The Four Main Types Of Patio Covers
Posted on: 4 February 2015
Patio covers from companies like Dura-Kool Aluminum Products provide shade and protection from the weather for you deck, and allow you to expand your living space into the outdoors. There are four main types of patio covers available, made of different materials, all of which offer different advantages over each other. Knowing the differences between the four main types of patio covers can help you choose the best type of patio cover for your house.
Wood Patio Covers
Patio covers that are made out of wood lend a natural aesthetic to your home. They are commonly covered in asphalt shingles, like your roof, in order to allow water to flow away from the actual structure of your deck. Wood can be painted or stained so that it perfectly matches your home.
However, it is important to note that wood has to be properly taken care of in order to prevent insect and rot damage from destroying your patio cover. This means regular maintenance, cleaning, and repair is pretty much a guarantee with wooden patio covers.
Steel Patio Covers
Steel patio covers offer the highest degree of durability, and will easily stand up to extreme weather conditions. Steel is ideal for places with harsh winter weather, as it can easily shrug off abuse from heavy snow and hail. Steel patio covers are also immune from rot and water damage, which can affect wood, but can still rust or corrode over time.
However, steel can be extremely reflective if it is not painted, and can grow very hot in the summer. Additionally, steel is extremely heavy and hard to install, which can increase the costs of your patio cover.
Aluminum Patio Covers
Patio covers made out of aluminum are of a much lighter weight than steel, and can be easily painted to match the aesthetic of your home. As aluminum is extremely malleable and easy to cut, you can make a custom fitted patio cover at a lower cost than other materials. Like steel, aluminum is rot and water damage resistant, but is also immune to rusting.
However, aluminum is not as structurally strong as steel or wood, and can be easily dented or knocked out of shape, which will necessitate repairs.
Vinyl Patio Covers
Patio covers that are made out of vinyl offer the cheapest covering option, and the widest variety of styles to choose from. Vinyl patio covers can be fabricated into any color or pattern, and be customized to your every desire. They are also rot, water damage, and rust immune.
However, vinyl patio covers can change shape due to changing temperatures, which can cause the material to bend or warp out of place.
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