What is the difference between a lattice pergola and a solid roof?
An open lattice roof creates filtered shade while keeping an open-air feel. A solid roof changes the project into a covered outdoor space. Elite's Naturewood Sequoia package brings pergola styling together with the Elite Insulated Roof System. Start with how the customer wants to use the patio, rather than choosing a roof from appearance alone.
For dining, entertaining, or a covered work area, discuss the need for overhead coverage. For a more open garden setting, compare the light and shadow of lattice. Neither choice removes the need to review the actual site, product configuration, and installation requirements.
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How do I decide which option fits the customer's project?
Ask when the space will be used, how much shade the customer wants, and whether a covered area is a priority. Consider furniture layout, outdoor circulation, adjacent doors and windows, and the relationship to the existing building. Compare the proposed roof choices in the 3D configurator and explain that the preview is for planning, not construction approval.
Keep a short decision record covering roof style, finish, dimensions, and requested accessories. This helps prevent an attractive visual option from becoming an unconfirmed assumption in the quotation.
Which site measurements should an installer gather?
Record the proposed width, projection, height, and post locations, along with the existing attachment area where relevant. Note doors, windows, roof edges, gutters, walkways, and other obstructions. Photograph the site and identify any dimensions that cannot yet be verified.
Do not assume that an existing slab, wall, or roof edge is suitable just because a model can be placed there. Have the attachment, support, and foundation conditions reviewed by the appropriate project professionals before ordering or starting installation.
Can I add lighting or a ceiling fan later?
Plan requested electrical features early. Elite publishes information about E-Lite lighting and electrical integration with its roof systems. Ask which lighting components, fan support, and wiring provisions are compatible with the exact design; do not treat every accessory as suitable for every roof option.
Include electrical work and responsibility for it in the project scope. The product order, installer scope, and electrical installation should be coordinated before the customer approves the final arrangement.
Which approvals and installation documents apply?
Use the Elite Systems Library to identify the product documents for the chosen pergola and roof combination. Check the document's system, revision, and scope with the supplier and the responsible project professional. Requirements depend on the project location and configuration; there is no single wind rating or approval statement in this article that covers every installation.
Where permits or project-specific engineering are required, obtain the appropriate review. A marketing image, article, or configurator preview is not a substitute for the applicable instructions, approved plans, or site-specific design.
What should I confirm before placing the order?
Review the final dimensions, component schedule, finish samples, roof selection, accessories, delivery requirements, and written commercial terms with your Elite contact or distributor. Resolve open questions about supports, attachments, electrical scope, and documents before setting the installation date.
For an installer comparing aluminum pergola suppliers, a clear next step is to send Elite a specific project brief. The team can direct you to product information and the purchasing contact for your area, rather than leaving you to make decisions from a generic image.
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