What Is a Patio Cover?

Improving the outer portion of your house may require tough decisions. One of which is to whether install a patio cover or not. But first, it is imperative to understand what patio covers are.

A patio cover is an outdoor shade solution attached to the outer wall of your home and is typically placed in the backyard. Adding this structure allows you to hang out outside and, of course, on your patio comfortably.

While patio cover kits are widely available, if you lean more towards durability, style, and endurance, it is best to have it constructed by trained professionals with the best materials there are.

Nevertheless, it is always beneficial to learn a thing or two about patio covers. That way, it will help you make the right decision for your backyard.

What Is the Point of a Patio Cover?

Deciding to put up or attach a patio cover is a practical and aesthetic choice.

For starters, the patio cover provides shade during a hot summer day. You can still hang out outside as you are protected from the scorching heat of the sun.

Second, it keeps your patio furniture and outdoor decorations dry during rainy seasons. That is if you opt for a closed patio cover.

Third, it adds visual appeal and value to your house. For example, if you’re aiming for rustic feels in your backyard, a pergola or a farmhouse design could be your best option.

Overall, the point of a patio cover is to extend the comfort you enjoy in your living room to the backyard.

A patio can already be inviting, but you may decide not to hang out in the said area if it is openly exposed.

Hence, the patio cover only makes your backyard or patio enticing to anyone who wishes to cool down. With that, it will allow you to save energy from constantly using the air-cooling system indoors.

What Is the Difference Between a Pergola and a Patio Cover?

A pergola is an outdoor structure made of an overhead frame consisting of joists running one direction and rafters running the opposite. They can be freestanding or attached to the house and can be made to compliment a garden and/or create an extended living space in the backyard.

Pergolas typically lack a roof or solid covering. However, newer designs allow the attachment of retractable canopies as protection from the sun’s heat or rain.

On the other hand, a patio cover is considered an extension of the house as the structure is attached directly to the main building. Unlike pergolas, a standard patio has a roof. Hence, it is primarily constructed for practical purposes.

Pergolas and patio covers are often used interchangeably. Both are located in the backyard or the outdoor area. Perhaps that’s why they are often switched in conversations.

They are different, however, in terms of design and structure. Nonetheless, pergolas can still be classified as patio covers. And some homeowners consider them at the top of their choices for aesthetic purposes.

Open vs. Solid Roof Patio Cover

Choosing if you wish to build an open or solid roof patio cover depends primarily on the function of the outdoor area.

An open lattice roof, for example, is perfect if you want to maximize air circulation, which will allow you to cool off and feel the natural breeze outside. Also, it will provide you with ambient light controlled through the partitions of the rafters or roof louvers.

Now, if you want full coverage of your patio and a lot less moisture getting through, go for a solid roof. This patio cover protects you completely from extreme sunlight and rain. In addition, you can add a ceiling fan to get plenty of air circulation.

What Are the Materials Used for Patio Covers?

If you want a sturdy and long-lasting patio cover, choose the suitable materials for the construction. Moreover, your preferred design is also influenced by certain elements added to the structure. 

Here are some of the most common materials used for patio covers.

Wood

The most traditional material to use for a patio cover is wood. It gives a rustic vibe and classic look that goes with different home architectural styles. Most open patio covers are almost entirely made of wood.

However, as elegant as a wooded patio cover may seem, it needs high maintenance as it is prone to decline due to factors like weather and termite damage.  

Aluminum

Patio covers made of aluminum often take a modern design. But more than the flexible style, aluminum is highly durable. It’s resistant to different types of damages and is low maintenance. 

If you’re living in areas prone to damages caused by seasonal weather changes, your best option is to build a patio cover made of aluminum.

Vinyl

If it’s a cheap patio cover you’re looking for, then vinyl would suffice your outdoor shade needs. It’s less expensive compared to wood and aluminum, and it also requires less maintenance.

The downside, however, is that it isn’t as durable as the other materials, and your choice for style is somewhat limited.

