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.

What Is the Difference Between a Deck, Patio, Porch, Covered Roof, and Sunroom?

picture of a huge deck and cover built in Loveland, CO

When it comes to home improvements and additions, it helps to know the difference between some of the different options before you start hiring contractors to begin working on your property. You may want to add things that will increase the value of your property while giving you more space to do some of your favorite things, such as grilling, sunbathing, or simply relaxing outdoors.

Whether you want a deck, patio, porch, or something else added to your home, it helps to know the difference between these options before you officially pay to have anything done. So, what is the difference?

A deck is a wood framed platform that is commonly attached directly to your home. A patio is usually a cement slab in the backyard right up against the house. A porch is most commonly a covered deck with screens for walls. A Covered Roof (or sometimes referred to as a hard cover) is a shade covering for a deck or concrete patio and is commonly made from the same roofing materials as the house. And lastly, a sunroom is similar to a porch except made from as much glass as possible.

pic of a wood deck built in Loveland featuring built in seating and lighting

What Is a Deck?

A deck is a structure composed of wood that does not have a roof attached to it. As a homeowner, you can get a deck installed on any specific area of your home. Some people like to have a deck in their backyard, while others prefer having a deck that is off to the side of the property. It all depends on the location of your home and the amount of space you have available to get this type of addition constructed.

Decks come in all different sizes and shapes. Before getting a deck installed, you would need to have measurements taken to determine how much space you have available to work with in the first place. You may want a large deck to have plenty of room for a grill and chairs that you will have out for guests to sit on when they visit you. In addition to getting a deck that is the perfect size for your personal space, you will also need to decide on the shape, style, and color of the deck.

You can have a deck built with different types of materials. While wood is the most common goto for decking, decks made from wood-plastic composite have become extremely popular. No matter what you plan on choosing, you will need to decide on the species of wood that you would like used based on its longevity and general appearance. You want something that is going to look good and last a long time while not requiring nearly as much maintenance as some other options.

What Is a Patio?

Many people often confuse a patio with a deck or porch, but these are three entirely different things. While the patio is an outdoor area like a porch and deck, it is typically a paved area that is outside of the home and not attached to it. When constructing patios for clients, it is common for contractors to use concrete, bricks, and even assorted stones that were selected by the clients.

The purpose of having a patio is to have an outdoor area where you can sit, eat, and relax. Many people with patios like to host parties and gatherings with their loved ones where they are preparing food and serving it outdoors. Once there is the patio, homeowners may invest in items for those patios, including outdoor furniture, that they can leave outside and use whenever they want to sit outdoors.

Not all patios look the same, and some are much bigger than others. It does depend on the space available to the homeowner. One thing that most patios have in common is that they are found in the back of the home and may even be situated near a deck.

What Is a Porch?

The porch is an open structure that has breathable walls, but protection above it. Because there is a cover or roof above the porch, you can comfortably sit outside in any weather without worrying about dealing with the rain, sun, snow, and other elements. The porch is often added to the front of the home. There are several reasons that homeowners choose to get a front porch installed if they do not already have one. It gives them a safe and comfortable place to sit out while enjoying the weather and chatting with their neighbors.

There are different types of materials used to create sturdy and reliable porches for those who would like them. Some of the most commonly selected porch materials include plastic, PVC, wood, aluminum, and solid stone. The materials, colors, and overall style picked for the porch will vary from one home to the next and will typically depend on the personal preference of the homeowners.

You can choose from various porch options. For example, you may want an open-air porch that does not have walls, or you may prefer having a porch with screened walls. These are some of the things you will need to think about before you get this type of addition to your home.

covered deck shingled roof stone pillars all covering a hot tub

What Is a Covered Roof?

A covered roof often goes along with a patio. While patios are usually out in the open and provide a space for dining and relaxing with friends, some people choose to invest in a covered roof that gets installed directly over the patio. Having a covered roof comes in handy for potential rainstorms and other weather elements that could get in the way of an outdoor event. The closed roof also provides additional protection from the sun when sitting outside for extended periods.

Before getting a covered roof installed over the patio, professionals must first take measurements. It is necessary to make sure that the roof will provide the maximum amount of coverage for the patio. If you are thinking about getting a covered roof, you must also decide how much coverage you want. Some people like to have a portion of the patio covered while leaving a separate part open because that allows them to soak in the sun if they would like to do so.

What Is a Sunroom?

The sunroom is a sheltered room that is attached to the home. It is an added room to the house that has more windows than the average room, allowing plenty of natural sunlight to soak through. Property owners often like adding assorted plants to their sunrooms because that is the perfect room to get plants to thrive because of the added sunlight. Those who want to enjoy the benefits of the sun without sitting directly outside where they would end up dealing with insects may enjoy having a sunroom available to them.

Sunrooms are often smaller than the average size of a living room or bedroom, but they still offer an adequate amount of space. While the location of a sunroom may vary from one home to the next, it is common for homeowners to have a sunroom attached to the back of the house. There is a common misconception that a sunroom and back porch are the same thing, but this is false. These two home features are different from one another.

It is quite common for people to confuse decks, patios, porches, covered roofs, and sunrooms. Many people believe these home additions are all the same, but that is the furthest thing from the truth. Each addition has something unique to offer. If you are thinking about adding something extra to your home, you should make a list of your wants and needs and then decide which of these different options are the best for you.

Once you decide which additions to add to your home, you can start choosing materials, styles, and colors. You can go over these details with a professional contractor by giving us a call today at 970-663-2868 or visit the contact page to send us a message. Also, if you want more info please check out our DECK and PATIO COVER services pages.

timber frame sun-room with amazing mountain views built by TNT Home Improvements