Use and maintenance of a bioclimatic pergola - a practical guide
Chapter 1: Daily service and cleaning
Basics of everyday service
Your bioclimatic pergola is a high-tech device that, with proper operation, will serve for years. Let's start with the basics of daily use, which will help you get the most out of its capabilities.
Slat control - optimal settings
The heart of your pergola is a system of rotating roof slats. Unlike ordinary pergolas, our design uses a unique double axis of rotation system that ensures perfect tightness in the closed position. Adjusting the angle of inclination of the slats allows you to adjust the conditions under the pergola to the current weather and your preferences.
On hot days, it is worth setting the lamellas at an angle of 45-90 degrees - this will allow air to circulate freely while protecting from direct sunlight. During the rain, it is best to close the slats completely - thanks to the double axis system, they will fit snugly against the gutter, ensuring complete tightness. Remember that you can adjust the slats smoothly in the range of 135 degrees, which gives you full control over the microclimate under the pergola.
Support for integrated ZIP screen shutters
Zip screen side shutters are an important element of the microclimate control system. They are hidden in the construction of the pergola - this is a unique solution that not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but also protects the mechanism from weather conditions.
In strong winds (above 90 km/h) it is recommended to roll up the shutters, although our system can withstand gusts up to 120 km/h. If you have the weather sensors activated, the pergola will automatically roll down the shutters if the wind is too strong. Remember that the technical fabrics in our shutters transmit between 1% and 10% of the light (depending on the option chosen), so even with the screens down you will maintain eye contact with the environment.
Control system - convenient control
You can control the entire pergola via mobile app or remote control. The application allows you to:
- Adjusting the angle of the lamellas
- Controlling ZIP shutters
- LED Lighting Control
- Heating management (if installed)
- Monitoring of energy production (in the case of a solar pergola)
It is worth setting up automatic scenarios that will adjust the pergola settings to the time of day or weather conditions. For example, you can set the slats to automatically close during rain or to turn on the lights at dusk.
Regular cleaning and care
Cleaning of roof slats
Regular cleaning of the slats is crucial for the long life of the pergola and - in the case of the solar version - optimal energy production. We recommend washing the lamellas at least twice a year, preferably in spring and autumn.
For cleaning use:
- Soft brush or sponge
- Summer water
- Gentle detergent (e.g. dishwashing liquid)
- Microfiber cloths for drying
Avoid:
- Sharp tools and brushes
- Aggressive chemicals
- High Pressure Washer
- Strong scrubbing
When washing, pay special attention to the gutter system - lingering leaves or other contaminants can interfere with water drainage. Also check that the lamella guides do not collect dirt that could hinder their work.
Maintenance of ZIP screen shutters
Technical fabrics in ZIP shutters require proper care. Check regularly:
- The condition of the guides - they should be clean and free of obstacles
- Fabric tension - it should not be corrugated
- The action of the winding mechanism - it should work smoothly and quietly
When cleaning fabrics:
- First, remove loose dirt with a soft brush
- Wash the fabric with lukewarm water with a mild detergent
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Allow the fabric to dry in the unfolded position
Taking care of the aluminum structure
The aluminum construction of the pergola is resistant to corrosion, but regular cleaning will help maintain its aesthetic appearance. At least once a quarter:
- Wash profiles with warm water with a mild detergent
- Pay special attention to junction points and nooks
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Wipe dry with a soft cloth
For pergolas located close to the sea, where there is an increased salinity of the air, cleaning should be done more often - preferably monthly.
[Link to article 3: “Types of technical fabrics and their characteristics"]
[Link to Article 6: “Automation and control systems"]
Did you know that... The special coating on the slats of the solar pergola uses the lotus effect - the same one that keeps the lotus leaves clean even in a muddy environment. This makes it difficult for dirt to stick to the surface, and rain naturally cleans the lamellas, reducing the need for frequent washing.
Chapter 2: Troubleshooting and Technical Support
Common problems and their solutions
Even the best designed bioclimatic pergola can sometimes require our intervention. Knowing the typical situations and how to solve them will help you quickly restore the comfort of use without having to call a service.
Roof system - the most common challenges
The problem of lamella rotation is one of the most frequently reported situations. If the lamellas do not rotate smoothly or stop in unexpected positions, usually one of three factors is the cause. First, check the guides for leaves or other debris - regular cleaning of the system usually solves this problem. Secondly, with heavy snowfall, the mechanism can be temporarily overloaded - in such a situation, you must first remove excess snow. Thirdly, if you hear unusual sounds during the movement of the lamellas, this may indicate that the system needs lubrication - then contact the service.
Leaks are another challenge, especially during heavy rainfall. In our pergola, we have used a unique system of double axis of rotation, which ensures perfect adherence of the slats to the gutter. However, if you notice a leak, first check that the lamellas are completely closed - sometimes a minimal gap can cause a problem. Next, inspect the gutter system - it may be blocked by leaves or other debris. Regular cleaning of gutters and drains in pergola legs usually solves the problem.
Side shutters - diagnostics and solutions
If the ZIP screen shutters do not develop smoothly, do not panic - often this can be remedied without calling the service. First, check the guides - even minor debris can interfere with the operation of the system. Next, look at the fabric - if you notice uneven tension or wrinkling of the material, this may indicate a deregulation of the tensioning mechanism. In this case, do not try to adjust it yourself - this element requires professional calibration.
Pay special attention to the operation of the system during strong winds. Although our ZIP shutters are tested for wind speeds of 120 km/h, for safety we recommend rolling them up in gusts exceeding 90 km/h. If you have weather sensors installed, the system will do so automatically.
Electrical systems - diagnosis and first steps
If you have problems with your LED lighting or heating system, start by checking the basic elements. Make sure that all connections are stable and there is no visible damage to the wires. If you use the application for control, try restarting the connection - sometimes this is enough for the system to return to normal operation.
For problems with the mobile application, first check:
- Do you have an up-to-date version of the application
- Does your phone have a stable internet connection
- Is the control panel of the pergola connected to the network
- Are there no local problems with the Wi-Fi network
Service and warranty - your safety
Service Care Program
Our bioclimatic pergola comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, which covers all key structural elements. The service program includes:
- Free warranty inspections (twice a year)
- Priority service in case of failure
- Access to original spare parts
- Technical support by phone and email
- Control Software Updates
[Link to Article 8: “Order Execution Process"]
Periodic inspections - the key to a long service life
Regular inspections are not only a guarantee requirement, but above all a way to ensure long-term trouble-free operation of the pergola. During the inspection, the serviceman:
- Checks the technical condition of structures and mechanisms
- Controls the tightness of the system
- Calibrates lamellas and shutters
- Cleans hard-to-reach items
- Updates the software
- Tests all automation functions
Before a service visit, it is worth preparing a list of all noticed irregularities or questions - this will help to comprehensively solve potential problems during one visit.
[Link to article 5: “Costs and financing of pergolas"]
Did you know that... In the case of a solar pergola, the automatic diagnostics system constantly monitors the performance of each photovoltaic lamella. If one of the blades starts to produce less energy than the others, the system will immediately detect the problem and notify the service before the user notices any malfunctions. This predictive service technology comes from the aerospace industry, where it is used to monitor the status of jet engines.
Solar Pergolas