Fiberglass

You can opt for fiberglass roof panels for your patio, especially if you have an extra budget for the project. It’s stylish, highly robust, and maximizes your protection from rain without sacrificing the amount of light you can get from the outside.

Different Types of Patio Covers

1.      Pergolas

A pergola is an excellent option if you plan on putting the patio cover near your garden. You can cover the structure with climbing plants like honeysuckle or wisteria, or passionflower. You can also decorate the grids with fairy lights to make the area more enticing.

2.      Awnings

Awnings have been around for quite a long time. But they remain a reliable outdoor shade solution. They could be installed easily through an outdoor beam and stretch at a downward angle. Likewise, you can opt for a stationary or retractable awning.

3.      Canopies

If it’s a festive look you’re after, then canopies would suit your taste. Canopies are mostly made of polyester. Hence, you’ll have plenty of options in terms of patterns, sizes, and shapes.

4.      Thatched Roof

Nothing says vacation in your backyard like a thatched roof. This traditional look emulates the ambiance of a tropical paradise or a luxury resort. It’s like having your own tiki bar in the comfort of your own yard.

5.      Shade Sails

Simple patio cover solutions can be translated to the shade sails. This simple top only needs material with endpoints that you could tie or attach on a hook or a sturdy surface.

It’s relatively cheap and easy to install. However, one huge disadvantage is that it could easily get damaged as the materials are fragile.

6.      Standard Patio Cover

A standard patio cover is your most practical option if you’re looking for a functional shade solution. They are more permanent, durable, and could require less maintenance.

You can also install it easily as most patio covers only require simple steps to attach it to the house’s main structure successfully.

How Do I Install a Patio Cover at Home?

A do-it-yourself patio cover construction can sometimes suffice your outdoor shading needs. But there are several downsides to this choice.

For starters, even though patio cover kits are available, there are plenty of things that could go wrong during the installation process. 

Moreover, the materials may not be as sturdy and durable as you want them to be. As a result, you may end up spending more on repairs and maintenance.

If you wish to have a patio cover constructed or installed at home, don’t hesitate to seek services from nearby professionals. That way, your vision, and taste can materialize in the finished structure. 

You can decide on the type and design of the patio cover or seek the contractor’s recommendation.

Summary

A patio cover will only make your backyard cozier and appealing. Therefore, make the best out of your planning and research. Hire reliable construction professionals like TNT Home Improvements who are well-versed in building quality patio covers. If you are located in the Northern Colorado/ Southern Wyoming area, then give us a call today at 970-663-2868 or visit our Patio Cover page and fill out the contact form to make an appointment to discuss your next home improvement project.

How to Cover a Deck For Shade – 12 Ways to Add Some Shade

A deck should be a place for you to sit and relax on a sunny day. But that’s difficult to do when the sun is shining in your eyes. Plus, it will make the deck hot, giving you sunburn. 

The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of simple ways that you can add some shade to your deck. Keep reading to learn more about some of the options that you might want to explore. 

Shingled Patio Covers

One of the longest-lasting patio covers is a shingled roof. This is essentially adding an extension of your roof, to cover the deck. This will allow you to effectively block the sun. It will also offer protection from the rain. When you do this, you will often be unable to tell the difference between the shingled patio cover and the original roof.

Underneath the patio, you will be able to enjoy natural wood. This is a stunning aesthetic. You can opt to stain it, protecting it from the elements. Or you might want to paint it, so the color complements the deck. Because of these benefits, a shingled patio cover will be able to last for a long time. As a result, they can often add a lot of value to your home.

Wooden Pergolas

If you like the look of natural wood, you might want to consider installing a cedar pergola. The wood can be stained to suit the surroundings. The pergola will extend from your existing roof out over the deck. The top of the pergola will have a series of rafters going perpendicular out from the house and a series of beams on top running parallel to the house, covering the deck. This is easy to maintain.

