Every family would love to spend quality time outdoors in a sturdy pergola that can withstand big storms such as hurricanes. However, for a pergola to withstand storms, the designer has to use suitable materials and reinforce it appropriately. Many property owners tend to focus more on the appearance of their pergola at the expense of the ability to resist powerful storms. That is why some pergolas are damaged by hurricanes, risking the lives of the owners and leading to repair costs. This article will discuss the specifics of constructing a resilient pergola that can withstand hurricanes.
Select the Right Materials
Different materials have varying resistance to hurricane damage. This means that a homeowner can increase resistance to damage by choosing a suitable material. Therefore, the property owner should discuss with the contractor the materials, such as wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum, to identify the best one, considering the risk of hurricanes in the area. Although these materials can create firm pergolas when reinforced properly, aluminum is an excellent option because it is durable and can resist strong winds. Therefore, it is one of the materials that can make the best pergola for high winds and hurricanes with gusts of up to 130 mph. If the homeowner chooses fiberglass, the pergola can withstand up to 95 mph, while vinyl pergolas can handle between 50 and 70 mph. Therefore, property owners should choose the material based on the desired pergola design and the risk of hurricanes.
Choose the Right Design
The design of any structure can determine how well it can resist storms. Therefore, the contractor should anchor the pergola firmly to the ground to ensure the wind cannot quickly move it. Besides the anchoring, the contractor should help the property owner choose the right location. This is because the harsh wind usually flows from the same direction every time. The orientation of the pergola can determine how well it aligns with the wind. A pergola that blocks the wind is more likely to be damaged during a hurricane than one set at an angle of 45 degrees. For better anchoring, the contractor can attach the pergola to the nearby structures, such as the perimeter wall. A free-standing pergola is at a higher risk of storm damage than a structure attached to a wall or another structure.
Perform Maintenance Practices
A well-designed pergola with the right materials will certainly develop problems and get damaged by wind if the owner overlooks maintenance practices. Therefore, the contractor should guide the owner about the maintenance practices required to maintain the foundation and other parts. The owner should inspect the pergola for damage and hire a contractor for repairs and maintenance. To make the pergola sturdy, the contractor can fix the concrete footings, ground anchors, blocks and loose bolts. Timely repairs ensure any weak points are restored, increasing wind resistance and extending the pergola’s life.
Install Wind Sensors
Some homeowners install louvered roofs on their pergolas with a protective layer protecting the structure from hurricanes. These roofs adjust the layout to control the amount of wind and sunlight entering the outdoor relaxing space. Therefore, the homeowner can add wind sensors that help adjust the roof to reduce the impact of hurricanes. Although the upfront cost is high, the convenience and reliability are worth it.
These are simple methods homeowners can use to make their pergola hurricane-resistant. Therefore, property owners in areas prone to hurricanes should consider this investment. However, they should involve a contractor to design and maintain the pergola to achieve the desired results.