Frequently Asked Questions
We answer the most common questions we get asked below but please contact us if you would like any more information.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF USING BLUESCOPE® COLORBOND® STEEL VERSUS ALUMINIUM?
At Vergola we choose to use BlueScope COLORBOND® steel because it offers superior durability, heat resistance, and compliance with Australian standards -making it a better choice for outdoor roofing applications.
The primary benefits of using BlueScope COLORBOND® steel over aluminium include:
- Heat Resistance:
BlueScope COLORBOND® steel acts as a poor conductor of heat, limiting heat transfer and helping to keep the underneath of your outdoor area cool during summer. In contrast, aluminium is known for its high thermal conductivity, leading to greater heat transference. - Durability:
BlueScope COLORBOND® steel is highly resistant to corrosion and maintains its appearance for longer due to its four layers of protective coatings over a quality steel base. Aluminium, while lightweight, is more prone to corrosion and may require more frequent maintenance to preserve its aesthetic appeal. - Australian Standards Compliance:
BlueScope COLORBOND® steel is manufactured in Australia according to Australian Standards (AS1397 and AS/NZS 2728) and has been rigorously tested in some of the harshest Australian conditions over the past 50 years. This ensures that it meets stringent quality and performance requirements. Aluminium may not always meet the same standards and may not undergo the same level of testing for Australian conditions.
CAN I ADJUST THE AUTOMATIC VERGOLA® ROOF SYSTEM TO CONTROL THE SUN AND SHADE?
Yes, you can adjust the automatic Vergola® roof system to control the amount of sunlight and shade.
The louvres are capable of rotating around their axis, with a rotation of up to 165 degrees.
This flexibility allows you to position the louvres at different angles to accommodate varying levels of sunlight and to regulate the amount of shade.
Additionally, each bay of the automatic Vergola® roof system can be adjusted individually, providing customised control over different areas.
In installations with multiple bays, you have the option to adjust each bay’s louvres independently, creating distinct shaded areas depending on the inclination angle of the louvres.
HOW DOES THE VERGOLA® CONTROL SYSTEM WORK?
The control system for your Vergola® may be a hand-held remote control or wall-mounted touch pad as preferred. It connects electronically to a control box, which is usually located in a concealed place where a backup battery provides operation of the system during temporary cuts to mains power. The rain sensor can be activated to shut the louvres with the first drops of rain. The rain sensor can also be deactivated for cleaning purposes. Our current system is also available to control via iPhone & Android mobile phones using our App.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AREA THAT A VERGOLA® ROOF SYSTEM CAN COVER?
There is no limitation to the size of a Vergola® roof system – it can comprise any number of bays. Each bay has a maximum dimension of 5 by 3.6 metres, and up to 15 bays can be controlled by a single control system/remote control. Roof systems comprising of more than 15 bays have multiple controllers.
WHAT DESIGNS OF VERGOLA® ROOF SYSTEMS ARE THERE?
The shape and design of your Vergola® is limited only by your imagination. Typical installations can be flat, skillion, box frame, A-frame, curved, tapered or insert; 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.
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IS MY VERGOLA® 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. Your 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 wind and rain.
WHAT CAN I PUT UNDERNEATH MY VERGOLA®?
We can show you example installations above green areas, paved areas, outdoor furniture, indoor furnishings, kitchens, play areas, swimming pools, barbecues, carports, restaurants, cafes and terraces, etc. However, you must remember that you are fitting an outdoor space and it remains exterior. 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 as sunlight, breezes, bird song and flower perfumes, of course). Care should be taken when first opening your Vergola® after a time of use, as it may shed debris or moisture that has accumulated during the time it has been closed.
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.
CAN I HAVE SOME HELP WITH THE DESIGN OF MY VERGOLA®?
Yes, one of our Design Consultants will help you work out the best design option for your outdoor area.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL A VERGOLA®?
This depends on the design & size of your Vergola® . Typically, if we are building the frame for a standard residential Vergola® , the installation would be in 2 stages. Stage 1, takes between 1-2 days. The structural and framing components of the Vergola® will be installed in this stage and exact measurements are taken for louvre production to ensure a high quality installation. Within 7-10 working days we return for Stage 2, Vergola® louvres are installed in another 1-2 days along with all final gutters & flashings and electronic control mechanisms. Of course, this estimation can differ from this typical scenario. All individual scheduling is communicated throughout the Vergola® project.
IS MY VERGOLA® RAIN-PROOF?
Yes. Under normal weather conditions, even steady rain, your Vergola® itself will not let rain in. In light rain, the louvres can remain partially open for ventilation if you wish, but for heavier rain, the fully closed position will block out rain with the louvres overlapping each other. In a very heavy downpour, you may rarely get a fine spray through and if a downpour is heavy enough for your house gutters to overflow, your Vergola gutters may do the same. We have set the reopen position to 15 degrees for after a rainfall to keep your area dry but if overridden, Vergolas can drop water when it is opened too far. 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. Above all, it should be remembered that a Vergola is not and cannot be as waterproof as a conventional fixed and tiled roof. Whilst your open Vergola brings the benefits of an “indoor-outdoor area”, it is not 100% proof against severe weather conditions.
