Why would you need an outdoor patio cover? Outdoor patio covers are decorative structures that are erected around patios to give protection, particularly from rain and sun. They can be permanent or attached to the building’s wall to span across the area. The simplest outdoor patio covers are plastic awnings, while most are much more heavy-duty and are held together with beams and posts.
The material they’re made of will determine how much protection they offer, but there are many types of outdoor patio covers to choose from, all of which are available in aluminum, wood, and vinyl. Aluminum is perhaps the most commonly used material, as it’s lightweight and relatively easy to maintain. One of its great features is that it’s resistant to rusting and corrosion, which can happen if you get really rough conditions, like heavy downpours of rain or even wind. Another great feature is that aluminum is highly flexible, so it’s possible to create designs that fit around corners or other small areas without worrying about them curling up and becoming misshapen.
Wood patio covers, on the other hand, offer a lovely rustic feel and a beautiful natural light glow. Because of this rustic feel, they suit very well with other outdoor furnishings such as wrought iron furniture, and they also provide additional privacy. However, because wood is such a natural light absorber, it makes the shades practically disappear during the day, except when there’s really intense sunlight shining onto them. In this situation, we recommend using black or dark-colored plastic umbrellas to protect your seating area while the sun’s rays are streaming in. These umbrellas are available at most garden centers and hardware stores.
Aluminum outdoor patio covers, on the other hand, are the perfect choice for people who want a bit more color in their patio, without sacrificing some privacy. These are the best outdoor patio covers because aluminum is an excellent insulator. It’s also a durable metal, so it won’t be prone to cracking and splintering like wood patio furniture. Although aluminum doesn’t absorb the sun’s rays as well as wood, it does have the advantage of being a lot less expensive than most types of patio cover materials. This is another reason why many people prefer aluminum instead of other materials such as plastic, which can be costly and fragile.
If you want to add color and style to your outdoor space, you should consider using metal outdoor patio covers. In addition to providing shade from the sun, they can also make your patio look neater, more stylish and contemporary. Unfortunately, metal doesn’t have the same insulation properties as other materials, so it will only add to your heating bill. On the positive side, it will complement almost any patio design and will add a touch of flare where you might not otherwise see it.
The biggest problem with aluminum outdoor patio covers is that they are prone to rusting and denting. You may have to paint them every couple of years or even wash them out completely if they are exposed to the elements too long. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about this because aluminum can be painted and powder coated so it will resist rusting as long as you take proper precautions. If you do choose to paint or coat aluminum covers, you should purchase high quality paint and make sure that it is designed for use on metal surfaces.
Finally, if you prefer to avoid the hassle of caring for outdoor patio covers, you should consider purchasing vinyl options. These outdoor patio covers come in a variety of designs and colors, and they’re easier to clean than wood or aluminum. In addition, they are much more resistant to damage from the sun’s rays and to mildew. However, vinyl does sacrifice the aesthetic appeal of your backyard. In addition, vinyl does not provide the same protection from the elements that wooden or aluminum patio coverings can offer.
Once you determine what type of material would best suit your outdoor living space, there are a few final decisions to make. Do you want to install your outdoor patio covers on your own? Can you leave them up in the open year-round? And most importantly, would you as a new patio cover installed? The decision is entirely up to you and comes down to personal preference, but either way, installing new patio coverings can dramatically improve your outdoor space.