs of the customer. Such walls may not provide thermal insulation identical to the one we deal with in the living room, but they will protect the interior of the pergola not only against rain, but also against wind and snow.

As if that was not enough, additional heating can be installed in the interior of a modern pergola. In this context, radiant heaters are perfect, as they allow you to enjoy a pleasant temperature regardless of the season. If you additionally place LED lamps, the amazing atmosphere inside the roof will persist not only during the day, but also after dusk.

Energy consumption and pergolas - will pergolas save us in winter?

Minimizing energy consumption is an issue that receives increasing attention. And although it may be a surprise for many people, it can also be talked about in the context of a pergola. Today, among many of their types, we can also find bioclimatic pergolas. They have a number of tasks, one of the largest is the ability to reduce heat losses in winter after installing them on the facade.

Bioclimatic pergolas, also known as lamellar pergolas, can provide us with not only a covered external surface, but even a space that serves as an additional room. Their secret is precisely the lamellas they are made of. These, thanks to the use of engine-based control, adapt to the weather conditions. They ensure that we can count not only on a pleasant coolness in summer, but above all - warmth in the winter months. While the classic pergola has no effect on energy consumption, the situation changes with regard to the bioclimatic model. These help to keep the heat of the sun's rays from accumulating in the warmer months. When the temperature drops, this heat is given up. It allows not only to heat the space inside the pergola, but also in the adjacent rooms. Of course, the possibilities of the bioclimatic pergola will not lead to the fact that we will not need any other source of energy. However, they will certainly make the bills noticeably lower than those we have paid so far.

Use of the swimming pool or home SPA and pergolas

More demanding users are more and more often considering placing a swimming pool or spa bath on the terrace or in the immediate vicinity of the house. Today, solutions from this group are present in a particularly large selection, and they do not resemble classic expansion pools in any way. Their potential is huge, but it is difficult to fully enjoy them, being aware that the changeable weather may limit their use to just a dozen or so days a year. Fortunately, this is not a scenario you should accept. Pergolas with rotating lamellas come in handy. These not only protect the household members and their guests against rain and snow, but also allow them to independently decide how much sunlight will reach them.

The heart of this type of pergola is the roof. Usually we are talking about a massive structure made of aluminum. It can weigh up to a ton, but it is able to withstand not only rain and hail, but also heavy snowfall. The roof can also slide in and out freely depending on current needs. The side protection system is no less important. You do not have to use them in summer, but in winter they give you a chance to create a winter garden with a swimming pool that you can still use.

Pergolas as a garage shelter? Why not!

Many uses of the pergola are obvious to us. Some, however, are truly astonishing. This is the case when the pergola is advertised as a solution that works well as a garage shelter. Could it be a real alternative to a classic garage? There are several strong arguments for this.

1. A carport is cheaper than building a garage. It requires less time expenditure, and nothing prevents you from undertaking this task yourself.
2. The erection of a pergola usually does not require a building permit, and the structure itself does not have to meet the strict standards typical for a brick garage.
3. The pergola as a carport provides protection not only against rain and snow, but also against falling leaves and birds. It makes it easier to keep the car not only in good technical condition, but also clean.

What can a pergola look like as a garage carport? Again, we are not forced to implement just one solution in this respect. An interesting proposal is, first of all, facing a free-standing pergola. It can be placed anywhere, without having to worry about the foundations like in the case of a garage. However, it's worth remembering that not all homeowners have unlimited space. In this case, the carport can be connected to the house. The possibility of making a pergola to size means that such a solution, apart from the obvious financial benefits, can also bring exceptional visual values.

Summary

Although there are many people who believe that the pergola is an example of a solution that has already gone down in history, this perception is no longer justified. This fantastic garden and terrace decoration is also an exceptionally functional proposition. It allows not only to increase the size of the house, but also to create an original space that can be used both in winter and summer. It has a huge potential that deserves to be known.

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