It is a great to have a patio where you can enjoy the summers. A patio allows you to enjoy the outdoors right at your door step. However, the sun sometimes creates a problem. It is then that the need of a patio cover is felt. Besides shielding you from sun, rain and UV rays, patio covers also enhance the value of your property. A good patio cover can change the look of your house.
The most common cover can be a simple brick and mortar roof quickly and inexpensively constructed. The cover, whether free standing or attached to the house needs the same basic supporting fixtures, such as, posts, rafters and beams.
To make your work easier you can go in for lightweight covers made from plastic. These plastics can partly block out the sun and, hence, can be particularly useful in colder climes where the sun isn’t that hot. Plastic cloth is also used as covering in patios that grow plants.
Canvas is used for patio covers that can be removed whenever wanted. Canvas, though not very durable, is inexpensive, easy to install and comes in a variety of colors and designs. Canvas, furthermore can be easily replaced. It can also be easily removed for seasonal storage.
Plastic panels and fiber glass are also materials that are frequently used as patio cover materials. Although, they are not expensive they are difficult to remove and store. The downside of fiberglass and plastic panels is that by partially allowing light and heat they create the unhealthy greenhouse effect. They are therefore not the right choice for hot places.
One of the most popular cover materials for patios is wood. Patio covers made of wood need not be very expensive. The cost of a wooden cover would depend on the type of wood that you use. Wooden covers would be inexpensive if you use lath, lattice or grape stakes. Costs will shoot up if you use more expensive rafters. Wooden covers are more comfortable since the space between rafters allow air circulation.
Wooden covers, where wood used is comparatively less is also constructed. The shortfall is made up by using vines to partly or totally cover the gaps between the wooden rafters. Such a roof would require sturdier wood that would bear the load of vines made heavier by rains.
The selection of the cover material would be largely determined by the architectural style of your house. The building styles of the patio cover and the house should complement each other. There are several websites and home improvement stores where you can get useful tips on the subject.
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