So, you’ve got a fantastic patio that could be the perfect place for dining, entertaining, and simply hanging out. There’s only one problem: a total lack of shade. Intense sunlight blasting your patio for much of the day may even cause you to reconsider how much time you can spend outside.

The solution? A patio cover, of course! Patio covers are available in many configurations and styles and offer plenty of ways to create shade on your patio. Whether you want a traditional solid-roof patio cover, a latticed pergola-like cover, or something in between, finding the right match for your home should be easy. But outside of aesthetic differences, what are the differences between patio covers and their materials? Does it really matter?

Choosing the Right Material

The kind of material that your patio cover is made of can have a huge effect on both the enjoyment you get from your patio cover and the value of your investment. Like so many things in home improvement, there is a wide range of materials and costs when it comes to patio covers.

Most homeowners are looking for a balance between value, cost, appearance, functionality, and durability. An inexpensive patio cover will get the job done for a while but will probably degrade or fail as time goes on. Likewise, an expensive patio cover made from solid marble will look great but probably be too costly or unnecessarily luxurious for most.

Patio Cover Frames

There have been many materials over the years that have been used to construct the frames of patio covers. Wood, vinyl, and aluminum are the most common, and they each have their strengths and weaknesses. Wood is usually the least expensive, but it has a relatively short lifespan, requires regular maintenance, and is prone to insect infestation and rot. Vinyl solves the problems of insect infestation, rotting, and constant refinishing, but it is usually less sturdy than other alternatives. Aluminum offers strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Plus, sturdier options like extruded aluminum make it stronger than other materials.

Patio Cover Roofs

The materials used in the roof of your patio cover will be largely determined by how you want to use it. As with frames, there are many options for patio cover roofs, but some have more desirable characteristics. Solid roofs are popular and can be made from any number of materials. Modern materials like thermal-resistant polystyrene can help cut down on the cost, weight, and UV light. Other options include lattice roofs, which can have lattices made from traditional wood or metals and modern composites. In general, modern materials offer far more benefits to homeowners than traditional materials because they’re usually more durable and require less maintenance.

Patio Covers from TEMO Sunrooms

At TEMO Sunrooms, we’ve been an industry leader in outdoor living products for over half a century. Our diverse product line includes many styles and options for patio covers, so finding the perfect fit for your home will be easy. Plus, our patio covers are all custom engineered and manufactured in house to ensure outstanding quality and value. We also stand behind our products with a limited lifetime transferable warranty, so you can have peace of mind.

For more information about our patio covers or any other TEMO product, or to find a qualified local installer, contact us today.