Patio covers have become quite popular in recent years for homeowners looking to improve their outdoor space. covers provide sun and rain protection that will allow you to spend more comfortable time outside. They also will keep your furniture dry, allowing it to last for several extra years. A cover can also reduce your energy bills and make your yard look even prettier. Insulated patio covers offer even more benefits to homeowners.
Insulated patio covers have a piece of insulation in the middle of two pieces of patio cover material. One popular choice of material is aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, non-toxic, and will last for many years because it is quite durable. Aluminum is much less expensive than a wood or metal cover, and is available in many different colors, designs, and finishes. They can withstand extreme rain or sun as well as scratching. They can be cleaned very easily and require very little maintenance otherwise. To clean it, all you need to do is take a broom to it with some cleaning solution.
Insulated patio covers have an advantage over non-insulated counterparts because they can keep your patio even cooler in hot summer months. The insulation is made of foam sheets that are placed in the middle of two aluminum panels. This design enhances the cover's effectiveness as a weather deterrent, and will also help reduce your energy bills by even more since it keeps the area under your patio cooler than ever before. Insulated covers can also have polystyrene cores and can be equipped with cleat connectors made of vinyl.
The covers are normally made with interlock features that make the padding useful since it becomes stuck tightly in between the aluminum pieces. Aluminum can be purchased with laminate finishes that will provide extra resistance during rain and snow periods. These covers will also mute the sound of raindrops, an added bonus. They require special treatments to your roof and can be fitted with plywood if you do not want an aluminum cover.
All in all, you have many options when purchasing a cover - you get to choose the material, whether it is insulated or not, and if you want a finished insulated cover or not. Be sure to do adequate research before buying so you buy what is best for you. I recommend insulated patio covers.
If your backyard could use a little extra love put those dreams of raised flowerbeds and cedar mulch on hold temporarily and think about how great your patio would look with a brand-new roof provided by one of the many patio cover kits available. Make no mistake, this is a fairly involved DIY project and not necessarily for those who are squeamish about home improvements; however make no mistake about it adding custom awnings or enclosures to your patio can really change the dynamic of your backyard and transform it into an inviting and personable space.
Whether you are interested in aluminum, wood or even fabric covers you can be assured that there are patio kits available that meet your requirements. Not only are there a great variety of kits; but there are also a vast array of manufacturers, each one offering unique benefits that set their product apart. Alumawood is a fairly popular roof kit manufacturer that is known for their specially coated aluminum construction materials that are patterned to look like wood. Don't pigeonhole yourself to one manufacturer, however, there are many options out there so you should definitely spend some time doing comparison shopping to make sure you get exactly what you want.
While you are looking at manufacturers and building materials you should also consider what type of style would be most interesting. Pergolas are a favorite among many people and always a popular choice; however don't be afraid to look into custom solutions to see what's available. Many manufacturers offer a service where they will help you design a custom cover kit uniquely tailored to your patio and your design. They will then precut and predrill all the pieces for you so once you get your kit in the mail it essentially just has to be assembled on site.
Lastly consider branching out from just patio cover kits into other areas: like a carport roof for instance. Granted these two structures serve two totally different purposes however the point of all this is really to emphasize that you have a ton of options available to you and shouldn't feel pressured into making any one specific decision. Make, model, color, manufacturer and even design are all completely in your hands so long as you take the time to get all your facts in order and make an informed decision.
Many people spend thousands of dollars on landscaping and landscaping-related elements in order to make their property attractive and inviting. Clearly, a well-manicured yard is a great place in which to spend leisure time. But a key element to allowing you to spend an increasing amount of restful and recuperative time in your own yard is the patio cover.
A quality patio cover will effectively extend the living space of your home so as to allow a whole host of outdoor activities. Relax in the shade provided by your retractable awning, for example, while sipping on a cool beverage. Make BBQ season a real pleasure by preparing chicken and ribs without wilting under the blistering summer heat.
The style and material for your patio cover can take the form of just about anything you can imagine. As previously mentioned, the canvas awning -- retractable, removable or otherwise -- is a great option for many a home owner. Relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to install, the awning is a great solution for just about any part of the country. With a variety of colors and styles of fabric, design limitations will not be an issue.
The lightweight aluminum patio cover is another style that has become more and more popular in recent years. These are designed typically to provide a complete shade solution as well as give you protection against the rain. Extend your outdoor cover season from early spring to late fall in most parts of the county simply by installing one of these. Make sure that you check out wind ratings before you commit to having one installed.
Some people, especially where rain is not as much of an issue, prefer a patio cover that filters the sun instead of blocking it out altogether. A combination of wood slats and wood lattice work can accomplish this. Allow climbing roses or wisteria to grow up, over and around to give a back-to-nature feel and look to your cover. Avoid the use of old growth redwood, if you so choose, and opt for a reclaimed or reconstituted wood in the building of your structure.
There is no limit to the style of patio cover you can ultimately choose for your backyard. Much of your decision depends on your design sensibilities and any budget related constraints you might have. For starters, you would be well advised to rifle through a variety of backyard design magazines and manuals. From these you will be able to cull out a list of ideas that suit your tastes. From there, begin your price comparisons if price is a factor in your decision making process.
In the final analysis, what you are looking for is an attractive and comfortable place to enjoy the open air and the nature that surrounds you. Rest assured that there is a patio cover that fits you and your home to perfection.
