Pergolas · 4 min read
Pergola automation: rain, wind and sun sensors explained
How motorised louvres, rain sensors, wind sensors and smart-home integration actually work day-to-day on a bioclimatic pergola.
TL;DR
A properly commissioned bioclimatic pergola runs itself. Rain sensors close the louvres and drain water through concealed gutters. Wind sensors open the louvres above a set threshold to release pressure. Sun sensors track the arc through the day. You almost never touch the remote.
How does a pergola rain sensor work?
A small conductive plate on the roof detects moisture within seconds of the first drops. The controller closes the louvres to a factory-calibrated flush position that seals against integrated EPDM gaskets, channelling water to concealed downpipes in the posts.
What does a wind sensor do?
It measures wind speed at the pergola itself, not from a weather forecast. Above a configurable threshold (typically Beaufort 6–7), the louvres open automatically to release wind load through the roof. This is a warranty condition on most premium systems.
Can I control the pergola from my phone?
Yes — every system we install ships with a hand transmitter and a smartphone app. Optional KNX or Somfy TaHoma integration lets the pergola talk to lighting, blinds and HVAC as part of a whole-home scene.
The three sensors that matter
Rain, wind and sun. Everything else — LED dimming, screen positions, heating scenes — is convenience. These three are the reason a bioclimatic pergola is a permanent installation rather than a fair-weather one.
Skimping on sensors is the single most common way an otherwise good pergola becomes a maintenance headache.
Day-to-day behaviour
Morning: sun sensor tilts louvres to shade breakfast without blocking the sea view. Midday: full closure to west, open to east, tracking the arc. Afternoon storm: rain sensor closes flush within 20 seconds, gutter drains 60 L/min per downpipe. Evening: LED perimeter fades up at dusk via an astronomical timer.
You interact with the app maybe once a week — to force a scene for guests or to over-ride during a cleaning cycle.
Smart-home integration
Every pergola we install is KNX-ready and Somfy TaHoma compatible out of the box. Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa integration is available via the TaHoma bridge.
Typical scenes: 'Dinner' (louvres 30°, LEDs 40%, screens down on windward side), 'Cinema' (louvres closed, LEDs off, screens down all sides), 'Storm' (louvres open, screens up, all lights on).
Ready to talk about your project? Book a free consultation or explore our shutters and pergolas.
Related questions
Frequently asked
Louvres stay in their last position. We specify a UPS on installations where storm-time closure is critical (exposed clifftop sites). Manual over-ride cranks are available on request but rarely used.
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