When you’re buying a louvered roof system awning or a patio cover, there are many accessories that you can add on. Some of them will make your louvered roof system awning smart, while others will provide you with more opportunities to spend time with your family outside. However, some of them may require additional work and maintenance. Most of the accessories depend on your local weather, design preferences, needs, and budget. In most cases, you can add them on later.
1. Motorized Louvered Roof System Awning
Unlike traditional patio covers, louvered roof system awnings have moving parts, so you will have some mechanisms to control the louvers. Some louvered roof system brands may not offer a motor as an accessory, and that will be their default configuration. Motorized louvered roof systems are a nice feature to have. Although opening and closing the system with a manual operator is very easy, a motorized system is a must-have if you want to add accessories such as rain and wind sensors or a mobile app. A manual opening system is a good and easy solution for louvered roof systems that are far from a power source or if you have a limited budget. Of course, it’s better to have a manual louvered roof system awning than a traditional patio cover. In most cases, you can also add the motor later.
- Check the warranty for the motors
- Make sure the motors are accessible to replace and any handyman can do it if something happens.
- Make sure that the motors are not exposed to the elements for long periods of time.
2. Contemporary Louvered Roof System Awning Looks
Like traditional patio covers, you can add your own style and design to your louvered roof system and create the backyard of your dreams. You can customize your louvered roof system to be gable-shaped, rectangular, round, and more. Additionally, you have the option to choose a traditional Santa Barbara style or a sleek contemporary finish for your louvered roof system awning.
Box-shaped designs are particularly popular in modern contemporary houses and can provide a stylish finish to your louvered roof system awning. However, it’s important to note that they may increase the price as they require more materials and additional labor during installation.
- Not all brands offer the Santa Barbara look, and they may require you to purchase the expensive boxed look instead. Make sure to request quotes for both designs so that you can make an informed decision.
- If you’re on a budget, in most cases, you can add the boxed look finish later.
- There is a middle ground for the boxed look if your louvered roof system is attached to your house. You can choose to cover only three sides of your louvered roof system and simply have a flashing on the side of your house. This approach can save you some money.
3. Gutters for your Louvered Roof System Awning
Unlike traditional patio covers, when it rains or snows, a lattice cover allows the precipitation to pass through. However, when fully closed, your louvered roof system will function as a roof and collect and drain the water. Adding gutters to collect and direct the water to your yard or garden can be a valuable addition. Gutters for your louvered roof system awning are essential if you live in a penthouse or have downstairs neighbors. You wouldn’t want all the rainwater to drain onto your or their porch.
However, there are a few things to consider before adding gutters to your louvered roof system. The most important question to ask is: Do you really need gutters? If your louvered roof system is already effectively draining the water to your lawn and garden, is it necessary to spend more money on gutters and increase maintenance? Consider how often you plan to go outside from your backyard to your garden when it’s raining.
The second factor to consider is how much additional maintenance you are willing to handle. Many louvered roof system brands require you to purchase a minimum of four gutters (or even more if you have a larger louvered roof system with multiple motors). Ask yourself if the benefits of having gutters are crucial enough to justify cleaning 4 to 16 gutters twice a year. This is an important consideration when deciding to add gutter systems to your louvered roof system.
The third aspect to consider is your budget. Keep in mind that gutter systems require additional materials and installation, which will increase the overall cost of your project.
- In most cases, you have the option to add the gutter system later. However, it’s important to note that some brands may require you to purchase a complete gutter system even if you don’t initially want it. To make an informed decision, obtain quotes from several brands and compare their offerings.
- In most cases, it doesn’t make sense to add four gutters for each motor. If you decide to install gutters, it is best to place them where the louvered roof system is already draining the water, typically away from your house. Instead of using gutters between the louvered roof system and the house, you can opt for a simple flashing. Additionally, on the sides of the louvered roof system, gutters are often more of a design feature rather than serving the purpose of collecting water. When considering gutter systems, inquire and search for brands that offer flexibility in their options.
