Louvered pergolas — also called bioclimatic pergolas — look similar in photos. The difference shows up after two winters: in the drainage, the coating and the joints. Use this checklist to compare quotes like for like.
1. Alloy and wall thickness
Ask for 6063-T5 (or T6) aluminium and get the wall thickness of the beams, posts and louvres written on the drawing. Two quotes for “the same” 4 × 3 m pergola can differ by 30% in aluminium weight — which is where most of the price difference comes from.
- Typical louvre wall: 2.0–3.0 mm
- Ask for the total aluminium weight per set — it is the fastest like-for-like comparison
2. Louvre profile and rotation
Louvres should overlap with a seal when closed and rotate to at least 120–135°. Check the blade width (around 200–220 mm is common) and how the louvre ends are capped — open ends collect water and insects.
3. Drainage path
Water must flow from the blades into a gutter and down inside the posts. Ask where the downpipe exits at the base and whether the gutter has overflow capacity for heavy rain.
4. Motor and control
Most systems use a 24 V linear motor. Ask for the IP rating (IP65 or better outdoors), the brand, the warranty period, and whether spare motors can be shipped with the order. Check whether one remote can control roof, screens and lights.
5. Powder coating
Ask for outdoor-grade polyester powder, the film thickness (60–80 μm is typical) and whether the coater can provide a salt-spray test report. For coastal projects, pre-treatment matters as much as thickness.
6. Wind and snow rating
A wind rating is only meaningful with the size, louvre position and foundation it applies to. Ask for the rating for your exact size, and for snow regions, the design snow load.
Tip: side screens increase wind load on the structure. Tell your supplier if screens will be fitted.
7. Fixings and joints
Stainless steel (304 or 316 near the sea) fixings, concealed where possible. Ask to see a photo of a corner joint — it shows the build quality faster than any brochure.
8. Foundation and installation
Check the base plate size, anchor bolt spec and recommended footing. Ask for the installation manual and video before ordering, and how long a standard module takes two installers.
9. Packaging and loading
Coated aluminium scratches easily in transit. Each profile should be foam-wrapped and cartoned, with long beams crated. Ask how many sets fit in a 40HQ for your size — it changes your landed cost per set.
10. Warranty and spare parts
Get warranty terms for structure, coating and motor in writing on the quotation, and agree a spare-parts kit (motors, remotes, seals, fixings) to ship with the first container.
Get a quote you can compare
Every VORALEVA quotation states the alloy, wall thickness, coating, motor and warranty terms, with a layout drawing — so you can check all ten points above. Send us your size and market and compare.