"Smart" Shading System

The use of a porch can be problematic since its use is subject to weather changes. During the summer, strong sun during the day and humidity at night; during the winter, rain and moisture. There are a number of solutions available in today's market, beginning with a clapboard roof and through canvas awnings, wooden gazebos and aluminum patio covers, but most offer only partial solutions to weather problems and maintenance.

The HGTV Carter Can Show is in its 7th Season hosted by Carter Oosterhouse who was asked to install a wood pergola on this project but needed something adjustable which would keep the rain off the patio. The home owner Celeste Patchett needed a pergola covered patio to sit under during rain that would let the light and sun in when needed and adjustable to provide plenty of ventilation. The Carter Can people thought Solara would be the perfect fit and the episode was filmed in September of 2009. They used wood pergola posts and beams for the base structure fastened to the roof for added height and put the Aluminum adjustable pergola on top.