Deponti Verdeca Retractable Electric Fabric Pergola

System Overview: The Deponti Verdeca is a wall-mounted aluminium pergola featuring a retractable, heavy-duty vinyl fabric roof. The system is tensioned via a robust belt-and-pulley drive, ensuring the fabric remains taut and stable even in breezy conditions. Rainwater is managed via an integrated gutter profile and internal drainage through the front support posts.

Dimensions & Geometry

Post Configuration & Overhangs

The Verdeca design features deliberate overhangs for a traditional pergola aesthetic. Please account for these when measuring your wall space.

• Wall Plate Width: Adds +5mm extra on each side of your ordering width.
• Gutter Overhang: The front gutter extends 30mm beyond the posts on each side.
• Roof Beam Overhang: The roof beams project 120mm forward of the front posts.
• Post Count:
  • 4000mm Wide: 2 Front Posts.
  • 5000mm - 6000mm Wide: 3 Front Posts.
• Post Spacing: The maximum allowable span between any two posts is 4000mm. On 3-post systems, the middle leg can be offset as long as this maximum gap is not exceeded.

Weather Performance

• Rain Protection: 100% waterproof fabric roof. Rainwater is directed into the front gutter and drains down inside the support posts (components supplied for left or right-hand exit).
• Wind Resistance: Tested up to 11 Beaufort (Violent Storm) when all sides are open. If enclosed with side screens/glass, this rating reduces to 7 Beaufort due to internal pressure. (Note: Based on 250cm front height, Eurocode EN 1991-1-4 Terrain Cat 4).
• Snow Load: Limited capacity (tested to 15kg/m²). Important: The roof must always be retracted if snow is forecast or begins to fall.

Operation & Power

• Motor Drive: Powered by a high-quality Somfy Electric Motor.
• Control: Supplied with a Somfy 5-channel RTS handheld remote as standard.
• Drive System: Heavy-duty belts installed in each guide rail, driven by pulleys and a single drive shaft for smooth, even fabric movement.
• Smart Home Ready: Compatible with Somfy TaHoma and other smart home hubs for app control and automation.

Optional Extras

• LED Lighting: Integrated LED strips can be fitted into the fabric strengthening struts for overhead illumination.
• Side Enclosures: Compatible with glass sliding doors, fixed panels, or vertical fabric blinds for enhanced wind protection.

The Deponti Verdeca is a high-specification system that requires accurate installation to ensure the fabric roof tensions correctly and drains water effectively. While the assembly is logical, we recommend a minimum of two people for the installation due to the weight of the profiles and the fabric unit.

Download the Full Manual:
Detailed step-by-step instructions are available in our Downloads section. We strongly advise reading the full manual before commencing work.

1. Critical Slope Requirements

Unlike a standard awning, the Verdeca requires a specific minimum slope to ensure "healthy" rainwater drainage (preventing water pooling on the fabric). The required drop depends on your chosen width and projection.

Minimum drop required (in mm):

*The maximum allowable slope is 250mm per metre of projection.

2. Ground Fixation & Foundations

The stability of the system relies on a solid foundation for the front posts.

• Fixing Method: The aluminium front posts slot into a robust rectangular ground socket (supplied). This socket must be bolted down to a solid surface using appropriate heavy-duty anchor bolts.
• Suitable Bases: Concrete slab, stone patio, or a dedicated concrete footing. *Do not fix directly to decking or paving slabs unless there is a concrete pad underneath.*
• Pre-Cast Pads: If you do not have a suitable base, you can order Pre-Cast Concrete Pads from our online shop. These can be buried flush with your ground level to provide an instant, secure fixing point.
• Drainage Outlet: The ground socket includes an exit point for the rainwater. You can choose to direct this onto the patio surface or connect it to an underground drainage pipe.

3. Wall Mounting

The wall cassette requires a flat, structural fixing surface. If you are mounting onto a single-storey extension or bungalow, you may need Gutter Brackets to achieve the necessary height (see our Brackets section).

• Ensure the wall plate is perfectly level.
• Apply a high-quality outdoor sealant along the top edge of the wall profile to prevent rainwater running down the back of the system.

4. Electrical Connection

The Verdeca uses a Somfy RTS motor (230V AC). While the motor plugs into the control box easily, the mains power supply to the unit must be installed by a qualified electrician in accordance with UK building regulations (Part P).

