Vergola VS Louvretec VS Opening Roof Specialists | 10 Best Opening Roofs

Vergola is currently one of the most energy-efficient and popular louvre roof systems available in Sydney. It is both a highly practical and attractive solution when you wish to create an open space that you can enjoy any time of the year, no matter the weather. Vergola is probably the number one name in opening roofs, with their clever and memorable name that sounds like “Pergola”. While Vergola is one of the best known brands in the business, there are plenty of other opening roof and shade systems that give Vergola a good run for their money. Buyers are looking for a smart open and close system, and perfectly angled louvres to provide maximum efficiency throughout each year. However there are more factors that can help buyers to decide if Vergola really is the best opening roof system. We’re comparing the top 10 best opening roof systems in Greater Sydney, across 12 different categories. We look at construction materials, coatings, warranties, gutter systems, water clearance, and other specifications to help you decide which system has the features you need, and which will deliver the best value to your home.

Roof companies worth considering

The demand for Vergola roofs continues to grow. Naturally, Vergola may be the first choice on your list based on the popularity of the name. But there are many talented and experienced roof specialists to consider (and some to avoid!) If you’re fair dinkum about getting a good roof for your backyard, here at Opening Roof Specialists, we consider these companies to be our most fierce competitors – and the ones we aim to beat!

Opening Roof Specialists

Opening Roof Specialists have been delivering unique and innovative solutions for over three decades. They specialise in custom open roof design, fabrication and installation. The Eclipse Opening Roof is their high-end product, appealing to luxury, country and coastal homes. They utilise only top-grade aluminium for louvre construction and offer a minimum 10-year guarantee on their work. Their designs are built never to rust, aiming to outlast other roof systems such as Vergola. They offer integrated accessories such as outdoor blinds, a range of automation control systems and modern features, such as rain sensor control.

Vergola

Vergola NSW has a portfolio of more than 12,000 satisfied clients who enjoy their outdoor spaces all year round thanks to unique Vergola designs. For 30 years, the company has been delivering original, Australian-made solutions with superior quality in mind. They guarantee to deliver maximum natural light to your space and provide adequate wind protection and ventilation system.

Louvretec

Louvretec has been building residential and commercial opening roof solutions for 20 years. They continue to grow their service and product offerings, and today boast with outstanding 7 different opening roof styles and more than 20 sun louvre profiles and accessories.

Smartblade (formerly Sunscreen)

Smartblade are among the experienced with over 30 years under their belt. They are a boutique family business bringing beautiful roofing systems to the Sydney suburbs. They offer peace of mind that your opening roof is designed, manufactured and installed by experts.

Sunspec

Sunspec is a Central Coast-based roof construction company that has successfully completed projects across Australia, but also America, Canada and Hawaii. Due to their extensive experience, they managed to perfect their open roof designs to be able to deliver high quality and functionality.

Skymax

Skymax designed distinctive, clean and unique architectural solutions. To meet the demands of modern clients, they automated their solutions to offer diverse control options, advanced lighting systems, and a range of colours so that the vergola perfectly fits in with the design of the existing structure, be it a residential or commercial property.

Skyview Patios

Skyview Opening Rooves and Patios specialise in outdoor areas, including awnings, patios, open roofs, vergola roofs, carports, decking, screens and blinds. They employ a team of experienced industry professionals who are committed to delivering industry-grade quality without compromising the overall appearance of the construction.

Stratco

Stratco is currently one of the largest producers of home improvement products in Australia. Their mission has always been to deliver products that will meet the needs of local clients. All the patios, sheds, fences, and roofing solutions are made from the most adequate materials which proved to offer the most adequate protection from elements and weather conditions typical of the area.

Eurolla

Eurolla is an Australian manufacturer of an array of retractable roofs, pergolas, awnings, and other open roof solutions. Although they are looking to reach the European standards of quality, their products have been adapted to the Australian climate. Using the best materials and equipment, they are able to customise their designs to meet the specific needs of each customer.

Stylemaster

Stylemaster Patios offers one of the widest ranges of roof and awning styles. All their solutions are custom-made to suit individual requirements but offer universal protection all year round. Their vergolas are made from the best aluminium available and are suitable for commercial and residential clients.