- Ensure that you are aware of where the gutter system collects the water. Some brands may channel all the water from your louvered roof system into their posts, which can lead to potential issues with post brackets, screws, and the accumulation of organic matter and debris inside the posts. It may become challenging to clean them, and unpleasant odors could develop over time. Additionally, if your posts are not located in your lawn, your porch or patio area could still experience flooding even with the gutter system in place.
4. Louvered Roof System Awning Substructure
Another way to add a unique and personalized touch to your louvered roof system is through the design of the posts, beams, and headers. You have the flexibility to choose materials such as steel, wood, concrete, or almost any other material you can imagine. For example, you can stucco the posts to match the stucco of your house, creating a cohesive look. Additionally, if you desire a truly bespoke substructure, you can collaborate with a skilled welder artist to design a custom-made substructure that is tailored specifically to your preferences and needs.
- Ensure that your substructure is designed to support the engineering requirements of your louvered roof system. It is important to consider not only the live load, which includes the weight of the louvered roof system, but also the potential snow and wind loads. Properly accounting for these factors will ensure the structural integrity and safety of your louvered roof system.
- In many cases, louvered roof system installers may not be willing to handle the construction of a custom-made substructure. You may need to hire separate contractors for the substructure and the louvered roof system installation. It’s important to be prepared for this possibility and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and successful project completion.
5. Remote Controls for you Louvered Roof System Awning
All motorized louvered roof systems typically come with a remote control as a standard feature. However, many people often struggle to locate the remote when they need it. To ensure convenience and easy access, it is recommended to have a wireless wall switch installed next to your louvered roof system in addition to the handheld remote control. This allows your guests, kids, and yourself to intuitively control the louvered roof system without the hassle of searching for the remote control.
6. Louvered Roof System Awning Mobile App
There are several ways to control the louvers of your louvered roof system. These include using a manual crank, an RF remote control, a wall switch, or a mobile app. However, it’s important to note that mobile apps can only be added to a motorized louvered roof system awning. Some mobile apps require you to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, limiting their use to when you are at your home or restaurant.
Additionally, certain mobile apps only function as remote controls, allowing you to open or close the system. Solara’s upcoming app, integrated with a smart home app, offers advanced functionality. With this app, you will be able to control your louvered roof system from anywhere using any device. It also synchronizes with the louvered roof system’s weather location, enabling automatic closure during rain, snow, or strong winds. Furthermore, when it’s hot, the system will open to provide 100% shade and ventilation, while in colder temperatures, it allows maximum natural direct heat and sunlight.
7. Wind and Rain Sensors for the Louvered Roof System Awning
Wind and rain sensors can be a valuable addition to your louvered roof system, transforming it into a “smart patio cover.” One of the significant advantages of these sensors is that regardless of your location, your louvered roof system will automatically close when it detects rain or strong winds, providing protection for your furniture and patio from the elements.
However, it’s important to consider that in addition to the hardware and installation costs, wind and rain sensors can sometimes be complex to calibrate. The sensitivity of the sensor plays a crucial role. What defines a “strong wind”? How is rain measured? Can high humidity trigger the closure of your louvered roof system? These factors may vary depending on the specific sensor model. Furthermore, most wind and rain sensors require professional installation to ensure correct positioning and exposure to rain and wind. Additionally, regular maintenance is necessary for these sensors.
Dust accumulation or even bird droppings can affect the sensitivity and performance of the rain sensor, requiring periodic cleaning. It’s important to carefully assess your specific needs and consult with professionals to determine the appropriate wind and rain sensor for your louvered roof system, considering factors such as sensitivity, installation requirements, and maintenance.
Solara is the only brand with advanced technology that offers unique features for louvered roof systems. Unlike other rain and wind sensors on the market, Solara’s technology does not require additional hardware and delivers superior performance. In addition to its rain and wind sensing capabilities, Solara’s sensor can also function as a temperature, snow, and tornado sensor. The innovative technology provided by Solara sets it apart from other brands, offering enhanced functionality and versatility for your louvered roof system. By utilizing Solara’s sensor, you can benefit from a comprehensive and reliable solution that surpasses the capabilities of traditional rain and wind sensors.