5. Fabric Installation

Important: The fabric roof is supplied pre-assembled on its support profiles. This unit is heavy and must be lifted into place as a whole to avoid damage. We recommend using a material lift or a team of 3-4 people for this specific step to ensure safety.

The Deponti Verdeca is a premium outdoor living system designed for durability and long-term performance. We support this quality with a comprehensive warranty structure that covers the key components of your installation.

5-Year Manufacturer's Warranty

We provide a 5-Year Warranty covering:

• Aluminium Framework: Guaranteed against manufacturing defects, structural failure, and corrosion (under normal environmental conditions).
• Powder Coating: Covered against blistering, peeling, or significant fading.
• Somfy Motor: The electric motor drive is covered directly by Somfy’s 5-year commercial warranty against failure.

Fabric Warranty

The technical vinyl fabric roof is covered for 5 Years against:

• Rot and fungal decay.
• Abnormal loss of colour or strength (beyond normal weathering).
• Structural failure of the fabric seams.

Important Exclusions

Please note that, as with all outdoor shading products, the following are not covered under warranty:

• Wind Damage: While the system is rated to Beaufort 11, damage caused by storms, gales, or leaving the roof extended in conditions exceeding its rating is considered accidental damage, not a warranty defect. We recommend retracting the roof when not in use.
• Snow Load: Damage caused by snow accumulation on the fabric. The roof must be retracted if snow is forecast.
• Installation Errors: Issues arising from incorrect installation (e.g., insufficient slope preventing drainage, or weak wall fixings) are not covered unless installed by our own team.
• Water Pooling: Damage caused by water pooling due to the pitch being set lower than the specified minimum slope (see Installation tab).

In the unlikely event of a claim, please contact our customer service team with your order number and photos of the issue. We will liaise directly with Deponti and Somfy on your behalf to resolve it quickly.

Accurate measuring is vital for the Deponti Verdeca, as the wall fixing height is determined by the specific pitch required for drainage. Unlike some systems where you just pick a height, the Verdeca’s height must be calculated to work correctly.

1. Measure the Width

The Verdeca comes in standard ordering widths of 4000mm, 5000mm, or 6000mm.

• Measure the available wall space where you want to mount the system.
• Important: The actual wall plate is 10mm wider than the ordering width (5mm extra on each side).
  • E.g., A 4000mm model requires 4010mm of clear wall space.
• Ensure there are no obstructions (drainpipes, vents) in this area at the fixing height.

2. Determine the Front Height

Decide on the clearance height you want at the front of the pergola (under the gutter).

• Standard Post Length: 2500mm.
• We recommend keeping this height (2500mm) if possible, as it gives generous headroom.
• You can cut the posts down on-site if a lower front height is required, but remember: lowering the front increases the roof pitch, which is fine, but you must ensure you don't go below the minimum headroom (2100mm is the suggested minimum).

3. Calculate the Wall Fixing Height

This is the most critical step. You cannot just guess the wall height; it must be calculated using the Minimum Slope Table (see Installation tab).

Formula:
Wall Height = Front Height + Minimum Slope Value

Example Calculation:
You are ordering a 4000mm Wide x 3000mm Projection model.
You want a standard front height of 2500mm.

1. Check the table: For a 4000mm x 3000mm model, the minimum slope required is 370mm.
2. Calculation: 2500mm (Front) + 370mm (Slope) = 2870mm.
3. Result: Your wall profile must be fixed at a height of 2870mm from the ground.

Check your wall: Do you have solid fixing capability at this specific height? If not, you may need to adjust your front height or consider special brackets.

4. Check for Obstructions

Before ordering, double-check the installation zone:

• At Wall Level: Look for soil pipes, lights, or gas flues that might clash with the wall cassette or side guides.
• At Ground Level: Check where the posts will land. Ensure you are not placing a post directly over a manhole cover or drain.
• Overhead: Ensure there are no trees or eaves overhangs that will foul the fabric operation.

5. Post Spacing Check

If you have specific layout requirements (e.g., to clear a door opening):

• 4000mm Model: Has 2 posts. They are typically positioned at the outer edges (minus the 30mm gutter overhang).
• 5000mm & 6000mm Models: Have 3 posts. You can offset the middle post if needed, provided the gap between any two posts does not exceed 4000mm.