One of the benefits of this type of cover is that you can accessorize it to get even more shade or even a certain amount of waterproofing. For example, you can add corrugated plastic to the top to keep the rain off the deck and you can add screens and plants to the sides for added shade.

Aluminum Pergolas

If you don’t want to deal with the upkeep of a wooden pergola, you might prefer the aluminum variety. These have the advantage of coming in a range of colors. This will let you match it to the existing home. The Alumawood pergolas that we offer have a woodgrain pattern stamped into them to make them feel like wood. Plus, they are very durable, lasting for many years. 

Similar to a wooden pergola, you will be able to accessorize the top and sides of an Alumawood pergola. This will offer protection against the elements, so you can still use your deck when it is raining or snowing.

Umbrellas

One of the easiest ways to add a little more shade is by adding an umbrella. There are a few options that you might want to consider, these include: 

  • Table umbrella. These are designed to sit in a hollow slot in the middle of a table. They often aren’t very big and will cover a single table or chair. 
  • Tilting umbrella. As the name suggests, these can be set at an angle. This will offer more flexibility, letting you block out the sun. But they are very expensive. 
  • Weighted umbrella. This option will be held in place by a stand at the base of the umbrella. Often, the stand will be filled with water or sand, holding it in place. 

An umbrella has a few advantages. For example, they tend to be easy to install. You can get them set up in a few minutes. But there are also some downsides to consider. In a strong wind, they will fall over. Or worse, they can be blown away. This type of shade becomes extremely needy as you have to get it out and put it away every time you use it.

Planting Trees

Trees can be a great way of providing some natural shade. If you want to take this route, consider the size of their leaves. The bigger the leaves, the more protection they will provide. This is why many people like palm trees. 

But there are a few obvious downsides. First, it will take years and years for a tree to grow tall enough to provide enough shade. Additionally, if you put it too close you will need to spend a lot of time cleaning the fallen leaves off the deck. 

Louvered Patio Covers

If you are looking for a system that lets you control how much sunlight you let in and can keep the deck dry, consider a louvered cover. On a sunny day, you can open the louvers. This will let the natural light pour into the deck. But if it starts to rain you can close the louvers. This will stop you from getting wet. Better yet, you’ll be able to adjust the angle of the louver, so you can get the right mix of light and shade. If you opt to get the TNT Home Improvement team to install a louvered pergola, you will be able to do this with a handheld remote. 

These are built to last. Almost every piece of the cover is made out of thick gauge aluminum. They come in multiple colors to choose from, so you can pick one that matches the design aesthetic of your deck/house. 

Patio Canopy

There are a lot of canopy options that you might want to explore. This is a good way of getting some shade quickly. You will also be able to take it down and move it when necessary. But, if you’re looking for a long-term option, this might not be the best choice as it won’t handle extreme weather conditions more than once. 

Hanging Patio Curtains

Sometimes you will already have a cover on your deck and will be looking for some ways to get a little extra shade. In this case, you might want to think about putting in curtains. These will hang around the outside of the patio. These will give you a lot of flexibility. You’ll be able to choose elements like: 

  • How thick they are, determining how much light they will block
  • Color
  • Length

A popular alternative to this is blinds. These also offer a lot of creative freedom, with dozens of styles to choose from. Plus, you will be able to control them with the touch of a button.

Growing Vines

You might be able to get a climbing vine. This will have a similar effect to installing a patio curtain. However, the vines will add a more natural feel. Depending on the variety you choose, you might even be able to get one that will flower, adding color and perfuming the air. However, like planting a tree, you’ll need to get a temporary solution in the meantime as it can take a long time for a vine to grow. 

Shade Sail

You might want to install a shade sail. This is a porous canvas cloth, which is available in a range of colors. This will let you get one that will match the style of the space. They are also a good option to provide shade over a large area. You should be able to install them yourself, though you’ll need to get one that will match the dimensions of your deck. 

