The new roof weighs 1,000 tonnes, covers 5,200 square metres, and folds open with a concertina effect.
The material is lightweight, flexible, strong and translucent, and stretches across 10 white metal trusses, 16 metres above the surface of the court.
Tournament organisers have said the roof will only be shut if absolutely necessary.
The final decision comes down to tournament referee Andrew Jarrett.
Each day, 45 minutes before the start of play, he will decide whether to start with the roof open or closed.
It will be down to him to weigh up the forecast and he could face some tricky calls, such as whether to deploy the roof mid-match or to pull on the covers and try to sit out a shower.
When Centre Court is the only court in use, screens on No 1 Court and No 2 Court will broadcast play.
