We all know that patios are an important part of our home. They provide us with a place to take in the fresh air, get some sun, and entertain guests. However, did you know there are many different types of patio covers?
Some can be built on your existing deck, while others must be constructed from scratch. There’s also the option to cover only a portion of your patio or build a gazebo-style structure. Patio covers offer protection from harmful UV rays and rainstorms, but they also add charm to any backyard space. Read on to learn what type of patio cover is best for you.
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What Are the Different Types of Patio Covers?
If you are looking for a place to kick back, relax and enjoy some time outdoors this summer, why not invest in one of the many types of patio covers that are available? The two broad categories when dealing patio covers are free-standing and attached based on their installation. The different types of patio covers include:
- Awnings
- Solar screens
- Canopies
- Thatched roof
- Pergolas
1. Awnings
From the ground up, an awning is designed to keep you dry and debris-free. They drain water off their surface so it doesn’t end up pooling on your patio or walkway like rain would with unattached structures.
You can choose between permanent installations if you are looking at long-term solutions and retractable models if shorter life cycles suit better in your space requirements. Either way, coverage will always be solid no matter what kind there is.
There are various fabrics to choose from, which makes them perfect additions to many different styles of home decor – especially if there’s some color mixing going on inside.The different types of awnings include:
- Free-standing
- Portable
- Vertical
2. Solar Screens
Solar screens block sunlight and absorb heat, making them suitable for rooms with poor temperature regulation. These fixtures do not just provide excellent shade but also help reduce electricity usage by blocking out the sun’s rays while still letting through an adequate amount needed for solar energy production.
A great way to install these fabric panels is alongside other types of patio covers, such as pergolas or awnings, which will help you create your perfect backyard retreat.
The sentry and sun-roll solar screens are two types that offer different benefits. The captured edge technology in the sentry prevents material from flapping while using less fabric, making it better for windy areas where there’s more potential to catch on something or tear apart easily.
However, if you have an open patio space with plenty of room around all sides, then the sun-roll may best suit your needs. This is mainly because light can escape far easier through these gaps between vertical edges, allowing air circulation to reign inside without obstruction.
3. Canopies
A paradise for your backyard, canopies offer a variety of designs and styles. The material is easily portable, so you don’t have to worry about not taking it with you when the weather gets warmer or if an infestation happens at home.
The fabric is UV resistant which makes them durable, but they’re more delicate than other materials, so it does have some downfalls like being prone to ripping if not careful when handling it during setup time.
They come in different designs, such as elegant ones which offer shade from sun rays with their design features or playful styles where you’ll find more vibrant colors used. These can be fixed, attached, or retractable.
4. Thatched Roof
The thatched roof is a classic design for patios. Whether you want an authentic, Caribbean feel or are dreaming of Bali’s secluded beaches, the choice is yours with this versatile option.
5. Pergolas
A pergola is a type of garden structure that provides shelter and support for outdoor living spaces. Depending on the design you prefer, they can either be free-standing, attached with beams, or wall mountings.
A pergola’s roof is its defining feature, from arches that give an extra aesthetic appeal to grids composed entirely out of rafters giving better heat circulation than solid roofs do. Pergolas can be made from wood, fiberglass, metal, or vinyl.
Patio covers are a great way to provide additional shade and protection from the elements in your outdoor space. Awnings, solar screens, canopies, thatched roofs, and pergolas all offer different features for you to consider when choosing what will work best for your home. Which type do you like best? Check out various designs from City Seamless Patio Covers and get advice for planning and installation.