Awning

If you are looking for a simple solution, you might want to think about installing an awning. They are easy to install because you won’t need to use poles. There are a few options for you to choose from. You might want to have an awning that is always in place. Or you can get a retractable option, that you will need to manually open and close. 

Solid Patio Cover

Finally, you might want to get a solid patio cover. This can be connected to an existing roof or form a standalone structure. It’s solid and will be able to last for a long time. There are a few reasons why you might want to get this type of cover: 

  • It comes in a range of colors, so you’ll be able to pick something to suit your style. 
  • You can install features, like lights and ceiling fans
  • It can be made to custom-fit your deck area

Final Thoughts

Covering your deck is a good way to stop the sun from getting in your eyes and beating the summer heat. Plus, it will block the wind and rain, so you can enjoy the deck in all weather conditions. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. You can get a long-term solution by installing a shingled patio roof, louvered patio cover, pergola, or a solid patio cover. Or you can get something more temporary. Hopefully, you are more aware of your options so you can find the right one for you.

If you’re living in the Northern Colorado area, give us a call today at 970-663-2868 so we can talk about your deck cover project.

All About Louvered Pergolas

pic of a louvered pergola built in Fort Collins, CO

Are you looking for the best way to make your outdoor living space great while remaining functional? We understand your problem and have the perfect solution for you – louvered pergolas. With our premium louvered pergolas, you get to enjoy all the fresh air and beauty that nature has to offer while transforming your deck, patio, or other outdoor living space into a functional space that can protect you from rain or excessive sunlight.

What is a Louvered Pergola?

It is an adjustable roofing system that allows you to enjoy fresh air, sunlight, and other positive qualities of nature but are adjustable to provide coverage from the less desirable qualities such as snow, sleet, rain, or excessive sunlight. The adjustable roofing can even be outfitted with ceiling fans to provide additional outdoor comfort by keeping out pests such as mosquitos and flies.

Benefits of Using Louvered Pergolas

A louvered pergola provides the best of both worlds – the abundant sun or an open backyard or the complete shade of a covered porch. A louvered pergola lets you choose how much sun you would like to receive at any particular time.

Using the convenient controls of the pergola, you can open the louvers to let through sun, or close them if you want protection from snow or rain. That way, you and your family can spend more time enjoying the outdoors throughout the year.

pic of a job in loveland, co featuring a new deck and louvered patio cover

Here are the top benefits of using louvered pergolas:

Protection from the Elements

A louvered pergola system can be angled to provide protection from harmful UV rays from the sun regardless of its position. Since most of them are made from aluminum, they are usually highly reflective, which makes them incredibly effective at shielding your space from light, infrared radiation, and even radio waves.

A louvered pergola can even be angled to provide both airflow and shade without actually blocking your view. It is also possible to fully open the louvers to allow maximum light into your outdoor space while minimizing uplift and resistance due to high winds.

A louvered pergola roofing system can even be completely closed to provide sturdy shelter from the rain. Most systems come equipped with an integrated gutter where rainwater is pitched into to ensure proper drainage. They can also be equipped with wind and rain sensors that open or close automatically depending on the weather.

Better Airflow and Increased Comfort

Outdoor temperatures are hardly ever perfect, which is one of the reasons why patio covers are so popular. However, even with the regular covers, many times property owners want to increase the airflow and create a refreshing breeze under the cover.

A louvered pergola can really make a difference over a regular solid cover. While a regular cover obviously provides shade, it tends to limit the airflow for people sitting under it. A louvered pergola gives you the advantage of opening the louvers to the angle you desire thus giving you control over fresh air, shade, and breeze at any time of day or night.

Easy Customization Options

We fabricate each louvered pergola based on your preferences and design them to your exact specifications for the best fit and finish for a lovely finished product. We can even customize your louvered pergolas with ceiling fans, outdoor curtains, accent lighting, and custom colors to enhance your outdoor living space.

True Convenience

Louvered pergolas, unlike solid covered patios or those with a lattice overhead, can be adjusted with the simple push of a button. Just imagine being able to go from completely covered to 50 percent airflow with our motorized louvered pergolas above your outdoor entertaining area.

