Pergolas have been around for a while and their popularity continues to increase due to several reasons. Not only are pergolas supposed to improve the visual appeal of the property but also offer a separate private space for people to spend some time relaxing and entertaining their friends and family members. But when it comes to choosing the material, people often remain confused between vinyl and aluminum pergola when they want something else than wood. We will explain both types in detail and help you make the best decision. You can also take help from a pergola builder.
Durability And Longevity
When it comes to deciding the type of pergola you should have, both durability and longevity play an important role. The environment and the climate conditions in your region play an equally important role as well. If the region where you live is hot and humid, you won’t go for a material that catches rust easily.
In that case, you can opt for vinyl pergolas that will last somewhere around 10 to 20 years or more if they are maintained properly. In the beginning, vinyl pergolas were introduced as an alternative to wood pergolas but are shorter in lifespan, durability, and longevity when compared to aluminum.
At the same time, vinyl pergolas tend to be relatively less stable as well due to their weight. This is why vinyl pergolas are not recommended for regions that experience extreme weather conditions. These pergolas are known to fly away with strong winds.
Meanwhile, aluminum pergolas are specifically designed to offer durability, longer lifespan, and long-term protection from external factors. As a result, aluminum lasts 20 or more years longer than vinyl pergolas but tends to be expensive.
Weather Resistance
Another important factor you need to consider when selecting the right material is weather resistance. As mentioned earlier, some regions tend to experience heavy rainstorms, thunderstorms, and strong winds mostly throughout the year.
The last thing you would want is your pergola gone the very next day it was installed. Plus, some countries or areas are a lot more humid and hot than other countries around the world. During the summer season, direct contact with the sun will not only affect their paint finish but also weaken the material.
On the other hand, moisture tends to seep into sensitive areas, especially through cracks and damage causing serious issues later on. The problem with vinyl is that it is not that strong when compared to aluminum. They may experience fade or discoloration with time.
So, this makes vinyl pergolas a less preferable option for regions prone to strong winds and heavy snowfall. Meanwhile, aluminum pergolas are able to withstand all these factors, which makes them a better choice for areas with extreme weather conditions.
Structural Integrity Overtime
You might think pergolas are meant to last a lifetime. However, they usually last for a decade or so. If you are planning to spend money on installing a pergola, you should assure yourself that it will stand the test of time.
Vinyl pergolas are considered intermediate when it comes to durability so they are not remotely as strong as aluminum pergolas. Aluminum pergolas are able to show impressive resilience and maintain structural integrity with minimal maintenance over time. They do not rust, break, or decay under extreme temperatures or weather conditions.
Cleaning And Care
Cleaning and caring for both aluminum and vinyl pergolas is extremely easy and simple. All you need to do is rinse both using tap water and use soap or any other cleaning agent to remove stubborn dirt or dust.
Aluminum pergolas maintenance is easy considering they do not require repainting or resealing.
You can simply invest in a pressure washer and give it a good wash now and then to keep it looking new.
However, keep in mind that vinyl pergolas may require refinishing or installation of new vinyl as they fade and discolor with time.
Aesthetic Appeal And Design Flexibility
When considering installing a pergola on your property, you should take note of design flexibility and aesthetic appeal. Vinyl pergolas usually come in a bright white appearance that gives off a timeless and clean look. But, considering the maintenance of the white color itself, vinyl pergolas may not be the perfect choice for everyone.
On the other hand, vinyl pergolas are also available in beige colors but still may not cater to everyone’s design preferences. Aluminum pergolas on the other hand offer a range of design choices ranging from traditional to sleep and modern styles.
You can paint these pergolas the color or texture you want. This means aluminum pergolas offer a lot more flexibility, which contributes to its popularity. For building a custom pergola or gazebo, consult gazebo builders Long Island.
Color And Finish Options
The selection of both finish and color plays an important role when choosing a pergola. Vinyl pergolas are commonly in the range of white and beige, but you can choose other colors as well.
But modern aluminum pergolas are powder coated, which means their paint quality and finish is supposed to last a lot longer than vinyl pergolas. In addition to that, powder coating is relatively more expensive as well but it can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Customization And Design Features
When choosing a pergola, customization is an important factor you need to keep in mind. Vinyl pergolas usually come with a fixed roof that can be either partially opened or fully closed, leaving the owner limited control over sunlight and protection from rain, humidity, and other external factors.
Meanwhile, aluminum pergolas offer a wide variety of options and customization features. You can add as many features as you want to improve comfort and convenience. You can also increase privacy and have full control over sunlight exposure.
So, if you are looking for a structure for your outdoor space that meets all these requirements, an aluminum pergola is your go-to choice.
How To Find The Right Pergola Company?
Now that we have discussed both vinyl and aluminum pergolas in detail, it is equally important that you choose the right company for the task. The reason is that no matter what material you choose if the manufacturer or installer is not skilled enough, you are bound to lose all your time and money.
This is why you need to be extra careful and take your time while hunting for the right company. You should ask your relatives and friends for referrals. It might be that someone close to you has recently installed a pergola.
At the same time, try to personally visit some companies and interview them. Gather as many options as possible and then narrow down them based on the quotes, experience, and portfolios. Finally, pick the option that offers the best package.
Conclusion
If you wish to have something that lasts for decades and are willing to pay the price, then you should go for an aluminum pergola. But if you want something cost-friendly and easy to install, a vinyl pergola is going to be the perfect option for you. Hire a pergola contractor Port Jefferson who can inspect your backyard and the conditions to suggest you the right material and then build a durable and long-lasting pergola.
