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What to Call a Pergola with a Roof: Shade Structures Explained

If you’ve ever wondered whether adding a roof changes what you call a pergola, you’re not alone. By code, a pergola stays a pergola only while at least 50–75 % of its “roof” remains open to the sky. That openness defines the structure. Create a continuous, watertight surface and the building department reclassifies it as a solid patio cover, pavilion, or gazebo—with very different footing, load, and setback rules.

Thanks to today’s materials and design features, pergolas now range from classic open-slat frames to motorized systems that seal tight in a storm. In this post we’ll explain the naming rules, compare popular roof styles, and show how louvered technology is redefining outdoor living.

A pergola roof is an open or partially-open framework of beams and rafters, sometimes fitted with fabric, panels, or adjustable louvers, that sits atop a post-and-beam pergola to provide filtered shade and, in modern systems, optional weather protection.

What Is a Pergola with a Roof Called?

In short: it’s still a pergola—but only if the roof can open.

Traditionally, a pergola is a post-and-beam shade structure topped by an open lattice of rafters. Most building jurisdictions keep that label as long as the roof stays at least 50 % void (rafters, trellis, or operable louvers). Once the surface becomes permanently watertight—solid panels, glass, or metal sheets—the project is reviewed under the solid-patio-cover section of the code.

Types of Roofs for Pergolas

Today’s pergola roofs come in a wide variety of materials and mechanisms, allowing you to customize both the look and performance of your outdoor space. Here are the most common types:

When Does a Pergola Become a Solid Patio Cover?

Building departments focus on function. The instant your roof infill forms a continuous, watertight plane—and can’t be opened back up—the structure is regulated as a solid patio cover.

Planning tip: Once you choose a fixed panel, expect larger posts, engineered footings, positive roof slope, and gutter details.

What Is a Louvered Pergola? 

A louvered pergola is a modern pergola with a roof composed of rotating slats, or “louvers”, that pivot to control sunlight and airflow. When fully closed, the louvers interlock to form a water barrier to keep the area below dry during rain. When open, they allow sunlight and airflow. 

Key Features of Louvered Roofs:

• Adjustable shade: Louvers rotate to allow sun when you want it, and shade when you don’t.

• Weather protection: Fully closed louvers offer rain protection with integrated drainage.

• Durability: Typically built with aluminum, louvered pergolas offer resistance to rust, warping, and fading. Learn about the common types of aluminum used here.

• Motorization: Many louvered pergolas are motorized for convenience and can be operated with remotes, wall switches, or smartphone apps.

• Smart automation: High-end systems, like Apollo’s, offer rain sensors, wind sensors, and app-based automation to respond to weather conditions automatically.

• Customization: With Apollo, everything is customizable to meet your exact requirements. You have the possibility for integrated lighting, ceiling fans, drop screens, as well as the endless configurations, attachment styles, sizes, and color choices.

Why Choose a Louvered Pergola?

Louvered pergolas are the go-to option for those who want maximum control over their outdoor spaces. They merge architectural beauty with advanced technology, creating shade structures that are both functional and impressive.

Conclusion

So, what do you call a pergola with a roof? If the roof can open, it’s still a pergola. If it’s permanently solid, you’ve crossed into patio-cover territory.

For a balance of style, weather control, and code compliance, a louvered pergola is hard to beat. Explore our design gallery or request a free quote to see how this smart shade solution can transform your outdoor space.

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