HOW DOES THE RAIN SENSOR WORK?
The Vergola® electronic control system includes a rain sensor that is programmed to close the louvres when rain is detected. The sensor is very sensitive to protect against the first drops of rain. This means it may be triggered, for example, by a heavy mist or dew or putting a wet hand over it. The rain sensor operates much like the windscreen sensors on some cars that activate automatically when detecting humidity on the glass.
The rain sensor is only on when in AUTO mode. Make sure it is not in AUTO when the Vergola® is being cleaned.
WILL I NEED TO INSTALL GUTTERS FOR MY VERGOLA?
Vergola® ’s have their own internal box gutter system which collects the Vergola roof water and is drained by a gravity fed spout and typically directed in to your existing storm water.
The Vergola roofing system is designed to handle its own rainwater runoff, but not additional load that may fall (perhaps from some height and at some speed) from an overhanging roof.
HOW DOES A VERGOLA® MANAGE IN STRONG WINDS?
Vergola® 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).
WHAT IF IT FREEZES?
If snow has fallen, and particularly if it has frozen, then it should be cleared off before attempting to operate the louvres. If you install a VERGOLA® in an area of snowfall and local weather forecasts predict ’heavy snow’, leave the louvres in an open position to avoid problems with the weight of the snow.
CAN I USE A VERGOLA® NEXT TO THE SEA?
Yes. A lot of installations in Australia are close to the sea and many are built on absolute waterfronts. Maintenance guidelines suggest that should you live within 1km of a salty marine environment or even severe industrial location it is recommended that you wash down the louvres, gutters & underside of Vergola® weekly with fresh water and regularly with mild detergent to remove any build-up of corrosive deposits, just as you would for any waterfront construction, boat etc.
Vergola (NSW) Pty Ltd also provides a professional cleaning service in the Sydney Metropolitan Area to assist with ongoing cleaning.
For further protection in these environments, we also offer an ULTRA Colorbond option for louvres & gutters in limited colours.
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®. 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. The louvres have no moving parts in the bearings, ensuring many years of virtually maintenance-free operation, apart from the occasional clean. We also manufacture the guttering systems using COLORBOND®
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WHAT COLOURS ARE AVAILABLE?
Vergola® louvres & gutters are available in a range of COLORBOND® colours – Surfmist, Monument, Woodland Grey, Dune, Classic Cream, Paperbark, Shale Grey& Windspray. With both Surfmist & Monument available in ULTRA COLORBOND®
If you would like 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 around 2 years. Not recommended in marine environments – Please discuss with your Vergola Design Consultant.
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 with garden furniture, or outdoor cafes, tend to hose down their Vergola 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.
If your Vergola is installed over a sensitive area (such as delicate fabric, electronics or a kitchen) 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 louvres 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 gutters from time to time, as you would with any gutter. The motors and control systems are sealed and require no maintenance. The rain sensor is kept uncovered and should be kept free of fallen debris.
We do have an After Sales Service team who can repair or investigate any issues you may have.
HOW MUCH DOES A VERGOLA® COST?
There are quite a few factors that come into play when working out how much it costs to install a louvred roof system in your home.
First, you need to calculate the size of the covered outdoor area, pergola, patio or gazebo you are planning to build. The per square metre rate will reduce as the size of the Vergola® increases, so there are economies of scale that come into play when calculating how much it costs for a louvred roof system.
The cost of a louvered roof system will also be affected by the design you want. A curved, round, triangular, or free-standing louvered roof system will be more expensive than a simple rectangular louvered roof system attached to the house. The louvered roof system can be incorporated into a variety of designs including flat roof, skillion, box frame, A-frame, curved beams or inserts.
Next, you need to ask yourself what kind of posts do you want to support the louvred roof system? Is there an existing structure in place? Or are you starting from scratch?
There are a few manufacturers of louvred roof systems in Sydney, and while they might look the same from a distance, there is variation in what you get for your dollar. See the advantages to Vergola® in FAQs
If you’re interested in only researching pricing at this stage and are able to give us rough dimensions of the area you’re looking at covering with a photo of the area please submit a general enquiry and we will be happy to assist.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES IN CHOOSING VERGOLA®?
COMPANY BENEFITS
- Vergola® has ben in operation since 1984, and offers reliability, unsurpassed quality, and the name of the Market Leader.
- We have our own building license and use fully qualified subcontractors to do the installation work, whom work primarily for Vergola.
- Vergola employs 60 staff to manage its business affairs.
- Vergola has an in-house after sales service department, so any potential issues can be managed quickly and efficiently. You are not waiting while the “subbies” who did your job are tracked down to try and attend to whatever the issue might be.
- Vergola partner with a cleaning service, which is suggested annually by way of mail out invitation.
- Vergola is fully insured, and provides Home Owners Warranty Insurance as part of your contract where required.
ANECDOTAL BENEFITS (Feedback from clients, builders & architects who have used Vergola and other systems)
- The Vergola louvres close quicker.
- The Vergola system is much quieter than other systems offered in the market.
- The louvres look to be of better quality, other louvres look “Flimsy”.
- The installers are professional, efficient and tidy.
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