Extend Your Fun Area With Aluminum Patio Covers

Aluminum patio covers are very popular among homeowners as a convenient and economical way to extend the usable area around their house. Ease of installation, durability and low-maintenance are the main reasons for their popularity.

Aluminum actually fights against corrosion. patio covers made of aluminum usually come with a manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty, they're so durable. Homeowners see a way of saving on maintenance costs. Houses with aluminum patio covers command a good resale price.

A patio cover extends the indoor to the outdoor, and vice versa! Here, you can sit and relax with friends or with a book, sheltered from the hot sun, yet feeling the fresh natural breeze blow through your hair. I like to sit out under the patio cover listening to the rhythm of the gently falling rain, with my hands locked under the back of my head.

Cleaning the aluminum patio covers is very easy. All you need is a long-handled brush to reach up to the conveniently angled aluminum patio cover, and some soap and water. You may want to use a cleaning solution which is specially prepared for aluminum .

When you order your aluminum patio cover you may want to get a drainage system built-in at the same time. Most contractors are willing and able to do this for you. Having a drainage system built into the aluminum patio cover is a great idea to prevent water from collecting in dips and hollows around the patio.

Aluminum is easy to paint. You can paint the aluminum patio cover any shade of color that catches your fancy. You can have it painted with a pattern. That's how easy it is to match your aluminum patio cover with the exterior appearance of your house, or with the patio furniture. On the other hand, you may want to get a prepainted aluminum patio cover. Visit an aluminum patio cover showroom and you will discover the amazing variety of color schemes and patterns that are readily available.

An aluminum patio cover is a wise addition to your house. It requires a one-time investment only. After that it is virtually maintenance free for its lifetime. It will raise the value of the house, and in case you think of moving, the resale value of the house will improve because of the aluminum patio cover.

There are less costly options for patio covers other than aluminum. But these are hardly as durable as aluminum or as easy to maintain as aluminum, and certainly not as good looking! Instead of looking for an alternate material, you should go through the wide range of aluminum patio covers that are available. Choose one which suits your budget.

Wood Vs Aluminum - Patio Covers

Trying to decide on the material that should be used on your new patio cover can be frustrating. The first thought is "what type of wood should I use?" There is smooth, rough, Douglas fir, redwood, spruce and more. Here is one scenario that should help you to make an informed decision.

Your new wood patio cover has just been installed and it is beautiful. But while the natural beauty of wood is undeniable, there are also many drawbacks. It must be protected from various weather conditions. Acceptable methods include paint, stain and other various sealers (clear or colored). So you invest a little sweat equity and do it yourself. But even after all of your hard work, the sun dries and bleaches it and the paint peels. Before too long you start noticing cracks. These cracks allow moisture to be absorbed like a sponge and the wood starts to twist and warp. The nails start pulling out allowing the wood to move even more.

Now what? A little maintenance should fix the problem. Right? You make a trip to the hardware store where you purchase wood, nails, spackle, caulking and paint. At checkout you are thinking "wait a minute, I already paid for all of this material once". You replace a few components, re-nail, spackle and caulk, and re-paint as needed. But the problem still exists only to repeat itself over and over again. You ask yourself why did I ever have this thing built with wood? This continual maintenance is killing me, not to mention draining my bank account. If only I would have built an Aluma wood shade structure.

There are many benefits to using Alumawood:

· The embossed texture simulates real wood.
· A variety of designs are available. Choose lattice or solid top. Choose rafter styles.
· Other options include architectural columns and railings, ceiling fans and post lights.
· Offered in a variety of colors to compliment your stucco or wood finishes.
· It is virtually maintenance free. Just rinse it off once in awhile.
· Never paint again. Paint will not chip, crack or peel.
· Fire retardant. Possible home insurance rebate.
· Termite proof. Mold proof.
· Possible tax rebates through the Energy Star program.
· Peace of mind.

You shouldn't have to worry about your patio cover after it is built. Just enjoy it.