How To Build The Perfect Patio Cover For Your Home
A patio cover is what it's name implies. Something that covers a patio. Some patio covers are simply slats of wood or vinyl that are attached to framework, these are referred to as open lattice patio covers. These open lattice patio covers create a subtle shading effect. Some patio covers are made of weather proof and fade proof fabric. Most patios are situated in the back of the house, and some are in very sunny spots. This can make them too hot to enjoy during the summer months. As today's patios are becoming the new family room of spring and summer more people are buying and building patio covers. Along with adding style to your home a patio cover can give you the needed shade so that you and your family can enjoy your patio whatever the weather. Depending where the patio is located some patio covers are freestanding, some are attached to the house. Whether you are building a patio cover or having a professional build one the style choices are endless. You can have any size and any style that you want. Most building professionals suggest that you use vinyl when building your patio cover. It may cost a bit more but over the life of the patio cover you'll recoup this money many times over. A vinyl patio cover is also a great investment in the value of your home. Some people prefer to have fabric awnings as opposed to lattice patio covers. As well as providing shade to a patio fabric awnings provide protection from wind and rain. Many homeowners have retractable fabric awnings placed over patios and decks. These retractable awnings can be closed during the winter and during storms with high wind and damaging hail, to prevent ripping of the fabric. These retractable patio covers can be either manually operated or motor assisted. A manually operated patio cover would be one that is opened and closed by use of a hand crank. A motorized awning as implied by the name works automatically with a remote control. Awnings generally come in widths from 7 feet to 120 feet in one foot increments, depending on whether it's manual or motorized. Awning fabrics come in a wide array of colors so you can choose which one suits your home the best. Fabric patio covers can be mounted from the wall of the house, the overhang, or ceiling or mounted from the roof. Manufacturers such as Durasol, Sunsetter and Sunair have large lines of custom retractable patio covers and awnings to suit any style of home. |
