About Patio Covers

Identification

• A patio covering is in essence a roof over a patio. It provides shade and protection from rain or snow. Since a patio roof or covering is not necessarily supported by walls, the protection it provides is limited by the exposure it receives, due to the lack of wall or walls. Drop-down shades, placed along the patio's outer roofline can increase the amount of shade the patio enjoys.

Considerations

• When calculating a house's total square footage, there are instances when a patio's square footage is factored into the equation. If the patio roof is part of the house's roof trusses, then that area might be included. If the patio roof is a separate structure, independent and not added to the roof trusses, then the patio would not be factored into the totals.

Significance

• When a patio is partially or totally enclosed, adding more than just a roof covering, the area is transformed into a living space that has many names. Some call it simply an enclosed patio. It can also be called a sunroom or lanai, and in Arizona it is called an Arizona room. The enclosure might include walls made of wood, aluminum, glass or screen. If the patio is being transformed into a greenhouse room, the roof, as well as the walls, will be made from glass.

Benefits

• Traditionally, patio covers were wood structures that required paint and regular maintenance. Without proper maintenance they are vulnerable to the elements. Aluminum patio coverings became popular, yet have a "trailer" feel. Vinyl patio coverings were eventually developed. These have the look and feel of wood, yet with the low maintenance of aluminum.

Types

• Different types of patio covers include lattice, solid and glass. The open lattice patio covering does not provide protection from rain, yet does provide some shade, depending on the angle of the sun. Instead of a solid roof, the open lattice is made up of rectangular or crisscrossed slats, with open air spaces between each slat. Solid lattice provides the open-air feel of open lattices, yet the spaces between slats are minimized, providing more protection. Solid roofs as well as glass and fabric roofs are patio-covering options. Home improvement centers sell freestanding patio coverings, where the covering is made of a heavy fabric cloth.