Another Shade Option

[bitingmidge]

I have been pondering means of covering a pergola for a while, and didn't want to go the shade cloth option, or for that matter the dreaded clear plastic stuff.

We don't need waterproofing and I didn't want to put too much extra load on the structure.

The solution was to get our friendly neighbourhood canvas goods maker to sew some 250 mm wide strips of vinyl cover material, which I "wove" between the beams and lashed at each end with yacht fittings.

Cost to cover a 2700 x 1800 wide area was $125 including fittings, which I think is one of the better value purchasers I've made all year!!

I'm so happy with the result I thought I'd show off!

Cheers,

P

[craigb]

Looks good Midge.

Any idea of the shade percentage it provides?.

How does the vinyl hold up over time?

I guess it's used on boats yeah?

[silentC]

Yep, looks like something an arty-farty architect type would do

Better patent the idea before someone steals it from you and starts making them.

[Grunt]

Excellent idea. Looks great.

[bitingmidge]

Shade percentage... 90 - 100% just depending on the angle of the sun throught the triangles. The strips are hard against one another, so when the sun comes through it isn't filtered (does that make sense?)

I chose a fairly cheap fabric (5 year guarantee) because I didn't really know how it was going to come out, my boat cover is made of the same stuff and has been in the open for just over ten years, and is just showing signs of needing repairs.

Better fabrics like those produced by Ferrari, will come with 15 years plus warranty at a 50 to 100% price premium, and I know of two structures that are over 20 years old.

I'm happy at the thought of spending another $150 or so in ten years time though!

Cheers,

P

[Iain]

Easy to get down for the annual dust and cobweb removal?

[Woodlice]

Wow, that looks rather schmick Midge.

J!

[bitingmidge]

Easy to get down for the annual dust and cobweb removal?

Slides in one side on a sail track and simply lashed the other with light cord.

I think it more likely that it'll get a hose and a wipe off in place!

Cheers,

P

[Trav]

good form midge. that is a good idea and I might have to copy it for my pergola. I will, of course, erect a plaque in your honour...

Trav

[Rocker]

Midge,

I realize that rain is not that frequent around here, but doesn't water tend to accumalate in the valleys of the canvas and perhaps cause the beams to rot?

Rocker

[Harry72]

I like that looks modern, good inexpensive idea Midgey.
Did you need to apply much tension? Another way using that idea would to be make some frames to simulate your idea, but have the battons only say 50mm high to close up the triangle gaps? Make them removable so during the winter months they could be removed to allow for more light.