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If you have a pergola, you might wonder how long it will last. This is also a question to ask before you adopt the design trend for your home. When adding a pergola to your patio or deck, it’s vital to ensure that it’s a long-term investment, in addition to enhancing the style of your outdoor space.
You need to understand how long the pergola will last, as this varies for the different types of pergolas available. You wouldn’t want to ruin the enjoyment you get in your backyard, and this will be the case if the view of the sky is filled with warping or a cracked structure.
Therefore, before buying a pergola, it’s essential to consider all the different types available, as well as how the materials used for each type can affect the lifespan of the pergola. Keep reading to uncover more about the lifespan of pergolas. But before we begin, here’s a quick overview of what pergolas are in the first place.
What Is A Pergola?
This structure features parallel colonnades, which support cross rafters and an open roof of girders. Simply put, it is an outdoor structure with columns designed solely for support, and it can either be left open or closed to create extra space for shelter. Also, in some cases, they are attached to a house, and sometimes they are freestanding.
To understand the definition of pergolas better, it’s essential to compare it with other outdoor structures common in many homes. This includes gazebos, trellises, arbours, lattices, and carports. Arbours are landscaping structures that share similarities to pergolas but are two different structures.
For example, they are primarily small and straightforward structures mostly made from vinyl rather than the conventional materials used for other similar purposes. Pergolas, on the other hand, are much larger and have larger dimensions. Gazebos are also outdoor structures made from wood, but they have a roof closure, unlike pergolas.
The main difference between gazebos and pergolas is the rounded shape and the raised floor. Carports, on the other hand, are primarily defined according to the purpose they serve. They provide shelter for automobiles and vehicles and serve as a perfect alternative to more expensive options.
Benefits of Pergolas
To understand what pergolas are, it’s essential to have a quick look at their benefits. As an outdoor structure, they provide multiple benefits to exterior spaces, and these benefits include the following:
- Pergolas are great for outdoor gatherings with friends and family members. They are equally suitable for pool parties because they provide enough space away from the pool, which is excellent for people looking for an extra activity.
- They provide extra shelter, which can be full shade for people to relax, completely different from what gazebos and arbours provide. For people who want to enjoy extra sunshine, pergolas can also help you achieve that. A pergola is basically like a convertible car that serves both purposes.
- Pergolas come in different designs and options, and they are great for people looking to improve the aesthetic appeal of their outdoor space.
With everything above, let us now go deeper to understand the lifespan of pergolas better.
Lifespan of Pergolas
Pergolas are an excellent outdoor décor piece, and they are always outside the home. This exposes them to harsh temperature conditions and other seasonal changes that can eventually affect the lifespan of the pergola.
However, the overall lifespan of the pergola depends on the material it is made of. Quality is also a factor that significantly influences how long the pergola will last and whether it will add more value to your home.
Metal pergolas
Metal is a common pergola material used in different parts of the world, and its lifespan is usually up to five years or less. Metal pergolas are generally put up for sale in various hardware stores, as well as in the outdoor section of home improvement stores.
They are generally the cheapest type of pergolas, and you may not get a long life out of them. They don’t last for more than five years for two reasons. The first is their potential to rust, which increases the chance of destruction quickly, and the second is that they are not always built well, which can cause them to develop structural issues rapidly.
Wood pergolas
You might want to think wood pergolas won’t last long, but the shocking thing is that they can last for up to five to twelve years. Another fantastic thing is that wooden pergolas mostly have a beautiful and rustic charm but require maintenance to preserve their lifespan. This is the main factor that keeps most buyers away.
It’s important to note that wood has a higher chance of rotting and moulding. Maintenance is the main determining factor of how long it will last. By staining it every year, you can rest assured that it will last up to twelve years. However, without staining, it will barely last up to five years.
Vinyl pergolas
This is the best option for most people, as vinyl pergolas are designed to last for a lifetime. When it comes to pergola lifespan, style, and practicality, the vinyl pergola takes the lead compared to other options on the market.
Wood can rot quickly, and metal tends to rust. On the other hand, vinyl is impervious to all these damaging elements, which is impressive. However, it’s important to note that vinyl requires yearly maintenance to preserve its lifespan.
All you need to do is to keep it clean, and you can do this by hosing it off. If you’re after getting a pergola that will last for as long as you want, the vinyl option is one you should consider without hesitation.
Aluminium pergolas
For long-term use, aluminium pergolas are also a great option to consider, and this is because of the high attraction and low stress associated with the option. The big question is, how long do aluminium pergolas last? Heavy aluminium is mainly touted as a highly durable material and widely recognised for its ability to last for a lifetime.
Extruded heavy aluminium can last for as long as you want it to last without warping or cracking, and the exciting thing about it is that it is completely maintenance-free. Many people confuse metal pergolas and extruded heavy aluminium with each other. However, they are not the same.
In most cases, you’ll find aluminium pergolas with a lifetime guarantee, which implies that you have nothing to worry about. They offer fantastic weather resistance, which also makes them free of decay. With that, you can be sure that your aluminium pergolas will last as long as you need them to.
Fibreglass pergolas
This type of pergola is very similar to vinyl, especially in terms of its lifespan. The interesting part is that it equally requires very little maintenance to preserve its lifespan. In addition, you won’t have to worry about rust and corrosion with fibreglass pergolas.
This is because they hold paint well and rarely absorb moisture. Therefore, you can be sure that your pergolas will last up to 20 years if made from fibreglass and cared for with proper maintenance.
Getting Your Dream Pergola
While you plan to get a new pergola or renovate the old one, you should note that there are different types, each of which offers a different lifespan. You can use your pergolas with aluminium for as long as you want and with very little maintenance.
Aluminium pergolas are also more versatile in terms of design and style. Vinyl and fibreglass pergolas are also great options to consider because they can last for as long as you want and with very little maintenance.
When it comes to pergolas, your best bet is to work with a professional who can help install the perfect pergola for your home. They can also provide various options for you to choose from.
