Protection from the elements, added home value, enhanced aesthetic, and increased functionality when enjoying beautiful backyard moments are just the beginning of the benefits you will attain when you install a patio cover. To get you started on your quest for a patio cover installation, we have compiled a list of the top three types of patio covers and the best three patio cover additions you can utilize to extend your living space outdoors.
3 Types of Patio Covers
Three types of patio covers serve homeowners the best: solid patio covers, pergolas, and screen rooms. Each structure has unique benefits; therefore, we encourage you to review each one to see which style suits your needs the best.
#1: Solid Patio Covers
Solid patio covers are essentially a roof that extends your living space beyond the confines of your home. Whether you are faced with the scorching summer sun or a downpouring of rain, solid patio covers provide shelter for you and your family to enjoy being outside despite inclement weather. Therefore, solid patio covers are an excellent option for those looking to host outdoor parties, BBQ out of the rain, or enjoy the shade with a good book! Some homeowners even choose to make carports with solid patio covers to give their car some much-needed protection!
#2: Pergolas
Pergolas are the preferred option for homeowners looking for a mixture of sun and shade. These outdoor structures consist of beams, rafters, and a roofing grid. Some homeowners choose a wider lattice for the pergola’s roof to let the sun in, while others prefer a tighter option to create more shade. The abundance of sun-filled days makes this a lovely patio cover option if you live in a sunny place like Eastern Washington.
#3: Screen Rooms
While the great outdoors is “great” in theory, it also comes with bugs and other unwanted elements beyond the warm sunshine and fresh breeze. This is where screen rooms reign supreme. A screen room is essentially an enclosed room, but instead of walls, you have screens. While this lets the fresh breeze in, it prevents annoying bugs from hovering around your face or food. Additionally, screen rooms allow you greater privacy, kind of like having tinted windows in a car.
Patio Cover Optional Additions
Depending on which of the three patio cover options you choose for your design, there are optional components you can add to increase functionality, value, and aesthetic. However, before you begin to mix and match, we recommend speaking with your installer to determine which options work best with your primary structure.
Concrete Patio
To create a stable structure, one must begin with a strong foundation. We highly recommend starting any new patio cover installation with a concrete patio pour. This will provide you with a beautiful foundation that will support your new addition for decades to come.
Plus, if you are thinking of using a patio cover for a carport, we highly recommend getting a concrete pour to ensure that your car has a stable base to support it that won’t wear away over time. Plus, it keeps you from getting dusty, muddy, or sandy when you get into your car!
Solar Drop Screens
Do you hate having the sun glare in your eyes as you enjoy an afternoon chat with friends or loved ones? Also known as exterior blinds, Solar Drop Screens are an excellent addition to any patio cover installation as they aid in controlling light, glare, and heat exposure. With a push of the button or a turn of a crank, you can adjust the screens to suit your needs. Here are a few benefits of adding solar screen drops:
- Increased energy savings.
- Increased life of patio furniture from UV protection.
- Privacy without losing your view.
- Protection against strong winds
- Protection from debris, dust storms, rain, and even wayward golf balls.
- Control over patio shade and ventilation.
- Sleek and durable design to suit your aesthetic.
Retractable Awnings
Are you unsure whether you want a solid patio cover or an open pergola? Why not get the best of both worlds with a retractable awning? Retractable awnings allow you to control whether you have protection from the elements or a wide-open view of the stars with just a touch of a button. This option is ideal for homeowners who already have an open patio cover but want more protection, as well as brand-new construction.
Plus, retractable awnings are excellent energy savers! When used correctly, an awning can reduce the amount of heat warming up your home by 77%, saving you money from energy bills as well as extending the lifespan of any furniture, flooring, appliances, etc. that sits under the awning’s protection.
Trust Patio Covers Unlimited
Do you have a vision of your future patio cover? At Patio Covers Unlimited, our goal is to build you the outdoor retreat you’ve been craving. To ensure you get the best of the best, Unlimited Patio Covers are constructed out of high-grade aluminum, embossed with a wood grain texture, resulting in the look of real wood without the upkeep. Unlike typical patio covers, ours our high-quality and durable. They will not crack, warp, split, chip, or peel and will not chalk or fade even under constant UV and wind exposure.
To ensure you get the perfect pergola for your needs, our pergolas are available in several sizes, shapes, and finishes. They can be adapted to create any desirable combination of shade and sunlight. They are easy to design, affordable, and will enhance the aesthetic and value of your home. Plus, we offer the three patio cover additions above to aid you in personalizing your patio cover perfectly to your unique needs.
Contact Patio Covers Unlimited today to learn more about why a pergola from PCU NorthWest is the perfect way to enhance your home, backyard, and outdoor living space!