For those of us lucky enough have a garden with a patio area really should learn to make use of this most enjoyable of outdoor spaces on a more regular basis. It seems a shame to such an asset an to be constricted to the amount of time we can spend there by bad weather conditions. Many of us have realized this fact and have decided to remedy the matter somewhat by purchasing a patio cover to extend the season during which using this outdoor space is a viable option. The problem is that there are so many patio covers on the market that it can be difficult to decide which one to buy, hopefully this article will shed a little light on the subject and allow you to make a better choice.
If you are on a budget you might want to look at the something that gives you the best bang for your buck. In this case you won't want to go for a full enclosure, awning or a freestanding unit but you should definitely take a look at a shade sail. Shade sails are an alternative to the device that would often be called a pergola or covered porch. This is a reasonably new product on the market and if you are looking for your first patio cover then you are lucky such a product is available to you as this will undoubtedly make your buying decision all the more easy.
This innovative patio shade has increased versatility because of the fact they can be used in a variety of different ways depending on your circumstances. They can be attached to so many different anchors that you should be able to make use of them no matter where your patio is situated. As long as you are reasonably close to your house, a tree, or patio columns, you will have a suitable situation to use a shade sail.
Shade sails can be picked up for a as little as $50 so no matter what your budget you can afford to install one of these in your garden and increase the likelihood that you will get the most out of your patio next summer.
Have you always wanted to entertain your guests outside your home, but then worry if it is going to rain? You need not fret because you can install a patio cover for your home and treat your guests be it rain or shine.
By installing a patio cover, you can stop the sun or rain from ruining your day. Depending on your home, your taste and the environment that you have, you can find the right type of cover. You also need not worry about not feeling like it is outside anymore because you can choose a cover that will protect you from the elements, but still allow you to enjoy nature.
There are a lot of cover types available. They can be a permanent fixture in your home, or you can erect then dismantle them whenever there is a need. For permanent covers, there are pergolas, gazebos, carports and awnings. For temporary covers, you can use vinyl and fabric materials. There is another option for a patio umbrella that may be convenient for certain occasions. Ultimately, the type of cover you would need will depend on how much space you have and how often you will use it.
By having a covered patio, this would mean more living space. You can make use of the space for several purposes. You may choose to enjoy the outdoors for alone time or with your friends. On certain occasions you can have food around or simply sit while doing some reading. To make the area more attractive you can also add outdoor furniture. Add decorations to your patio by adding some lighting and other accessories.
Different materials can be used for patio covers. You can use metal, wood, vinyl, or fabric. The most commonly used metal is aluminum for its strength, durability and light weight. They are also available in different colors and styles. They are also cheaper than the other materials.
On the other hand wooden covers are one of the most popular patio covers. Different types of wood can be used as cover although many homeowners would prefer to use cedar wood. In choosing the type of wood, you should make sure that it is strong, durable and would match your other home decors. Vinyl covers look like wood but are actually plastic. They are great for the outdoors because they are weather proof and do not need a lot of maintenance. They are also quite cheap.
With these options available, whatever your home decor and style may be, you can definitely find that special patio cover for your home.
Aluminum carports and patio covers have become a popular and attractive home improvement. The product itself has been in use for years. As a light weight and durable material, aluminum can be a great alternative to stick built or steel structures. Features, colors, and styles have evolved over the years to give homeowners many choices. Today we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these popular aluminum structures.
Advantages:
1) Durability - My parents have been living in the same house for over 30 years. Their patio cover was installed in the late 1960s, and is still standing and functional. This product will stand the test of time with little more than a cleaning once a year. Most companies engineer their units to withstand wind and snow loads. As a result, baring natural weather disasters, your patio cover or carport should give you years of use.
2) Attractive - As stated above with a little maintainence your carport or patio cover will stay looking good for years. The aluminum pans will never rust. There are a variety of colors to choose from and several styles of framework that should satisfy any homeowner.
3) Structural simplicity - Because of the light weight nature of aluminum, a patio cover can be attached directly to your patio slab, and carports can be attached directly to your driveway. Also attachment to the house requires minimal anchoring. Note: some areas may require posts to be set in concrete, check with the codes department in your area. One of the best advantages of aluminum structures is the minimum fall required for installation. Aluminum carports and patio covers require only ¼" of fall /ft. spanned. A shingled roof requires a minimum of 4" of fall /ft spanned, which often creates problems with head room on the outside.
4) Functionality - Very few home improvement projects can provide the quality usefulness that an aluminum patio cover or carport can. patio covers over decks and patios offer escape from direct sun and weather, and can make them much more useful and enjoyable. Aluminum carports (free standing or attached) can provide great shelter for your vehicles when a garage is not available .
Disadvantages
1) Bird Nests - The W-pan aluminum is notorious for attracting birds. There are several plugs that manufacturers offer and it is highly recommended you insist on these at the time of installation. They do add cost but will save you from the endless hassle of cleaning out the pans.
2) Trees - All aluminum carports and patio covers come with built in gutters and downspouts, in the fall if you live in a wooded area leaves are a constant problem. Since aluminum structures do not require as much slope on the roof, leaves and debris is much more likely to accumulate. The most common problem I see is where this accumulation of leaves is left unattended, stopping up gutters, backing up water and ultimately causing the panels to bow and leak.
3) Rust on framework - Most aaluminum patio covers and carports are installed with steel bar joists, and posts, and while painted before installation, the natural exposure to the elements will eventually cause the parts to show rust (especially at ground contact)
4) Hail - The single most, problem with aluminum carports and patio covers is hail. We replace several of these each year. Because of the light weight nature of aluminum a hail storm can leave small unattractive dings in the panels. Most homeowners insurance cover this and in most cases if hail is hard enough you will have other damage to your home
