Pergolas are a fantastic addition to any garden. Visually they provide a stylish outdoor feature which can be customised with furniture and accessories to make a fabulous dining area or a comfortable and relaxing sitting area.

While a pergola will create partial shade and serve as the perfect spot for relaxing or entertaining, they can have more practical limitations. The biggest one homeowner’s face is that traditional pergolas, with their open-roofed designs, offer little protection from the elements. This leads to the pergola being less practical should the weather change, which the British weather is well known to do. The rafters can provide the perfect perching point for birds which can produce a lot of mess on your furniture below it. The good news? You can easily and economically upgrade your pergola by adding a roof which will make it more versatile, weather-resistant, and usable all year-round.

In this blog, we will explore the benefits of roofing your pergola and walk through some of the best pergola roof ideas for material options available, including popular choices like polycarbonate and corrugated PVC.

Why Add a Roof to Your Pergola?

While the classic open-top pergola has its charm, roofing it brings a host of practical benefits:

  • Weather Protection: The biggest benefit here in the UK is the protection a pergola can give you from the rain. There is nothing more frustrating than getting settled with your book, or glass of wine, or friends and the sky opens, and you must rush indoors again! Covering your pergola will give you reliable shelter making the space usable in all seasons.
  • UV Protection: Some roofing materials can block harmful UV rays while still letting in natural light again allowing you to relax and sit out for longer
  • Increased Functionality: Turn your pergola into a peaceful and relaxing outdoor seating area. Add sofas, chairs and other accessories to transform the space into a stylish haven without concern over you soft furnishings being ruined by rain or bird mess. Perhaps you would prefer a dining area for uninterrupted long and lazy meals. A covered pergola would make either scenario much more practical.
  • Visual enhancement: A roof can add a more complete, more stylish look to your garden structure. Helping to create the impression of an outdoor room.

Top Roofing Options for Your Pergola

Choosing the right roofing material depends on your budget, climate, aesthetic preferences, and how much light or shade you want. Here are some of the most popular roofing options:

1. Polycarbonate Panels

Polycarbonate is an economical, durable and lightweight plastic that has become a go-to option for pergola roofing, and for good reason. Depending on the spans you have between your rafters either 10mm twin wall polycarbonate or 16mm triple wall polycarbonate are the most popular choices.

  • UV-blocking polycarbonate is extruded with a UV protective layer which protects from UV rays yet still allows light to filter through
  • Available in a choice of colours including clear, bronze or opal finishes
  • Highly durable and impact-resistant, polycarbonate is incredibly strong and long lasting. Structured polycarbonate comes with a ten-year manufacturers’ warranty, but life expectancy is often much longer with little maintenance
  • You can still grow your plants as the polycarbonate panels offer protection but will still allow light to filter through, you can still have your pots under the canopy to create that green haven
  • Modern look Homeowners looking for a contemporary space will prefer the sleek modern look of polycarbonate with lots of light but reliable weather protection
  • Light weight and easy to install with a range of easy to fit accessories to provide structural strength and finish the look

 2. Corrugated PVC Sheets

Corrugated PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing is another very cost-effective and practical option for pergolas.

  • Lightweight and very easy to install with few other components needed
  • Lowest cost waterproof solution

Not as attractive to look at as polycarbonate this does however, work out cheaper overall for homeowners who want a cheap, quick and easy way to add a waterproof roof.

3. Fabric or Shade Cloth

If you are looking for a less permanent option, waterproof fabric or UV-resistant shade cloths can be draped or stretched across the top of your pergola.

  • Easy to install and remove
  • Offers flexible shading but does not offer full weather protection and can sag and leak
  • Affordable but may need frequent replacing as it will discolour and deteriorate making the cost add up over time. Offers seasonal shade and allows for decorative flair on a tight budget.

Installation Tips

  • Ensure the pergola is sturdy enough to support the weight of the roofing material.
  • Use the proper trims and accessories for each product to ensure the best finish, longevity and to prevent leaks.
  • Consider adding a gutter system to divert rainwater, add a water butt to keep the rainwater for watering your garden more ecologically.

In summary

There are a few choices of material available for adding a roof to your pergola. This is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your garden that will allow you to enjoy it much more. Whether you choose polycarbonate for its sleek transparency, corrugated PVC for its ease and affordability, or a different material altogether, the result will be a more functional and inviting outdoor space.

With the right roofing, your pergola can transform into a sheltered haven which is perfect for enjoying your garden in rain or shine.