You might have seen a retractable roof system in operation whilst watching a sports game at a large stadium. What you might not have known is that this technology is available to all as retractable roofs have been minimised to the extent that you can install one at home or to your business premises.
Here we’ll give you the rundown of the different types available and how they could work for you.
Supported
As the name suggests, steel or aluminium up right supports are installed to create a frame for the roof cover to extend and retract. The supported retractable roof is great for creating an area outside that is sheltered from the both the wind and the rain.
Freestanding
Freestanding systems operate without the use of any vertical support. These systems are mounted in a cantilever fashion, using the building they are attached to as a foundation instead.
Freestanding retractable roofs are great for all of those areas where floor space is limited, giving you the ability to host more people.
Your Choice of Material
The covering itself will usually be PVC, acrylic or mesh, depending on your preference. Each will have their own pros and cons with the PVC covering being great for waterproofing your external space. The mesh covering on the other hand is great for providing shade from the sun whilst still letting natural light through.
Your choice will likely be determined by the area you wish to install the roof system.
Features and Accessories
This is where it gets interesting. Most suppliers will offer you a range of accessories to complement your newly installed system. These can include:
- Integrated LED lighting, great for night-time establishments such as bars and clubs. LED lights make the perfect choice for an outdoor area as they can easily be customised in a range of colours.
- Rain and wind sensors also make your retractable roof much more versatile. We can’t always predict the weather so if you’re ever caught in an unexpected downpour, your roof has the ability to automatically deploy itself, providing respite for your customers.
The same goes for those periods of heavy wind. Although some systems can withstand up to an 11 on the Beaufort scale, it might sometimes be worth just retracting your roof instead.
Reap the Rewards
Any establishment with a versatile environment is going to attract guests no matter the weather or the time of year. This is great news for you as sometimes pubs and other venues can lose custom when experiencing extreme weather at either end of the spectrum. The ability to offer both a sheltered outdoor environment as well as space inside is going to be a major selling point for your business.
Hopefully you’re now sold on the benefits. Retractable roof systems are available throughout Melbourne with several well known companies providing solutions to both residential and commercial premises. Feel free to visit a local showroom to see which type would best suit your establishment.
A retractable roof is a great investment for any business and one that should pay dividends in any entertainment venue.