If you have a patio then adding a patio cover will add a lot of value, not least because it extends the amount of time you can spend outside comfortably. Live in a hot and sunny climate?
A patio cover means you can enjoy time on your patio without risking getting too hot or burnt from the direct rays of the sun, and your furniture won’t fade as quickly either. Tired of sitting inside because it’s raining?
Adding a patio cover allows you to use your patio space regardless, and you can even add a portable heater if you need to!
If you are looking to have a patio cover installed you need to know what to look for, and what to think about, before you make a final decision, to make completely sure you find the very best one for you.
Start with the Material
There are several different materials commonly used to make patio covers, and they don’t all share the same qualities.
Which you choose depends partly on personal taste, budget, how much maintenance you wish to do in the future, and the style of your home. (Though the last point may be more relevant if your patio is joined to your house rather than being a standalone version.)
Here are the most popular options for patio roof materials.
Wood
Wood is sturdy, looks good whether painted or left natural, and it blends well with most styles of house. It does need some maintenance, so be prepared for that. To avoid offering a free home to bugs which will damage and eventually destroy your patio cover look at woods like Cedar or Redwood – which both look great stained too. If you want to paint the wood then go for Douglas Fir. It is a little less bug-resistant but still does better than average, and it does take paint well.
Aluminium
This is the most popular option as it is affordable, durable and easy to install, and needs little attention once installed. You can find various colors and designs too, so it suits most modern homes.
Acrylic
These are plastic-like and very weather proof but they do need to be painted to avoid fading and discoloring from the sun.
Next, Choose the Style You Prefer
Some would say only solid patio covers are the real thing, and it’s true that they offer the most protection from rain, snow and sun, but for those who live in climates with little rain or snow a latticed cover, or even a pergola, which is basically thick beams (often made from wood) connecting to one of four posts – one in each corner.
These can be great places to grow trailing plants for their scent and flowers.
You should expect to get many years of use from a patio cover, so take the time to do a little planning before you make a final choice; it’s an investment that will definitely pay off.
For more help in choosing a suitable patio cover for your home, head over to City Seamless Patio Covers.
