Your patio enhances the usability of your outdoor space. It is a private retreat where you can relax protected from the elements. A patio need not necessarily have a roof, but if you want the space to be usable throughout the year, you have to add a roof. A patio roof will protect it from harsh sunlight and rain.

A patio roof can be freestanding structure or it can be attached to your house with a ledger. In either case, you need a series of columns or posts to support the structure.

If you are adding a roof to your existing patio, you can bolt the columns to the substructure of the patio. In this case, the columns will support the rafters and beams. If the patio overhead is attached to the house, then the ledger will support the rafters.

You can either leave the rafters open or cover them with a patio roof material. Plenty of options are available.

Patio roof materials

You can choose from a variety of roofing materials including plastic, metal, wood and vinyl. Before choosing a roofing material, you have to consider your needs as well as the climate of your region. If you don’t know which material is best for your climate, you should ask your contractor. The staff at the local home improvement store will also be able to guide you in the right direction. While choosing a roofing material, you also need to pay attention to the visual appearance.

Metal roofing

Metal is one of the most popular patio roofing options. Aluminum patio roofs are durable and affordable. It also fits in with almost all patio styles. Metal roofing has to be installed by a professional. Improper installation may cause the roof to leak. As you can imagine, a leaky roof will damage your patio furniture. On the flip side, metal roofs can get uncomfortably hot. If you intend to spend a lot of time in your patio during the summer months, metal roofing perhaps isn’t the best choice.

Wood roofing

Wood roofing is ideal for regions with moderate climates. Wood is incredibly durable but it requires proper maintenance. However, wood is not suitable for covering patios in rainy climates.

Vinyl roofing

Vinyl and plastic are also used to cover patios. Vinyl has several pros. It is available in a wide variety of patterns and colors. It can be installed easily and it also provides excellent protection from the sun. You can buy sheets of vinyl made to fit the dimensions of your patio. The biggest problem with vinyl roofing is that it can get blown off in heavy winds or storms. If storms are common in your region, you should have the roofs removed from the patio before a storm breaks out.

Patio Roof Options

Different types of roofing are used on patios. It is easy to install open roofing such as lattice panels. Solid roofing will have to be installed by a professional contractor. Awnings can also be used to cover patios. Permanent roofs are more expensive, but they are durable. Before constructing a roof over your patio, make sure that the design meets local building codes.

Please contact us to discuss your options.