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Most people spend good money on a pergola, then sit around watching it collect rainwater from underneath the patio door for half the year. Outdoor pergolas look great when the weather is warm and sunny, but unless you take additional steps to protect the space, the second a cold front moves in… forget about it.
It doesn’t have to be like that though.
With the right pergola cover, your pergola space can become usable right through rain storms, windy seasons, and even large snowfalls that would quickly collapse an uncovered structure in just a few hours.
This Article Covers:
- Why protecting your pergola matters
- All of your best pergola cover options for any climate
- What you should look for in a pergola cover for snow
- How to maintain your pergola cover properly
Why Protecting Your Pergola Matters
Let’s start with something few people realize until it’s too late…
Without proper protection, pergolas aren’t really pergolas at all. They’re expensive shells. Their open beam construction allows rainwater to soak into wood supports (rapidly swelling and rotting the timber), allows snow to accumulate on top of rafters and leaves the entire structure vulnerable to UV ray degradation.
The solution is obvious. Spend the time and money on water resistant pergola covers — designed to keep rain, wind, and heavy snow weights away from the pergola throughout the entire year. If you live somewhere cold, you can even find pergola covers built specifically for snow so bad weather doesn’t mean abandoning your outdoor room for months on end.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, snow can exert 20 to 40 PSI (pounds per square inch) onto any covered area. If that snow is wet, which it often is early and late in the season, then those loads rise to 25 — 60 PSF (pounds per square foot). A heavy, wet snowfall can exert near 40 PSF on your home’s roof. No pergola was built with that kind of load in mind.
Solutions don’t include hiding indoors every winter. Prevention starts with choosing a sturdy pergola cover before you build or install anything else.
Best Pergola Cover Options For Any Climate
Before getting into what to look for with snow loads in particular, it pays to review all available cover options.
Louvered Roof Systems
Hands down the best option for year-round use. Louvered roofs feature adjustable slats that block rain instantly. When closed they form a seamless barrier that sheds rain, wind, and snow effectively. Higher quality brands are tested at 100+ MPH winds and have substantial snow ratings.
Solid Panel Covers
Solid panel pergola covers offer guaranteed protection without any adjustments necessary. Fully enclosed aluminum or insulated panels keep your outdoor area safe from rain precipitation, sun damage, and snow drifts. They’re a fantastic option for pergolas used as outdoor kitchens or entertainment areas where you just can’t afford let-downs.
Polycarbonate Panels
If you like the idea of open beams but still want some protection from rainfall, then go with polycarbonate panels. They let sunshine filter through while effectively keeping raindrops out. These panels handle light snow reasonably well but you’ll need to clear out heavier accumulations before they stick around.
Retractable Fabric Covers
Retractable pergola covers are great for mild climates that don’t see heavy snowfall or several straight months of rain. While they can provide decent shade from the sun, fabric will typically need replacing every 5 to 8 years before needing replacement. They’re also not built to handle any significant snow loading. If you do live in snow country, retractable fabric pergola covers must be retracted before that first major snowfall or you risk severe damage to the system due to snow weight.
What To Look For In A Pergola Cover For Snow
This topic isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone living somewhere with real winters has to plan differently.
The truth is, your pergola cover has to be able to handle actual weight when snow is involved. Heavy wet snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot — and that’s not a small number. Apply that to your pergola’s full roof area and you see why a cover that looks fine in a marketing photo may collapse under the weight of one good storm.
If you want your pergola cover to survive snow season, focus on:
- Snow load rating (PSF): Don’t settle for under 20 PSF. The higher the snow rating the better it will handle heavy winter storms.
- Material: Powder coated aluminum stands above the rest. Its combination of lightweight, rust-proofing, and structural strength is nearly unbeatable.
- Drainage: Water isn’t just rain. Snow melts, and you need that water to drain away from the frame efficiently. Covers with built-in gutter systems are far more likely to live up to their lifespan.
- Wind Rating: Snow doesn’t come by itself. Wind almost always accompanies winter storms, so a minimum 60 MPH wind rating is required for most climates.
The material your pergola cover is constructed out of can make or break your decision. Wood soaks up water then expands (rotting in the process). Aluminum does the exact opposite. It sheds moisture quickly, refuses to rust, and maintains structural stability year after year even as temperatures plunge then rise again. Winter weather doesn’t stand a chance.
Maintenance Tips To Keep It Standing Strong
No pergola cover will last if it gets ignored during install or throughout the years.
Take the time to inspect your pergola cover before the start of winter each year. Are there loose bolts where the panels meet posts or attach to beams? Can you see small cracks in seals or edges of panels? Fix these items now rather than trying to mid-storm.
If you own a motorized or louver-style pergola cover, never attempt to open or close the system while snow or ice is frozen onto the tracks. Let it thaw naturally. Forcing the tracks when frozen causes far worse damage than simply letting them thaw.
A roof rake can be used on motorized or louvered systems to break up heavy snow drifts without going onto the roof. Keep the rake length manageable enough to reach the pergola roof from flat ground.
Once winter has passed, take a moment to clear debris from drainage channels. Wet leaves from autumn have a way of cementing into place over cold winter months. Once thawed, that debris restricts water flow causing pooling — drastically reducing the life expectancy of your pergola cover.
A pergola cover isn’t maintenance free, but it doesn’t need to demand significant free time either. Periodic inspections and spot maintenance are all it takes for a pergola cover to really earn its “25+ year lifespan” label.
Rain Or Shine: Wrapping It Up
Installing a pergola cover solves all your rain or shine problems. Stop letting the weather dictate how often you use your pergola.
Pick the right pergola cover for snow and you suddenly have something that can handle incredible weight without fear of collapse. It stops rainwater before it soaks into beams, comes with built-in drainage to keep moisture away long term, and can stand up to wind without bending or breaking. Every facet of the choice should speak to how the pergola will perform when Mother Nature turns against you.
Short recap:
- Pergola covers for wet or cold areas include louvered or permanent solid panels
- Snow load ratings and aluminum construction are key for snowy climates
- Built-in drainage is a must
- Give your pergola cover an once-over before each winter season
- Never try to move a frozen pergola cover — wait until it has thawed first