Louvre Roof vs. Fixed Roof Patios: Which is Right for Your Melbourne Home?
A roof on a patio may seem like a contradiction: you have a patio so you can enjoy some fresh air while having all the facilities of the house right there at your disposal. But what if the sun is blazing down? You’re going to overheat and we’re all aware of the dangers of too much direct sunlight on our skin.
Then, this being Melbourne, there are going to be days when it rains, so does that mean we have to cancel the sitting outside plan? Not necessarily. We just need a bit of protection. The sun we can deal with by having some sort of awning or big parasols that can be opened when we need them. If you want a dappled light look you could even go for vines trailing across the patio.
When it rains, though, we need something that does the job, looks good and has a bit of resilience to it.
What is a Fixed Roof?
A fixed or flat roof covers the whole patio. They are durable and protect you from sun and rain, although drainage for rain must be considered to prevent damage. These roofs are more affordable but don’t offer the flexibility and adjustable airflow of a louvre roof.
How Does a Louvre Patio Roof Work?
The louvre design involves slats (originally wooden but they don’t have to be) set diagonally with space between them. They were originally used for ceilings in kitchens to let the steam and smells escape while keeping the rain out.
Hundreds of years later they’re doing a rather different job and are now often made of hardy powder-coated aluminium and motorised so you can adjust the angle of the slats and even close them altogether, giving good rain-resistance. It’s the closest we’ve come yet to outdoor climate control. Put a gas heater or a chiminea out there and you’ve got it all sorted.
A louvre patio roof can be made of wood, and the slats can be fixed, but tough, smart aluminium and adjustability is the way to go if you want longevity.
How Natural do you Want Your Patio to Look?
The style of a house should perhaps be cohesive: if you’re going for a sleek look, you don’t want it to suddenly go all Mediterranean or regency era style round the back. Or do you? It’s your house, so you make the rules. Although the vines we mentioned earlier might not be completely practical as a roofing material, there is nothing to stop you dressing the patio up with some of these climbing up the walls, or whatever green or flowery plants you wish.
Which Roof Should I Pick?
The best way to make your decision is to find a builder that specialises in outdoor spaces. They will be able to advise you based on your needs and budget.
Look for outdoor living builders or designers like Outdoor InDesign and pick a firm that has the customer reviews and portfolio to make you feel confident. The more traditional patio option may be cheaper, but most people enjoy the uniqueness and eye-catching innovation of a louvre roof if that’s what you want. It will also add value to the property so your investment will pay off down the road.
There is more to a home than the interior, particularly in a glorious country like Australia, so choose what’s right for your Melbourne home and maximise your outdoor time.
