If you are looking to update your outdoor area, you’d know that the most on-trend outdoor roof solutions in 2019 are opening roof systems and retractable roofs. It’s easy to be left confused about which is the right solution for your space, style and budget. Let us take the guesswork out of it for you as we look at the differences between these two popular options – an opening roof system and retractable roof.
Cost
A retractable roof may usually be a cheaper option, but it usually results in more long-term costs. Retractable roofs are generally made using a fabric as opposed to the aluminium louvres that you’d find in the Eclipse Opening Roof. As this fabric is subjected to harsh weather conditions, it will need to be replaced every 3-5 years. These replacement costs should be considered when deciding which option is right for you.
The Eclipse Opening Roof is a more cost-effective solution with the aluminium louvres lasting more than 25 years without any issues at all – no replacement required! Consider your opening roof a one-time investment that won’t end up costing you more time and money down the track. That investment adds value when it comes to selling your home as it sets it apart from similar properties.
Durability
The Eclipse Opening Roof system is made from Australian extruded aluminium, so it won’t rust like other Colorbond® opening roof systems or retractable roofs on the market. We use high-quality powder coated aluminium for all our beams, louvres and gutters as well as 316 marine grade stainless steel for our fixings and motor.
Retractable roofs are often not suitable in strong winds with many suppliers advising that they be retracted during adverse weather events. They may deteriorate quickly in coastal conditions, making them a poor choice for beach-side climates.
The Eclipse Opening Roof system is designed to withstand the extremes of harsh weather conditions with minimal impact, whereas a retractable roof would not be as long-lasting and doesn’t allow you to use your outdoor space all year round.
Maintenance
Our Eclipse Opening Roof system is very simple and easy to clean. It only requires a regular clean with a soft brush and soapy water, or you could just hose it down. Our motor is self-greasing and needs little attention when you open and close your roof on a weekly basis. We also recommend that you regularly spray the pins with our recommended lubricant to ensure they rotate as smoothly and quietly as possible.
Retractable awnings may attract mould and mildew as moisture sits against the fabric after rainfall and dew. This can be quite unsightly if built up over a long period of time. Preventing mould and mildew can be quite difficult and may require regular scrubbing. A retractable roof needs to be completely dry before closing to prevent any further build-up of mould and mildew. You won’t have this problem with the Eclipse Opening Roof system due to the high-quality finish used in its manufacture.
Colours
The Eclipse Opening Roof is powder coated in Dulux Duralloy range which provides you with 60+ different colours to choose from and a 10-year warranty. We can also offer a premium powder coat in Dulux Duratec with a 20-year warranty for projects near the coast.
For a woodgrain finish, we offer Decowood, with 30+ woodgrain finishes to choose from to give you that warm feel of timber. Like us, Decowood is a family owned Australian business. Our extensive colour range means that your opening roof system will integrate perfectly with your home, like it was always meant to be there.
With a retractable roof, you are often limited to the 8-12 standard colour range, with some only being available in white. This limited colour range impacts on the overall style of your outdoor space and overall home.
Design Options
The design of your Eclipse Opening Roof can be customised to suit your outdoor space, providing you with a sophisticated and functional solution. Our Design Consultants can work with any size space or roof angle so that your outdoor area is transformed and can be used all year round. We carefully consider louvre direction in relation to the sun to optimize winter sun and summer shade. A retractable roof is often a fixed size or design which means it may not suit your space or style of your home.
With a retractable roof, you are limited to two options – open or closed. An opening roof allow you to adjust the opening of your roof to how you like it. You can close it when during rain or rotate the louvres at an angle to optimize either sun or shade.
Talk to our Design Consultants more about the many features of the Eclipse Opening Roof system. There are many options on the market, so entrust your outdoor space to a team who can design an outdoor space that transform your home add significant value to your property.
Contact us today to arrange a site visit with our experienced and knowledgeable Design Consultants.