Having a louvered pergola installed on your patio is perhaps one of the best investments you can make. You get the best of both airflow when you need it and a protected cover if that’s what you want. Perhaps the best thing about it is that it isn’t exclusive to residential properties.

If you have a commercial establishment such as a hotel or restaurant, you can take advantage of our louvered patio covers for your outdoor eating areas. When the sun moves throughout the day, the pergolas can keep your customers in the shade.

Environmentally-Friendly

Our louvered pergolas are made from aluminum that’s non-corrosive, which means that it won’t rust. Aluminum is also a flexible and durable metal that’s capable of flexing under loads or springing back from an impact. It also does not burn and does not produce toxic fumes, even when temperatures are high. It is also recyclable without losing its valuable characteristics.

Expert Louvered Pergola Sales and Installation

If you are looking for a beautiful and high-quality product that’s guaranteed to transform your outdoor living space, get in touch with us today to learn more about our louvered pergola systems. We are the go-to resource when it comes to outdoor living products. We are committed to supplying the finest products for your property.

We offer complete design, fabrication, delivery, and installation of premium louvered pergolas for both our residential and commercial customers to choose from. We have taken all the necessary steps to take complexity out of the process by offering you all you need to include a beautiful and high-quality pergola into your project. Give us a call today at 970-663-2868 to schedule your free consultation.

To learn more about our shade options, please visit our patio cover services page.

The Benefits of a Louvered Patio Cover

pic of a louvered pergola built in Fort Collins, CO

Enjoying your outdoor space all depends on what kinds of amenities you have surrounding you. Patio furniture is nice. A pool is even better. And then there are things like outdoor kitchens that make spending time outdoors absolutely phenomenal.

But what about bad weather? It’s a shame that even a sprinkling of rain can put the most relaxing of outdoor times to rest in an instant. That is, of course, unless you have shelter outside. But while this might be great for rainfall, shelter isn’t so great for letting sunlight stream through. It can seem like there’s no middle ground—until now!

For people who want to truly enjoy the outdoors in any weather, the smartest investment you can make is in louvered patio covers in Loveland, CO.

Understanding Louvered Covers

Louvered patio covers give you the best of both worlds. They can be opened to let natural light stream in, or closed to protect you against overexposure or light rainfalls. The best part is that this adjustment can happen in seconds—even faster than it takes for the weather to change course. If you’re entertaining outside and the sky suddenly becomes overcast, there’s no need to take the party inside. Just adjust the louver!

Great Benefits

Louvered patio covers in Loveland, CO offer more than just convenience on the fly. They’re also great for tailoring your outdoor experience to meet your expectations. For example, if you’re reading a book on a tablet and getting too much of an overhead glare, just adjust the patio cover to filter light to an acceptable level. Likewise, if you’re sitting with friends around a small bonfire, open the roof to let in a view of the stars and let smoke escape.

You’re also going to get the convenience of protection from a louvered patio cover. Rather than having to drag grills, furniture and other amenities out of a shed each time you head outside, you can leave them out under the closed patio cover, with full peace of mind that they won’t be affected by the weather.

Finally, let’s not forget about the value add for your property. Having a patio raises your property’s value, and a proper cover will raise it even more. And when that cover offers the versatility and modernity of a louvered cover, you’re going to get maximum return on investment in the form of added home value when the time comes to reassess or sell.

Transform Your Space

Looking for a way to enhance your outdoor space, while also bringing functionality and comfort into the picture? There’s no solution so smart as a louvered patio cover in Loveland, CO. With a quick installation, you could instantly tailor your patio into a space that’s ripe with possibilities and ready to accommodate you.

For more information about louvered patio covers, their benefits or their features, make sure you’re reaching out to the professionals at TNT Home Improvements. We’ll help you make an investment that pays dividends for you and your family.

Click here to learn more about our patio cover services.