Buyer's Guide: How to Make your pergola windproof with screens

A pergola is a worthwhile construction that creates a beautiful and functional outdoor living space in your backyard. If you’ve installed a louvered pergola, the blistering sunlight and rain will no longer be a problem disrupting your relaxation. But when the unpredictable wind starts to blow, how to make your pergola windproof becomes a challenging task. You may need to prepare high-quality screens to ensure a safe and comfortable place. In this guide, we’ll offer a range of screens to help your pergola withstand different windy conditions.

Create a screened-in pergola to withstand windy weather

Lounging in the pergola when there is a breeze is a delightful way to cozy up. However, when the wind level starts to increase, it can bring dust and debris into your space and disrupt your relaxation. Thankfully, a screened-in pergola can perfectly address your concerns. You can easily make your pergola windproof through the following methods.

Screened-in pergola ideas for a light breeze

• Polyester Screens

Polyester screens can be a cost-efficient and convenient option to help you make your pergola windproof. For years, polyester material has been widely used for screen applications due to its superior flexibility and durability. Its lightweight design provides a quick and effortless installation. You can either attach them to the beams of your pergola to block the windward side or take them down to allow better ventilation when not in use. Besides, polyester materials are also resistant to rip or tear, making them the ideal barrier to block wind and rain. Moreover, most polyester screens often provide a range of colors and patterns for customers to choose from. You can customize a unique screen set to fit the aesthetic style of your pergola.

• Outdoor Curtains
  

When there is a light breeze outside, the outdoor curtains are a perfect addition to keep out the wind while enhancing the overall privacy of the pergola. The outdoor curtains are often made of high-density fabrics, which are heavy enough to block the breeze after being tied to the construction. In addition, since the curtains can be fully or partially open or closed, you can customize the space depending on weather conditions and the need for privacy. Moreover, curtains always come in a range of colors and patterns for customers to choose from. You can order a unique set of curtains to fit the aesthetic style of your pergola. The only potential problem you should be aware of is that the curtains can mould if your pergola is positioned in a moist environment. Remember to clean it regularly or just buy the water-resistant type to avoid such issues.

*Cautions: Although most polyester screens and curtains are designed to block the breeze(1-24mph), they still can be damaged in strong winds. We suggest you retract them in extreme conditions to prevent potential damage.

Screened-in pergola ideas for strong gales

As we’ve illustrated how to make your pergola windproof in a light breeze, this section will give you two alternatives that can withstand the strong gale(75-88mph).

• Glass Covers

Adding glass covers around the sides of your pergola can effectively block the wind and create a dry and comfortable room for your outdoor space. The glass is usually designed to withstand high winds and heavy rain, which is perfect for owners who live in an area with a rainy and windy climate. Although the compacted glass may make you feel a little enclosed, its crystal materials can maintain a clear view for you. You can freely host or enjoy various entertaining activities inside your pergola year-round, even on the most blustery of days. Additionally, the glass walls can help to cut down noise from both outside and inside, providing a serene retreat for you to relax.

• Metal Panel Screens
  

Metal panels are durable accessories that can act as the perfect barrier to withstand gales. Most panels are made of reinforced materials such as power-coated steel and aluminium, providing strong support and long-lasting performance. Some types of metal panel screens can be motorized to adjust their opening and closing, providing full protection not only for windy days but also for various weather elements, such as sunshine and rain. You can freely enjoy a pleasant time in your pergola in every season of the year. Besides, the sleek metal screens can also add a modern aesthetic to your existing pergola, making it more eye-catching for your neighbors and guests.

*Cautions: The exact wind-resistant level of glass covers and metal screens depends on the material, size and other factors. We suggest you consult the suppliers before adding them to your pergolas.

Use retractable pergola screen for fickle winds

If you’re living in an area where the weather is very much changeable, we recommend you set up a pergola with retractable screens. For instance, the EROMMY aluminum pergola is equipped with 6 moveable wind-resistant side screens, providing great protection for the interior part of your pergola. These screens are made of high-grade materials, they can not only stop the wind but also block the water when it's rainy outside. Besides, with the cassette sliding rail design, you can smoothly operate the screens based on your needs. When the wind blows, you can lower the screens to block the breeze and annoying insects. When you want to have a cool place, you can retract the screens to get more airflow. Moreover, this unique design also ensures a compact integration between the fabric and the frame, preventing the breeze or water from sneaking into the pergola through the edges. 

Conclusion

In general, adding high-quality screens to your pergola can effectively help you block the wind and increase the comfort level of your outdoor space, but sometimes the powerful winds can bring a high risk of damaging your structures. We recommend you choose the pergola with durable anchor plates to enhance the overall stability, or just retract them in extreme weather to avoid further destruction.