A flat pergola is not always the desired finish for people.
You might want to mix things up a bit and see your options.
This includes adding a slope to the pergola and giving it a more refined finish. If that is what you are after, it’s best to look at how to add slope to a pergola roof the right way.
To add slope to a pergola roof, start by choosing the slope’s direction. If it’s an attached pergola, the slope is already pre-determined. Once done, add pitch to the center of the pergola (panel), attach horizontal + vertical closure strips, and then secure the roofing panels.
You will want to be careful when attaching the panels.
Make sure they do not budge as that can cause damage to the pergola and/or cause the roof to look imbalanced.
This article is going to look at how to add a slope to a pergola and what to consider during the process.
Table of Contents
Reasons To Have An Attached Pergola
1. Choose The Slope’s Direction
The first step is to choose the slope’s direction.
This is important because it dictates which direction the slope goes. If it is set against the house, the slope is going to go down while starting from a high point near the house.
It is almost pre-determined as that is the only way you can create a sloped design with an attached pergola.
Once you have done this, it’s time to look at how to choose a slope’s direction for a freestanding pergola.
In this case, you will need to pinpoint where the water is going to run.
It’s important to have the slope set where you want the water to go. Otherwise, you might end up flooding the area depending on the lay of the land.
It’s always best to avoid a situation where water is going to pool in one spot.
Look at setting the grooves on the pergola based on this information. Always slope the roof to make sure water drains efficiently.
2. Add Pitch
Now it is time to start adding the pitch to your pergola.
This is where the slope is going to start for the pergola.
If it is a freestanding pergola, you are going to want to start it from the middle point. This is a convenient spot for the pergola and is going to make sure it is designed to work well.
Some might decide to raise the roof from one end.
This is fine as long as it is not a steep drop. When it is a steep drop, this can look odd and it is something you will want to avoid.
Start in the center and go from there.
3. Attach Horizontal And Vertical Closure Strips
At this point, you are going to have a starting point for the roofing panels.
This means it is time to start looking at setting horizontal and vertical closure strips. These strips are going to be set up with the intention of making sure the angle is right.
You will want to start with the horizontal strips.
Line them along the edges of the pergola and make sure they are secure. This is the only way you are going to get the panels to settle in as intended.
When you are done with the horizontal strips, you can begin working on the vertical closure strips.
The vertical closure strips are going to be lined against the end of the horizontal strips.
4. Attach The Roofing Panels
The final step is to begin attaching the roofing panels.
This is the best way to make sure the roofing panels remain secure and that you create an even angle from where the pitch is.
In some cases, you are going to have to start trimming the edges of the roofing panels. This happens when they stick out a bit.
Don’t be afraid to do this as it will complete the look.
Take the time to think about how the panels are going to sit as that is the only way to guarantee good results.
Final Thoughts
These are the main tips on how to add a slope to a pergola roof.
To add a slope to a pergola roof, it’s best to determine the slope’s direction, figure out where the pitch will go, attach both the horizontal plus vertical strips, and then secure the roofing panels into place.
This is the best way to get the results you are after.
Adding a slope to your pergola’s roof is all about using the right materials and making sure the angle is correct.
If this is the case, the pergola is going to look impressive and it is going to last for a long time too. This is important for those who do not want to compromise on how the pergola performs.
