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Pergola Materials - Frequently Asked Questions


Q: What material is your pergola made of?

Our pergolas are made with an engineered extruded aluminum frame on the inside and premium vinyl on the outside.

The structural components of our pergola system; the posts, beams and rafters are all reinforced with aluminum throughout. This framework is engineered to withstand high winds, will not rust and will never sag or warp like wood. The ½” thick heavy welded post base gives you a secure attachment to your deck, slab, footing or pillar.

Our premium vinyl carries the color all the way through. It’s easy to clean and requires little to no maintenance. It will never chalk, pit, discolor or become brittle.

We have fixed louvred ‘purlins’ which create the shade below your pergola. These angled purlins can be ordered for 50%, 75% or 90% shade. The level of shade is created by the spacing of the angled purlins.

Since these are fixed in place, the shade can not be adjusted or changed once installed unless removing and adding a new purlin holder to change the level of shade created.

Cross view of a section of pergola showing a metal frame inside of a vinyl outside on post and beam pieces.

Q: Are your pergolas vinyl or aluminum?

We have the best of both worlds!

Aluminum base structure for extreme durability and strength paired with a vinyl exterior that makes your pergola maintenance super easy!

Many vinyl pergolas on the market are going to have no reinforcement or internal reinforcement by wood. Over time, that wood will rot, warp and sag. The aluminum inserts of Heartland Pergolas ensure that is never an issue for your pergola. It's a solid structure, easy to maintain and will last you for decades! We are so confidant in that fact that we offer a Lifetime Warranty.


Q: What are Hurricane Clips?

Hurricane Clips are an additional aluminum L-bracket that attaches each rafter to the beam. This additional attachment point gives an additional wind warranty to the original purchaser of the pergola kit. They are recommended for hurricane prone costal areas.

They are not necessary for most other locations but can be added to any pergola in any location if desired.

Read more about our Lifetime Warranty and Pergola Wind Warranty.

an L shape bracket known as a hurricane clip that can be added to our pergola system for additional wind load rating

Q: What are Beam Attachment Brackets?

These optional L-Shape brackets are another means of attaching the beams to the post. It eliminates the step of pre-drilling through the face of the beam. The brackets attach to the beam first, then into the aluminum post mount.

While not necessary, some prefer this method of installation as well as the clean outer look of the undisturbed beams when using beam attachment brackets.

an L shape angle bracket known as a beam attachment bracket for attaching pergola beams to the post

Q: What is a Fan Mount Kit?

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A fan mount kit is an aluminum structural piece sleeved in vinyl that attaches between two rafters. A fan mount can be used for several purposes. The obvious is for installing an outdoor ceiling fan to your pergola. The hollow aluminum allows you to feed electrical wire through your pergola and fan mount to power your fan.

You can install one or more of these for items like fans, pendant lights, tv mounts, heater mounts etc.

Each fan mount kit includes two rafter hangers to mount the fan kit between your rafters. 3/8” x 1” hex screws are included to attach your fan kit. Two vinyl trim rings are also included to conceal the rafter hangers.

close up of fan mount kit vinyl over aluminum on a pergola

Q: Have your kits undergone any wind or structural testing?

Yes! Our kits have undergone a thorough FEA analysis by an independent structural engineering firm. The results helped us to design our pergolas to withstand very high wind loads.

We are so confident in their structural soundness that we warranty our kits against wind damage. You can read more about our wind warranty.

We have our standard kit stamped engineered drawings and can obtain custom stamped engineered stamped drawings if needed.


Q: Can your pergolas stand up to harsh weather?

Bring it on!

All Heartland Pergolas have an internal aluminum frame. That means they won’t sag or fail in extreme hot or cold weather.

The vinyl exterior is thick and durable enough that you don’t have to worry about deforming in the summer heat OR cracking in extreme cold.

It’s a pergola system that is perfect for all locations and environments!


Q: What parts or materials are NOT included with a pergola?

Your kit is going to include almost everything you need to assemble your pergola. Any fastener required to assemble the pergola pieces are all included in every kit.

However, the fasteners necessary for the post mount/ column base to your surface as well as the ledger plate (attached pergolas and eyebrow pergolas) are NOT going to be included in your kit.

The reason we do not include these fasteners is because the post base or ledger plate surfaces can be of different materials, it will be important to get a fastener made for your specific type of material you are attaching to!


Q: Are your pergolas louvered?

We have fixed louvered ‘purlins’ which create the shade below your pergola. These angled purlins can be ordered for 50%, 75% or 90% shade. The level of shade is created by the spacing of the angled purlins.

Since these are fixed in place, the shade can not be adjusted or changed once installed unless removing and adding a new purlin holder to change the level of shade created.

3 photos of pergolas showing the different levels of shade below depending on which shade level is picked

Q: Do your roof pieces open and close?

Our pergola roof does not open and close. We have fixed louvred ‘purlins’ that create the shade below your pergola. These purlins are installed at an angle in one of three configurations; 50%, 75% or 90% shade. The level of shade is created by the spacing of the angled purlins.

On our 50% Shade option, the purlins are installed 6” on center. On the 75% Shade option, purlins are installed 4” on center. And on the 90% Shade option, the purlins are installed 3” on center.

Since these are fixed in place, the shade cannot be adjusted or changed once installed unless removing and adding a new purlin holder that changes the spacing distance between purlins.

close up of pergola fixed louvers (purlins) on the roof of the pergola

Q: Can I make my pergola rainproof?

Those looking to add protection from the rain can install different materials like plexiglass / polycarbonate or Lexan panels to the roof of your pergola. There are many different plastic sheet and panel distributors out there to choose from.

We recommend adding a slight slope to the pergola roof in the direction you prefer rainwater to drain. In addition, be aware that the solid roof will retain snow. While our testing has shown our pergola roofs to be very resilient under snow loads, Heartland Pergolas will not warranty damage caused by the accumulation of heavy snow if a solid roof is installed.

If you live in an area with large snow falls, please be sure to talk to our team about your intended use of solid panels on the roof.


Q: Can I get a sample of your materials?

Yes - If you would like to see the quality of our materials, we can send you a sample kit! The sample kit will include a 6" cut of our 2x6 vinyl and aluminum profiles. Choose the vinyl color you wish to see!


Where to next?

If you can’t find what you’re looking for please give us a quick call at 563-345-6745 or use our chat box in the bottom left corner of your screen!