Motorised louvred pergolas
Rotating aluminium louvres that open for sun and air, then close into a rain-tight roof at the press of a button.
What is a motorised pergola?
A motorised pergola is an aluminium frame with a roof made of rotating aluminium louvres, driven by an electric motor. Tilt the louvres open and sunlight and fresh air come through. Angle them to shade the table from low evening sun. Close them fully and they lock together into a roof that sheds rain into gutters hidden in the frame and down through the posts. These are often called bioclimatic or louvred pergolas, because they let you tune shade and airflow to the weather.
Motorised louvred pergolas at a glance
- Roof: Rotating aluminium louvres that close rain-tight
- Control: Remote control, wall switch or app
- Sensors: Rain sensor closes the louvres automatically. Wind sensor optional
- Drainage: Gutters integrated in the frame, draining down through the posts
- Mounting: Wall-mounted or freestanding, made to measure
- Options: LED lighting, infrared heaters, zip screens and sliding glass sides
Why go motorised?
The roof changes as fast as the weather. On an Irish afternoon that can be three times an hour. A rain sensor closes the louvres for you if a shower arrives while you’re inside.
Light and shade on your terms. Open fully on a grey day to keep the kitchen behind it bright. Angle the louvres to block the sun from the table but keep the view.
Air when it’s warm. On a hot day, opening the louvres lets warm air escape upwards, so the space stays far cooler than under a solid roof.
It’s a real roof. Closed, the louvres keep the table dry through heavy rain. It’s not a sealed room, as the sides are open unless you add screens or glass, but it’s genuine shelter.
How we survey, supply and fit motorised pergolas
- Survey. We check the ground and the wall, mark out the footprint, and plan where the rainwater will drain and how power will reach the pergola.
- Design. We agree the size, number of bays, which way the louvres rotate, colour, sensors and any lighting, heating or screens.
- Made to measure. The frame and louvres are made to your sizes and powder coated in your chosen colour.
- Installation. We set the foundations or anchors, build the frame, fit the louvres and drive, and connect the drainage. A registered electrician makes and certifies the electrical connection.
- Handover. We set up the remote, app and sensors, and show you the simple maintenance that keeps it running smoothly.
Choosing a motorised pergola
Size and bays. Single bays cover most patios. Larger areas are split into bays that share posts, and each bay can be controlled separately.
Louvre direction. Which way the louvres turn decides where the sun comes through as they open, and which way the water runs when they close. We set this to suit your garden’s orientation.
Colour. Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is the most popular. White and black are common too, and any RAL colour is possible. Match your windows and doors for a built-in look.
Extras worth planning now. LED lighting and heaters need cabling, which is far easier to run during installation than afterwards. See lighting, heaters and screens.
Sides. Add zip screens or frameless glass on one or more sides to block wind and turn it into an enclosed pergola.
Motorised pergola ideas
These are illustrations of design ideas, not photos of specific Brega Glazing jobs. See more in our ideas gallery.
Typical uses for motorised pergolas
- Covered dining areas outside kitchen extensions
- Outdoor kitchens and barbecue areas
- Shelter over hot tubs and swim spas
- Café, restaurant and hotel terraces that need to trade in all weathers
Motorised pergola FAQs
Is a motorised pergola waterproof?
With the louvres closed, the roof sheds rain into integrated gutters and keeps the area underneath dry, even in heavy rain. The sides are open unless you add screens or glass, so wind-driven rain can still blow in at the edges.
What happens to a louvred pergola in a power cut?
The louvres simply stay where they are until the power comes back. If rain is forecast and you’re going away, close the roof before you leave. A rain sensor closes it automatically as long as there’s power.
Can a motorised pergola cope with strong wind?
Yes, when it’s designed and anchored for your site. We allow for wind loads in the structure and fixings, and an optional wind sensor moves the louvres to their safest position in a gale.
Do I need an electrician for a motorised pergola?
Yes. The motor, sensors, lighting and heaters need a mains supply. In Ireland, that connection must be made and certified by a registered electrical contractor. We coordinate this as part of the job.
How do I maintain a louvred pergola?
Clear leaves and debris from the louvres and gutters a few times a year, especially in autumn. Wash the frame with mild soapy water, and check the drainage outlets at the bottom of the posts are flowing freely.