Pergola roof louvres: how to control them from below
Pergola louvres fitted in the roof can be controlled from the ground using a rotating control plate with a removable aluminium rod. Their position can be secured with a 7-position stopper, or a motor can be used. If you are still planning your pergola, it is worth allowing for this solution during its preparation.
How pergola roof louvres are tilted
The louvres are moved by the SAM KIT rotating system. It is fitted on both the left and right sides of the frame and supplied in pairs. One pair controls 5 louvres. For larger numbers, the individual systems are installed above one another and their connecting rods are joined by a small connector included in the package.
The tilt range is 0–140°. At 0°, the louvres are closed; at 90°, they lie flat; and at 140°, they tilt beyond the horizontal. They can also be set to any intermediate position depending on the direction of the sunlight.
On a side wall, simply turn one louvre by hand and all the others in the same frame will move with it. You cannot reach them in the roof, so a control plate with a rod is added.
Controlling pergola louvres from the ground
The rotating control plate is operated using a removable aluminium rod. You can set the required angle from the ground and then put the rod away, so it does not have to remain hanging from the pergola.
One control plate operates a section approximately 2 m long. For a larger roof, the number of plates is adapted to the arrangement of the frames.
- 7-position stopper: The aluminium stopper allows you to select and retain one of seven positions.
- Motor: This is an optional accessory. The required electrical wiring can be prepared while the pergola is being built.
The control plate with rod and the stopper are available among the accessories for the SAM KIT system in the online shop. A capable DIY enthusiast can also handle the installation.
How this differs from a bioclimatic pergola
A bioclimatic pergola has its own rotating roof from another manufacturer. It does not use the SAM KIT system. In the solution described in this article, the louvres are fitted into the system within a separate frame.
Thanks to this installation method, the louvres are neither drilled nor screwed in place. No screws are therefore visible on the finished frame, and an individual louvre can be replaced without dismantling it. Both timber and aluminium louvres with a Klasik or interlocking profile can be used. For a pergola roof, we recommend aluminium interlocking louvres: when closed, they create an almost flat surface and can be up to 3 m long.
We have summarised the differences between the materials in our guide to choosing timber or aluminium louvres.
Preparing the pergola for roof louvres
If the shading will be added later, we can prepare the pergola so that additional frames are not required. Side triangles level out the roof pitch, while additional posts create clean, clear opening widths.
The preparation can also include electrical wiring for a motor or mountings for a future sliding mechanism on the sides. When you decide to add the shading, only the rotating systems and louvres need to be fitted.
Frequently asked questions
Does the control rod have to remain on the pergola?
No. The rod is removable. Once you have adjusted the louvres, you can simply put it away.
Can pergola roof louvres be motorised?
Yes. The motor is an optional accessory, and the electrical wiring can be prepared while the pergola is being built.
Is a louvred roof the same as a bioclimatic pergola?
No. A bioclimatic pergola has its own rotating roof from another manufacturer. The louvres described in this article are controlled by the SAM KIT system.
Summary
Roof louvres can be tilted from the ground using a removable rod. One rotating control plate operates approximately 2 m, and a 7-position stopper or motor can also be added. We recommend aluminium interlocking louvres for the roof. Send us a photo of the space and approximate dimensions, and we will prepare a free, no-obligation proposal.
