Without the shelter of a patio cover, a patio is just a slab of concrete in your backyard. Building a patio cover can transform your backyard into an alluring outdoor living space that will not only increase the value of your home, but will add to your enjoyment of the outdoors.
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Patio covers can come in a variety of materials, but fiberglass, plastic, aluminum and wood are the most common. When deciding which type of cover you want to install, its important to choose a material based on your needs.Aluminum, plastic and fiberglass. These materials are relatively inexpensive, which makes them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Solid covers made from aluminum, plastic or fiberglass are also lightweight, easy to install and require little maintenance. Plastic and fiberglass offer durability but can split or break over time, especially in snowy areas, whereas aluminum is more likely to hold up.
Solid Patio Covers
For extra protection from heat, homeowners can choose an insulated aluminum cover, which consists of foam insulation sandwiched between pieces of aluminum. The advantages of wood include strength, design versatility and a more natural appearance. On the other hand, wood is susceptible splintering and rotting. Wood covers are more challenging to install, but they are available for a wide range of budgets.
To create an outdoor living space with full, year-round protection from the elements, install a solid patio cover made of wood beams or slats. If you prefer a more airy, spacious feel, consider a pergola-style cover on which you can grown vines such as Japanese wisteria to create natural shade.
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When designing your patio cover, first consider the function of your outdoor living space. Are you a cocktail party type, or a backyard grilling type Do you want an elegant place to entertain guests, or a comfortable spot for the family to relax outside Are you looking for a little shade or full protection from the rain and sun.
Once you decide how you want to use your patio, consider what type of design will best suit the style of your home. Here are a few simple patio themes you can create in your backyard without hiring a decorator.Outdoor oasis. Hang weatherproof curtains around the sides of your patio to create a luxurious, private space.
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Complete the look with a standing rock-wall water fountain, bamboo reeds and patio furniture with big, fluffy cushions.Rustic theme. Hang flameless lanterns from the posts of your cover to give your patio a rustic charm. Include a wooden outdoor dining set, outdoor speakers and a weatherproof sectional facing a fire pit.
A patio cover can turn an unbearable outdoor living space into a charming place to lounge on your decking. Exterior decks are often exposed to a rainy climate, making it difficult to enjoy an unprotected patio in the winter months. Adding a cover to your patio can make your outdoor living space more usable all year.
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There are several different types of covers available today for your patio. A pergola provides intermittent shade by adding a retractable cover made of weather-resistant cloth, you can enjoy more protection from the harsh summer sun. Aluminum covers are a second option.
they feature aluminum supports and clear polycarbonate panels overhead. A solid cover extends your roof over your patio, providing a durable cover that will provide protection in nearly any weather. Finally, you can choose to add a sunroom to your home a sunroom typically has glass walls supporting a solid or transparent roof.
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When choosing among these patio covers, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind, as outlined below.Cost. A sunroom is the most expensive option it can cost as much as 50,000 to have a sunroom added to your home. On the other end of the spectrum is adding a pergola.
If youre a DIY type, you may even be able to install a pergola kit and retractable patio shade yourself. Pergola kits are sometimes available for less than 2,000. Aluminum patio covers are more expensive than pergola kits but less expensive than installing a solid cover.
Solid Patio Covers
The least expensive choice may be to have an aluminum patio cover installed on top of an existing pergola. How much are you willing to spend cover for your patio Have a solid number in mind when you enter into negotiations with a company that provides covers for patios, garden pergolas and decking. There are many honest, upright decking contractors who can find suitable materials for the right price.
Take a few daydreaming breaks to imagine your family enjoying the ideal outdoor living space. Do you yearn for more light in the oft-dreary Pacific Northwest climate An aluminum cover is a great option. Or, if youre looking for a place where you can keep tropical plants protected from lower temperatures, a sunroom may be the perfect option.
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Those who are looking for a cover for a hot tub might choose to build a solid patio cover. Outdoors, for additional privacy, you can add trellising. Finally, if youre only anticipating using your patio in fair weather, a pergola with a retractable shade is probably a good option for you.
Appearance. Adding a patio cover will change your homes look, and matching the cover to the rest of your home is a good idea for maintaining a high ROI. All of the different patio cover options discussed here can be attractive, depending on their placement and your preferences.
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Maintenance. Are you willing to sand, stain and seal your wooden pergola every other year or so If not, an aluminum patio cover or solid patio cover may be a better choice for your backyard. These types of patio covers require virtually no maintenance. A sunroom, on the other hand, may spring leaks over time, requiring caulking every now and then to keep the elements out.
Also remember that sunrooms require thorough cleaning several times a year all of that glass tends to get quite cloudy.City and HOA regulations. Before adding a cover to your patio, make sure you check your citys building codes. Some cities require a certain amount of open space around homes, and attaching a cover could be construed as violating such laws.
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Furthermore, certain homes fall under the jurisdiction of Home Owners Associations (HOAs), which sometimes charge residents a hefty fine if the rules are violated. Adding a cover for your patio would almost always improve the appearance of your home, but its worth checking with your HOA to be sure they wont come after you with a fee.
Patio Covers complement your homes architectural style and at same time provide outdoor space for entertainment or a quiet game of pool. The scene gets interrupted with temperature and weather changes, and you are left with no option but to move to the main house. A Lattice Patio Cover is an easy-to-use, economical and versatile system to protect your patio from the vagaries of nature.
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The discrepancy is in that, unlike solid Patio Covers, Lattice Patio Covers block 50 to 60 percent of the sun.On most counts it is weather conditions and the exterior of the house that decide in favor of Lattice Patio Covers. Cover material has to be water resistant and rust proof, and should not crack, peel or split.
In keeping with preferred sensibilities, Patio Cover manufacturers have found an answer with aluminum that resembles wood in form. The new wood-grained aluminum gives the look of real painted wood that is UV resistant, heat and fire resistant, termite proof and does not crack, peel or rot for first three years.
