In the last blog we wrote, we mentioned that operable pergolas were one of our most popular products to sell mostly because they’re made with extruded aluminum. Most other pergola and patio cover manufacturers in the US sell what’s called rolled aluminum, but TEMO is one of the few dealers using exclusively extruded aluminum. Most people have no idea what the difference is between the two, so today I wanted to take some time to explain some of the details and what makes operable pergolas so great!

First, let’s start with what makes extruded aluminum different from rolled aluminum.

Rolled aluminum goes through a process that starts with giant rolls of aluminum sheets. These sheets are slowly unrolled and pass through a series of presses and molds that form them into a desired shape. Most consumers have heard of a product called AlumaWood, which is made from rolled aluminum. During the process, they just add a stamp to give it the wood-like texture.

Extruded aluminum is a whole different process. Companies will start with a molten aluminum and pour it into a mold to get the desired shape, so they’re not using pre-fabricated aluminum. They’re starting with a purer form of the metal.

Because of the differences in these processes, extruded tends to be stronger and last much longer because it’s usually thicker than rolled aluminum and isn’t forced into a certain configuration after it’s already forced into sheets. Since extruded aluminum gets to cool into its final form from a molten state, the particles are able to stick together easier and create a stronger product.

Our manufacturer, TEMO, is one of the few companies that manufacturers and sells extruded aluminum exclusively, and from that, they were able to create a newer product for the market called an operable pergola. This product has changed the patio cover and pergola market because it lets you combine the benefits of an open or lattice pergola with the benefits of a solid patio cover!

Each slat of extruded aluminum is affixed to a pulley system, which is in turn affixed to a motor within one of the legs of the cover. Using a remote that you can either adhere to your wall permanently or keep separate on a keychain, customers can open and close the slats of the pergola in order to control how much sun or shade is allowed onto their deck. Here’s a helpful video to see it in action!

We are proud to offer this amazing product to our customers, and know that you’ll soon see the benefits of extruded aluminum over rolled aluminum. If this sounds like something you’d like to install in your outdoor space, feel free to give one of our helpful representatives a call to answer any of your questions, or set you up with a free in-home design consultation to get an exact price for your specific space. We’re open all day, Monday – Saturday, so give us a call at (888) 940-9995.

 

Jace Darling of American Home Remodeling

Jace Darling, Owner, American Home Remodeling

Get Your Free Consultation

With American Home Remodeling

General Lead Capture Form