- Check the warranty on the hardware
- Ensure you know what will be the cost of replacing the sensor when needed.
- Ensure that the rain and wind sensor is accessible for maintenance.
- Ensure that the rain and wind sensor is not an eye sore.
8. Visor for your Louvered Roof System Awning
Some louvered roof systems offer the option of adding a visor, similar to what you would find in a lattice patio cover or fabric awning. A visor can serve as a stylish design feature and enhance the functionality of your louvered roof system awning. It provides additional shade and protection from the sun. The visor is fixed at a 45-degree angle, allowing for increased shade coverage and extending the shaded time in your backyard. It is important to note that louvered roof system visors are stationary, and the louvers themselves will not move. Adding a visor to your louvered roof system can be a great way to enhance its appearance, provide more shade, and improve your outdoor experience.
- Your visor will be most effective when positioned on the east and west sides where the sun sets and rises and it will be 90-degrees to your patio.
- In the winter months when the sun’s angle is lower, the visor can have some effect on the south side.
- It’s important to note that visors installed on the north side of your louvered roof system will not provide additional shade. While they can still serve as a design feature, their effectiveness in creating shade is limited when facing the north.
9. Extruded/roll Formed Louvers for Your Louvered Roof System Awning
In the louvered roof system market, you can find various types of louvers, including steel or aluminum options. When choosing between the two, it is recommended to opt for aluminum louvers. There are two main types of aluminum louvers: roll formed and extruded. Roll formed louvered roof systems offer similar features to extruded systems. However, there are distinct advantages to choosing a roll formed louver system:
- Lighter live load: Roll formed louvers are lighter, allowing for larger spans in rafters and support beams. This provides more flexibility in design and installation.
- Cost-effective: Roll formed louver systems utilize less aluminum, making them more affordable while still offering almost the same features as extruded systems. This makes them a smart choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
On the other hand, extruded louvered roof systems are typically stronger and better suited for heavy snow loads or commercial applications. If you anticipate such conditions, an extruded system may be the preferred choice. By considering the specific requirements of your project, you can make an informed decision on whether to opt for a roll formed or extruded louvered roof system that best suits your needs and budget.
- It is recommended to have 2 quotes for your project. One being roll formed and one with extruded louvered roof systems this way you can compare the price difference.
- Check the warranty and compare it between different brands. Also, inquire about the maximum length of the louvers offered by each brand. Keep in mind that larger louvers generally indicate greater strength, which means you will require fewer headers, support beams, and possibly fewer motors as well.
- Check and compare the engineering provided by different companies. It is worth noting that some extruded louver companies may not offer engineering services. On the other hand, most roll formed louver systems are designed to be as strong as their extruded counterparts and can withstand the same wind and snow loads.
- Most roll formed louvered roof systems can be upgraded later to extruded louvers. Therefore, if you have a limited budget, you can start with roll formed louvers and, if you decide that you need the benefits of extruded louvers, you can always upgrade at a later time.
Like many remodeling projects, there are numerous changes and add-ons available for your louvered roof system. While we haven’t covered all the accessories, there are options such as lights, heaters, speakers, mist systems, screens, and more. Remodeling your backyard can be a lengthy and costly project. We recommend starting by determining your needs and what you hope to achieve with your louvered roof system awning. Will you frequently host gatherings? Do you have children and pets? What is the local weather like? These factors will inform your decisions.
The second consideration is your budget. Can you afford all the additional features and accessories for your louvered roof system awning? If not, prioritize the accessories based on their importance to you. Is a motorized system more crucial than a gutter system? Will a rain and wind sensor be more beneficial than having extruded louvers? Make a list and determine which accessories you truly desire and which ones can be added later.
Be a smart consumer and compare warranties and quotes from different brands. Ask for references from homeowners who have had the same system for at least five years that will provide valuable insight. We hope that this article helps you make informed choices for your project, and remember, you can always reach out to the manufacturer for more detailed information about each accessory.
