Large Pergola
Product Review – Pergola 27’x16’ With: Zip Screen, 2 sets Sliding Frameless Glass Doors, 2 Fans, 2 Heaters, 2 sets RGB Lights & 2 sets of LEDs Alunotec Customer Service: Katrina Wu Let me start by saying that we are extremely happy with our purchase and the customer service provided by Ms. Katrina Wu has been outstanding and second to none. At first, we were skeptical and a bit hesitant to place a high-cost item order directly from an overseas company. Ie. Legitimacy, Quality, Reliability, Assurance, yes, we were concerned. So, before we placed our order, we contacted the company and Ms. Wu informed us that they didn’t have a showroom in the USA, She set up the video call with prior customer. After our one-on-one call with him we were ready to move forward. 1st. We downloaded the app Alibaba. Similar to Amazon. Through Alibaba we confirmed and paid for the order. Ms. Katrina worked us through getting setup. Using Alibaba, we felt we had an advocate vs. just sending money out into thin air and the company was protected as well. Alibaba also has a service where they will send one of their representatives to the company to ensure the quality and progress of your order. 2nd. Ms. Wu and I exchanged numerous emails to customize our Pergola before receiving a final drawing. This process took extra time as we have a glass railing system that had to fit between the Pergola legs. I had extra glass panels ordered for this so sizing was major concern. Also, I required a modified foot for the Pergola legs that would accommodate the existing glass railings, the Zip Screen and Glass Doors. Ms. Wu kept us updated on the progress of our order and when it was completed, she sent us videos of the Pergola assembled. After final payment our order was shipped. Ms. Wu provided all the information necessary on the shipment, and I was able to track the order to port-of-entry. Assembling the Pergola. Ms. Wu provided detailed drawings of each assembly, The Pergola, the Zip Screen, and The Glass Doors. All necessary hardware and spares were provided. Putting the units frame structure together requires at least 3 people and a couple ladders. Total assembly time: 5 Days at a leisurely pace. Could be completed in 2 days. Things to consider and do before installation. Controller Box Placement. Waterproof box: W13” x H 12” x D 7”. I was lucky enough to have an outdoor utility closet close by and the provided wiring was long enough to reach it. Power. You will require a dedicated (separate circuit breaker) power source. For the heaters I installed outdoor AC outlets and ran my outdoor cable inside the structure so I wouldn’t have to deal with an extension cord. The Sliding Glass doors. Extremely HEAVY. The frame is provided but the threshold is 1½” high. We didn’t realize this and didn’t like such a high threshold. So, we cut out the concrete to lower the threshold to flush and added plastic lumber on top to fill in gap. With middle support beam we divided our unit into separate sections. We would like each side to be independent. Ie: louvers and lights operate separately on one side, not both sides together. Ms. Wu and I have come up with a solution, Additional parts ordered. The Zip Screen. We added a Zip Screen on the open end of the Pergola. Color white and as dense as possible. Plan on using it as a movie screen. After installing the Zip Screen, it is farther right then by 5/8” and this causes the screen to come out of there tracks and flop around. Apparently, there isn’t an horizonal adjustment on the screen. So, to fix my issue, I extended the track my affixing ½” square plastic stock the length and on both sides of the track. One more thing. Caulking. In their instructions they mention it repeatedly. Do it. Check and recheck every crevice, hole, or joint. I apparently missed a spot where the fan motor wiring runs through the frame (see photo) and a corner. Also, I would recommend installing all the framing, either for the doors, windows, and Zip Screen prior to installing the louvers. I deviated from the recommended installation of my Zip Screen and sliding doors. Consequently, some of my mounting screws went into the gutter system so I needed to apply a good sealant. I only mention it because it’s a lot easier to caulk before the louvers are attached than after. So, to summarize, we really love the addition of the Pergola to our home. We were able to create a sunroom, a covered patio, and an outdoor theater all in one without breaking the bank. We have had some nasty rainstorms come through lately, and except for a couple of leaks where I previously mentioned, the unit didn’t leak, the unit didn’t shake, or rattle and the rain didn’t sound like it was hitting a tin roof. I give their customer service, Ms. Katrina Wu, A+, and their product, A Thanks Katrina and Alunotec