Do louvered pergolas block the sun?

Yes. When the louvers are closed, they block direct sun from overhead. When they are angled, they filter the light. When they are open, the sun comes through.

What you control is the roof. Sun coming in low from the side is a separate question. This article explains how louver angle, the time of day, and where you place the pergola all affect the shade you get.

How do louvers control the sun?

On a Louvano pergola, the double-wall aluminum louvers rotate from 0 to 120 degrees by remote control. The motor is hidden in the frame.

• Closed: the louvers form a solid roof and block direct sun from above.
• Angled: the louvers let in soft, filtered light while blocking much of the direct sun. You can tilt them to follow the sun as it moves.
• Open: the louvers let sunlight and sky through.

You can change the angle from your seat as the day goes on.

Why does the angle matter through the day?

The sun’s position changes from morning to evening and from season to season. A louver angle that blocks the sun at noon may let more light in late in the afternoon.

Because the louvers rotate, you can adjust them as the sun moves. For example, you might angle them against the sun in the afternoon and open them in the evening.

Does a closed roof block all the sun on the patio?

It blocks direct sun from overhead. It can’t stop sunlight that comes in from the sides.

When the sun is low in the morning or late afternoon, its light can reach under the roof through open sides. How far it reaches depends on the time of day, the season, and where the pergola faces.

How can you handle low sun from the side?

Here are some options that don’t involve the pergola itself:

• Placement. Think about where the afternoon sun comes from before you choose the spot.
• Trees and tall plants. A row of shrubs or a tree on the sunny side can add shade.
• Planters and freestanding privacy walls. These can block low sun without touching the structure.
• Umbrellas. A patio umbrella can cover one sunny corner.

Side shades and screens are sold across the market as general product types. If you are considering anything on the sides of the pergola, ask [email protected] first, before you order.

Where should you place a louvered pergola for shade?

Spend some time watching your yard before you decide:

• Note where the sun is at the times you’ll use the patio most.
• Check which side gets the strongest afternoon sun.
• Look at nearby trees, walls, and fences that already cast shade.
• Think about the view and how you’ll walk to and from the house.

Louvano pergolas come in two sizes, 10×13 and 10×20. A 10×20 covers a longer area, which can help when you want shade over both dining and lounge seating. Our size guide walks through the choice. For layout questions near the house, see our freestanding vs wall-mounted guide and ask [email protected] about your layout.

Does the pergola feel cooler in the shade?

Shade from direct sun usually feels more comfortable than sitting in full sun. Angled or open louvers also let warm air rise out through the roof, so the space feels less closed in during hot weather.

For more ways to stay comfortable, read can you put a ceiling fan on a louvered pergola. If a fan is part of your plan, ask [email protected] before you order.

Does sun affect the frame?

Louvano pergolas have a powder-coated finish. Dark surfaces warm up in direct sun, so use care when touching the frame on hot afternoons. Follow the care instructions supplied with your pergola. See motorized pergola maintenance. For color questions, email [email protected] before you order.

How does this compare with other shade options?

A fixed-slat pergola gives the same partial shade all day. A solid roof gives full overhead shade with no way to open up to the sky. A louvered roof lets you choose. For side-by-side comparisons, read louvered pergola vs traditional pergola, louvered pergola vs gazebo, and louvered pergola vs retractable awning.

FAQ

Do closed louvers block the sun?
Yes. Closed louvers block direct sun from overhead.

Can I get filtered light instead of full shade?
Yes. Angle the louvers with the remote to let in softer light.

Why is there still sun on part of my patio?
Low morning and evening sun can come in from the sides. Placement, plants, and umbrellas can help.

Can I add something to the sides for shade?
If you are considering anything on the sides of the pergola, ask [email protected] first, before you order.

More answers are on our FAQ page.