4 Tips for Choosing a New Patio Cover

Have you been thinking about making some home improvements? Remember to not only think about what you would enjoy when improving your patio area, but what will add value to your home. Sprucing up or adding a covered patio space offers a 90% return! That’s pretty impressive. How do you choose the right patio cover for your space? Keep reading for 4 tips on choosing the perfect cover.

1. Know What a Patio Cover Is

There are various types of structures you can use for shade in your backyard. Some folks like pergolas, others choose a retractable patio awning or a patio cover. A patio cover is a permanent structure that is either free-standing or connected to your home. Posts, not walls hold up the cover so it provides shade without blocking the breeze.

2. Consider the Material

Before buying a cover, you should decide what material is right for you. There are several common materials. Let’s look at a few.

Wood

While wood looks great, it can also be expensive and time-consuming to maintain. You have to sand and repaint or restain it on occasion and it is more prone to rotting and insect invasions. Wood covers are lower in initial cost than aluminum, but the maintenance alone adds quite a bit to the long-term cost.

Vinyl

Vinyl is nice because it is both inexpensive and easy to maintain. Once you install a vinyl cover you won’t have to worry about repairs or anything for years. The downside to vinyl is that it is not very attractive. It also tends to fade, crack, or deteriorate over time due to sun exposure.

Another major disadvantage of a vinyl patio cover is that they are not made to withstand heavy snow loads which we tend to get a lot of in Indiana.

Aluminum

Aluminum is another inexpensive, easy-to-maintain option. Aluminum covers are very practical and have become quite popular with customers looking for a lifetime patio cover. Aluminum patio covers are virtually maintenance-free, can withstand heavy winds or snow, and won’t fade or crack like vinyl covers. They’re durable and will last a lifetime which is something you want from a product that you are installing on your home.

3. Consider Your Home’s Design

Curb appeal is very important to homeowners. You want to choose a patio cover that complements the appearance of your home. The wrong cover can be an eyesore that detracts from the value of your home. The right cover will be inviting and make people want to spend time in your backyard.

4. Consider Its Purpose

Also, consider the purpose of a patio cover. It’s there to provide shade when the sun is strong. Plus it keeps the rain from crashing your barbecue parties.

Did you know that in some environments color has an impact on the cover’s function? In hot climates, lighter colors will reflect heat away and keep your space cooler. Darker colors will keep heat in your space. If you get a good breeze that might not matter as much, but you should take this into consideration.

Choose Your Cover

It’s time to take the plunge and pick out your new cover! Even if you don’t know exactly what you want yet, that’s okay. Meet with us and one of our expert staff will help you pick out the perfect cover for your space.

Need some inspiration? View our patio cover ideas gallery