Does a motorized pergola have a rain sensor?
It depends on the product. Some motorized roofs on the market can be paired with a rain sensor that closes the louvers automatically. Others are closed by the owner with a remote or a switch.
A Louvano pergola is closed with the remote. If you want it to close without you, ask [email protected] before you order. This article explains how rain sensors generally work, what they can and can’t do, and how to plan for rain with a remote-controlled roof.
How is a Louvano pergola closed when it rains?
With the remote control. Press the button and the louvers rotate closed. The louvers rotate from 0 to 120 degrees, and the motor is hidden in the frame.
When the louvers are closed, rain runs from the louvers into the beam channels and down through the posts. Ask [email protected] how to plan for the water that drains out near the post bases for your size and layout.
How do rain sensors generally work?
Across the market, rain sensors for motorized roofs and awnings usually work in one of these ways:
| Sensor type | How it generally works | Things to think about |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-detecting surface | Detects water landing on a small surface | Needs enough rain to trigger; the surface has to stay clean |
| Weather station | Combines rain, wind, or sun readings | More parts to install, set up, and maintain |
| Connected weather service | Uses forecast or local weather data | Depends on the system and its connection |
Louvano: remote control.
What can a rain sensor do, and what can’t it?
A sensor can be handy when nobody is home. It also has limits:
- It reacts after rain starts. Some rain can fall on the patio before the roof finishes closing.
- It needs upkeep. Leaves, pollen, and dirt on a sensor can affect how it responds.
- It still needs power. A motorized roof can only move when it has power.
- It doesn’t control the sides. Open sides let wind-blown rain reach the edges whether the roof closed by sensor or by remote.
How do you plan for rain with a remote-controlled roof?
A few simple habits cover most situations:
- Close the louvers when you leave home if rain is possible.
- Keep the remote in the same spot, so anyone in the house can close the roof.
- Keep cushions and electronics toward the middle of the covered area.
- Close the louvers fully when rain is on the way.
For what to expect under a closed roof, read can a louvered pergola keep you dry in the rain and how a louvered pergola drains water.
What happens if the power goes out?
The louvers are motor-driven, so they need power to move. If outages are common where you live, ask [email protected] before you order.
Can I add a rain sensor to a Louvano pergola?
If automatic closing matters to you, ask [email protected] before you order. Please don’t connect any third-party device to the pergola’s motor or wiring.
What should you ask any seller about automatic features?
If you are comparing motorized roofs, these questions help:
- How does the roof close when it rains?
- Does anything close it automatically, and what does that require?
- What upkeep does that feature need?
- What happens if the power goes out?
- Who do I contact if it stops working?
For Louvano, the roof is operated with the remote, and support after you order is [email protected]. If the remote stops responding, see why a motorized pergola remote stops working. For more on control types, read whether a motorized pergola needs Wi-Fi.
Is a remote-controlled roof still worth it?
Being able to open, angle, and close the roof from your seat is a big part of the appeal of a motorized roof. Read are motorized pergolas worth it to weigh it up. For power planning, see motorized pergola electrical requirements.
FAQ
Does a Louvano pergola close automatically when it rains?
A Louvano pergola is closed with the remote. If you want it to close without you, ask [email protected] before you order.
Can I connect my own rain sensor?
Ask [email protected] before you order, and don’t connect third-party devices to the pergola’s motor or wiring.
Where does the rain go when the louvers are closed?
Rain runs from the louvers into the beam channels and down through the posts. Ask [email protected] how to plan for the water that drains out near the post bases for your size and layout.
What if the power goes out?
The louvers need power to move. Ask [email protected] before you order.
More answers are on our FAQ page.