Important roof features to evaluate

Evidently, all companies come with a great reputation and amazing references. This means that it all boils down to the specific features of louvre roofs they build. Based on our experience, the most important features include:

• Louvre, beam, gutter and flashing construction
• Louvre rotation
• Louvre appearance
• Range of colours
• Motor drive
• Lighting system
• Technology
• Warranty

Here’s what each of the companies from our list has to offer:

*Data based on local market research at the date of publishing

Louvre, beam, gutter and flashing construction

Besides Vergola, the majority of companies opt for aluminium to construct louvre. Aside from the material being of high quality, one of its main benefits is its longevity. What is more, it is highly resistant to even some of the toughest weather conditions, which means that an aluminium-made vergola is bound to serve you effectively for years. The best part is – it is a much more affordable alternative in comparison to other roofing materials.

For beam, gutter and flashing, the majority of professionals use aluminium, as well, while Vergola works with colorbond steel. The reason behind this decision may be the fact that it is highly resistant to corrosion and termites, and that it is non-combustible. Colorbond is also highly flexible in terms of design, allowing you to match the Vergola with the exterior of your house or commercial property.

Louvre rotation

The extent to which the louvre can rotate directly affects roof efficiency. Depending on the specific angle the louvre is positioned in, it can help create shade and protect from direct sunlight while keeping the outdoor area pleasantly lit. In the winter, the correct angle allows you to sit under your vergola roof even if it is raining or snowing. Maximum angle of the louvre rotation is 180 degrees – offered by Vergola – while others offer solutions that can rotate between 150 and 170 degrees.

Louvre appearance

Whether you will choose a flat or curved vergola depends partly on your preferences, but also the region you live in. Keep in mind that even though you might be tempted to opt for a shape that best matches the exterior of your house, a roof construction professional will always recommend building a curved roof in areas with high precipitation. The shape will facilitate water drainage and will minimise chances of roof damage and leaks.

Range of colours

The colour range is important for those who wish to blend their newly built outdoor space with their home, restaurant, hotel, or any other commercial space. Out of all companies on the list, Opening Roof Specialists and Louvretec offer by far the widest selection of shades, as well as Sunspec which allows you to choose any of the colorbond colours.

Motor drive

If you look at the table, you will notice that each company has a preference of its own when it comes to motor drives used for vergolas. However, one type seems to be an all-favourite for Opening Roof Specialists, Vergola, and Sunscreen – Linear Actuators. How come?

Linear actuators are more affordable when compared to other actuator types but are still highly functional, able to operate at both high and low speeds. They are praised for their simple design that comes with minimal moving parts. This means that they are less likely to malfunction and are expected to deliver years of dependable service.

Lighting system

If you intend to use the sitting area during the evening, it is important to consider the most adequate lighting system. Most vergola builders include either downlights or LED strips, both which help create a pleasant atmosphere and are resistant to elements. LED lights, in particular, are praised for their energy-saving properties, durability, and long life.

Technology

To offer a competitive product, roof professionals are implementing advanced technological solutions to their vergolas. Some of the companies from our list offer open roof solutions that can be controlled via a mobile app using Bluetooth and WiFi technology, including Opening Roof Specialists, Vergola, Louvretec, Skymax, and Skyview Patios. Such solutions ease the control over the vergola and maximise the experience.

Warranty

They say that a warranty is the best representation of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. While all of the above-mentioned companies utilise the best materials and equipment to build vergolas, it is still advisable to think about the guarantee that comes with the product you are getting. For individual warranties on their open roof solutions, motor, and automation, check out the table below:

*Data based on local market research at the date of publishing

Bottom line

Now that we’ve looked closely at the top 10 roof construction companies and considered the features and benefits that come with their designs, we’d say that Open Roof Specialists, Vergola, and Louvretec stand out as the frontrunners.

Opening Roof Specialists and Louvretec use aluminium for louvre, beam and gutter construction, while Vergola offers a greater choice of materials for the beam construction and uses colorbond steel for gutters. Louvretec builds open roofs with the greatest degree of rotation – 180 – followed by Opening Roof Specialist’s 170-degree solution, while Vergola’s designs rotate up to 150 degrees.

The companies offer an enviable range of colours so that you can get a custom solution to match your house or commercial building, and to be in line with your unique taste. Finally, all their designs come with an App – Louvretec with Somfy Mylink, Vergola with an ISO App, and Opening Roof Specialist with their Daisy and T-Mate apps dependant on WiFi and Bluetooth technologies.

Still, the best warranty comes with Opening Roof Specialists – 10 years louvre warranty, 4 years motor warranty, and 5 years automation warranty. They also stand out for designing a unique sealing solution which stops contact noise when closing, giving you a true oasis of peace you wanted to build in the first place.

In the end, it is up to you to jot down your requirements and align them with what each of the companies has to offer. So what’s it going to be?