Evidence-led knowledge base
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers with clear limits and verification steps.
Does a pergola always avoid a permit?
No. Approval depends on location, size, height, roof condition, attachment, setbacks and local rules.
Is a louvered pergola completely waterproof?
Not as a universal claim. Rain performance depends on the tested configuration, seals, falls, gutters, drainage capacity and installation.
Which material lasts longest?
There is no exposure-free answer. Grade, finish, connections, drainage, coastal conditions and maintenance all shape service life.
Can I rely on a manufacturer's wind-speed claim?
It is meaningful only with a test method, configuration, exposure, permitted operating state and site context; project engineering may still be required.
Is attached always stronger than freestanding?
No. Attached systems depend on verified building structure and weathering; freestanding systems depend on their own foundations, bracing and uplift resistance.