There is no limitation to the size of a Vergola® roof, which can comprise any number of bays. Each bay has a maximum dimension of 8 by 3.6 metres, and up to 8 bays can be controlled by a single control system/remote control. Roofs comprising of more than 8 bays have multiple controllers.

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. The 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.

We could say “The sky is the limit” because you can of course see it when the Vergola® is open! But it is really up to your imagination – we can show you example installations above green areas, paved areas, outdoor furniture, indoor furnishings, kitchens, play areas, swimming pools, barbeques, car ports, restaurants and cafes terraces, etc. You must remember that you are fitting an outdoor space, but 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 of course as sunlight, breezes, bird song, flower perfumes…). 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.

Yes. Under normal weather conditions, even steady rain, the Vergola® roof itself will not let in rain. In light rain, the louvres can remain partially open for ventilation if you wish, but in the fully closed position – for heavier rain – the louvres overlap with each other. As these panels are usually installed horizontally, they may drop water from the middle parts of the screen, as well as the ends, especially when it is opened after a rainfall. But 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® roof is not and cannot be as waterproof as a conventional fixed and tiled roof. On the other hand a Vergola® opens, bringing the benefits of an “indoor-outdoor area”, but this means it is not 100% proof against severe weather conditions.

Vergolas 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). To illustrate the confidence of the Australian company, they have installed a Vergola® system on the waterfront at Darwin in the tropical far north of Australia, often the location of severe cyclonic storms. In the Mediterranean climate, the sturdy construction of the Vergola® means that it can easily resist the Levante, Sirocco and other winds year after year without ripping, tearing or flapping, unlike a canvas or fabric cover.

Vergola® roofs are available in colours from the Colorbond Standard Residential Range. 

https://colorbond.com/sites/default/files/pdf/brochures/colorbond_steel_colours_for_your_home_colour_chart.pdf

If clients wish to have another colour, aluminium louvres are able to be powdercoated in any colour. However in this case, we can only pass on the length of guarantee offered by the local powdercoating company. 

There is no limitation to the size of a Vergola® roof, which can comprise any number of bays. Each bay has a maximum dimension of 6 by 3.6 metres, and up to 8 bays can be controlled by a single control system/remote control. Roofs comprising of more than 8 bays have multiple controllers.

We have our own designers to help give you ideas as to the best way to cover an area. Of course they have a lot of experience with Vergolas. Increasingly, architects and interior designers in Australia are becoming familiar with the Vergola® as a roofing option and are getting to know the product.

Of course this depends on the skills, help and tools available. But in our experience we can say once the support framework is completed, with a professional dedicating a full day, it can take one day per bay system plus one more day. Estimated time for 1 bay system, will take 2 days, and 3 bay systems, estimated 4 days. Larger installations or special circumstances may extend this time; our technical salesman will provide a timing estimate when preparing your quotation.

Yes. A lot of nstallations in Australia are close to the sea and many are built on absolute waterfronts. Maintenance guidelines suggest that Vergolas subject to direct salt-water spray should be washed down with fresh water weekly, or after a heavy storm, just as recommended for any waterfront construction, boat etc.

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 manufacture the guttering systems locally using Colorbond® or, in some instances, BlueScope® Zincalume®.

The best way to clean a Vergola® is to gently wash it down with warm soapy water and a clean cloth, thoroughly rinsing on completion. 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 of garden furniture, or outdoor cafes, tend to hose down their Vergolas 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. Where Vergolas are installed over sensitive areas (such as delicate fabrics, electronics or kitchens) 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.

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 integral gutters from time to time, as you would with any gutter. The motors and control systems are sealed and require no maintenance. It’s a good idea to make sure the rain sensor is kept uncovered and free of fallen debris.

The Vergola® electronic control system includes a rain sensor and the control system is normally programmed to close the louvres when rain is detected. The sensor is very sensitive so as 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 as the windscreen of some cars, it activates automatically when detecting humidity on the glass. The rain detector can be over-ridden. This is important when the Vergola® is being cleaned, but we also find some clients want to let in rain water, for example to water pot plants on a covered terrace.

The remote control system for the Vergola® is hand-held or wall-mounted as preferred. It connects electronically to a control box which is usually located in a concealed place. The rain sensor is activated to shut the louvres with the first drops of rain. The rain sensor can be deactivated, but the system will be active again after one hour.

There is a battery backup available as an option in the event of mains power failure.

Yes. Vergola Gold Coast keep on hand a range of parts and can arrange for one of our technicians to attend to any repairs or maintenance you may require. 

All components are available locally.

Not as a general rule.

With the Roof System, the gutter has drains located in the lowest points, where the water collected by the louvres will drain. This rainwater is then directed down through pipes to drain or storage to be used again. If your Vergola® is located in a position where run-off from an existing roof may fall onto it, you may wish to consider installing additional guttering on your existing roof. This will depend upon what level of rain protection you require in the area beneath the Vergola®. The Vergola® roofing system is designed to handle its own rainwater run-off, but not additional load that may fall (perhaps from some height and at some speed) from an overhanging roof.

A wind sensor is an optional extra that can be fitted to your Vergola®. A wind sensor is generally installed in situations where there are extreme wind conditions. The sensor device measures the wind speed and at 140km/h, the sensor sends a signal to the Vergola® controller to open the Vergola® louvres and release any build up of air pressure from below. This will avoid any damage to the Vergola® louvres in the event of extreme wind.

A fire sensor is an optional extra that can be fitted to your Vergola® which can be connected to a base alarm system to override the Vergola® controller in the event of fire.

If your Vergola® has simply stopped working, we suggest you try re-setting the Vergola, prior to us sending out a technician, as often if you have experienced a power surge, the Vergola® may simply need a re-set to fix the problem and can save you the call-out fee.

 To Re-set Vergola Opening Roof System:

 1:  Ensure that your remote control batteries are fresh (can be obtained from any good hardware shop)

 2:  Turn off the electricity/starve your Vergola® system of electricity for at least five minutes.  This will reset the Vergola® system and, in most cases, it will fully open (all banks) then fully close (all banks) before commencing normal operation.

Note – This procedure will NOT work if the rain sensor is wet.