What Is a Rolling Roof? Retractable Roof Systems Explained
A Rolling Roof is a motorised roof system whose roof is made of moving panels. The panels are drawn back to open the roof; the side they gather on and the area left open depend on the model used. Performance in rain is planned together with slope, joints and drainage.
What Is a Rolling Roof?
A Rolling Roof is a motorised roof system whose roof is made of moving panels. The panels are drawn back to open the roof and return to close it. It is also called a retractable roof or an opening roof.
The direction the panels move in, the section they gather in and the area left clear when open vary with the selected model. We show the open and closed positions of the model to be used in the quotation drawing. See the Rolling Roof page for details.
How It Differs from the Other Roof Systems
The three roof systems differ in how the roof opens:
| System | How does the roof open? | When open |
|---|---|---|
| Bioclimatic pergola | Louvres rotate in place | Louvres stay in place; light and air pass between them |
| Motorised pergola awning | A three-layer PVC blackout cover retracts | The cover gathers at one edge |
| Rolling Roof | Moving panels are drawn back | Panels gather at one edge; the area left open depends on the model |
Which one suits you depends on how you want the roof to open. There is no ready-made ranking for rain, clear opening or price; these vary with the selected model and the project.
What Remains When It Is Open?
The panels do not disappear when opened: they gather at one edge and take up room there. That is why it would be wrong to say "the roof opens completely". The side the gathered panels sit on and the area left open are shown in the drawing.
Rain, Wind and Snow
We plan performance in rain together with slope, joints and drainage. Closed, water drains through the gutter and the supporting columns. Wind and snow loads are calculated from the project dimensions and the installation site; operating limits are stated at handover.
Decisions to Make at the Design Stage
- Which side the panels gather on
- Column positions and the direction of drainage
- Lighting: LED recessed in the profile is planned at the production stage
- Sensors: rain, wind and sun sensors can be added
- Sides: sliding, folding or guillotine glass, or zip screens
Warranty
Warranty scope and periods are stated per product and component in the written quotation and the warranty document.
Conclusion
A Rolling Roof is an option for those who want the roof to open by drawing panels back. Before deciding, you need to see in the drawing where the panels sit when open and how much area stays clear. To see the three roof systems side by side, visit the products page.