Main advantages of pergolas:

• Both louvered and fabric pergolas are resistant to weather conditions such as sun, rain, and wind.

• A louvered pergola offers better protection against snow and can support from 120 to 600 kg of snow per square meter.

• Both types of terrace pergolas can be fitted with side enclosures such as shutters, ZIP blinds, and glazing (in fabric pergolas, this applies only to the most advanced models).

• Both roofing options can be equipped with lighting, radiant heaters, and weather sensors.

• A louvered pergola is generally more expensive than a fabric pergola, although the final price depends on the size and selected model.

Roof opening mechanism

The main difference between a fabric pergola and a louvered pergola lies in the type of roof and how it opens. A louvered pergola consists of aluminum panels, known as louvers. These can be rotated from 0 to 135 degrees, allowing you to set the desired angle to let in just the right amount of sunlight and provide ventilation inside the pergola. A fabric pergola features a special retractable roof made of weather-resistant fabric that rolls back to reveal the open sky above. All louvered pergolas are operated automatically via remote control or a mobile app. Most fabric pergolas are also motorized, although the simplest models may still be opened manually using a crank or cord.

See how the automatic roof of the Tarasola Cubic works.

Tarasola Cubic – a model equipped with an automatic, double-layered roof with tensioned fabric

See how the automatic roof of the Tarasola Technic Pro works.

The Tarasola Technic Pro is equipped with an automatic roof that allows smooth adjustment of the louver angle.

Weather resistance

Both types of structures are stable and weather-resistant. The most advanced louvered models (Technic Pro, Technic New) withstand wind speeds of up to 160 km/h. Louvered roofs (Technic, Essential) as well as fabric roofs (Cubic, Elegancy, Flat) are resistant to wind up to 120 km/h. The simplest fabric roof models (Light, Wave) can withstand gusts up to 50 km/h. When closed, the roofs protect against rain thanks to an integrated water drainage system built into the structure. However, in terms of snow resistance, the louvered roof clearly comes out on top, capable of holding between 120 and 160 kg of snow per square meter. This snow resistance, combined with side enclosures (blinds, glass panels, shutters) and radiant heaters, makes the louvered roof ideal for extending the season from early spring to late autumn earning it the name of an all-year-round canopy.

Optional accessories

Both types of roofing can be equipped with side enclosures and additional accessories, although this depends on the selected model. Louvered roofs such as Technic Pro, Technic New, and Technic can be fitted with all available features: ZIP shading blinds, sliding shutters, sliding glass panels, lighting, radiant heaters, and weather sensors. Most fabric roofing systems also offer these options, with the exception of the Light model, which is designed with minimalism in mind and does not allow for side enclosures. If you prefer not to go with a louvered roof, you’ll certainly find a fabric option that matches it in terms of functionality.

Design

A fully aluminum roof, meaning a louvered roof, is often chosen by those seeking a modern style, trendy design, and advanced technology. Technic Pro is the most advanced model in the range and the only one with an integrated ZIP blind. Technic is a model that enjoys constant popularity and was updated in 2023 to Technic New. Visually, the differences are minimal, but the technical improvements have made it more resistant to changing weather conditions. Considering that not everyone wants or can afford a louvered roof but still seeks a stylish terrace solution, Tarasola® offers the widest range of fabric covered pergolas on the market. Elegancy is a classic, sloped roof design that fits both historic and modern architectural styles. Cubic is a one of a kind pergola with a flat, double layered tensioned fabric roof. It offers better protection from rain and wind and has a very elegant appearance. The patented solutions used in this model make it a unique product on the entire terrace roofing market. Flat and Wave are beautiful, geometric forms that are lightweight and visually unobtrusive. Light is synonymous with minimalism a stripped-down structure without unnecessary beams, featuring a unique profile connection system. It’s a lightweight, futuristic form designed for small and medium-sized terraces.

Price

Last but not least. It's often the final factor, but sometimes the most important one. There's no denying that a louvered roof is more expensive than a fabric one, mainly due to the advanced technology used. That said, it’s always worth considering all the pros and cons to choose the solution that best meets your needs.