Frequently Asked Attached Patio Covers Questions and Their Answers

If you want to know more about attached patio covers, then you’re in the right place. This FAQ will cover all your biggest questions and provide you with detailed answers. Whether you are considering getting an Alumawood patio cover, or you already have one, you’re sure to learn a few things here.

What Are Attached Patio Covers?

This is one of the most important questions, especially for those who are new to patio covers in Las Vegas or anywhere else. Attached patio covers are attached directly to your home. They are often attached right to the roof, but this depends on what is best and where you want the patio cover installed.

The cover is then supported by two or more posts. These are at the end of the cover, and they secure the cover in place. The posts should be thick and sturdy. This is especially true if you select a heavier material for the cover. What material you select will determine how much shade and protection you get.

What Materials Are Used for Patio Covers?

There are many different materials used for attached patio covers. This will only cover the most common ones, but there might be other materials more suitable for your needs.

A trellis cover is best for those who want open air and slight protection from the sun. This allows some sunlight to come in, but it also provides you with some shade and it’s wonderful in the spring. You can choose shingle or metal covers if you want more solid protection. This completely blocks sun and rain while giving you plenty of shade. If you want thinner material that provides some light while blocking the rain, then consider polycarbonate covers.

If you’re unsure which one you should pick, then consider asking Las Vegas patio builders as they can provide you with detailed information.

Which Patio Cover Material Is the Coolest?

The answer to this might surprise you. Many people think that solid covers like metal or shingles are the coolest because they provide the most shade by completely blocking the sun. While it’s true that they provide lots of shade, they also tend to trap heat and reflect it towards you and the patio.

Solid covers block the most rain and sun, but you might want something with more air circulation. Lattice covers are the best for air circulation as they have open spaces to let air come in and out. This ensures you can enjoy a nice breeze without worrying about heat being trapped. While they block less sun and rain, you’ll find that these are often the coolest patio covers available.

If you are in the middle and want moderate air circulation and protection from the elements, then a semi-translucent polycarbonate cover might be best. While not as open as lattices or as solid as metal and shingles, these covers offer the benefits of both.

Where Should Patio Covers Be Installed?

This seems like a simple answer, but it can actually get quite complicated. In most cases, you’ll just build this over your patio in your backyard and that’ll be it. At the same time, that may not be the ideal place for it.

Some people might get more benefit from having the cover installed over outdoor living areas, built-in fireplaces, dining areas or other places in the back that require shade. This is especially true if your patio is already shaded enough.

You also have to consider any homeowner’s associations, or HOA, guidelines and city building codes. These might require you to install the cover somewhere else on your property. Be sure to consult these rules and guidelines before starting the project. Consulting a professional would be wise here to ensure you’re working within the rules.

How Big Should the Patio Cover Be?

It’s easy to say that the cover should be as big as it needs to be, but there are some major considerations to make. You first need to consider the length, width and height. Many people feel that 8 to 11 feet tall is the ideal height, but you might need something shorter or taller.

Shorter covers tend to improve how much shade you get, which can be ideal in places with harsh sunlight and high temperatures. At the same time, a cover that is too short can feel cramped. This is especially true if you have lots of outdoor furniture. You should strive to strike a balance between space and shade. A taller cover has less shade, but it also feels more open.

One of the best things you can do is place all the furniture outside and see how it all feels. If the area is fairly open, then you might do well with a shorter cover. If things feel cramped already without the cover, then a taller one might be needed.

What Is the Difference Between a Patio Cover and Pergola?

Some people easily confuse the two and it’s easy to see why. Pergolas look very similar to attached covers, and many of them are directly attached to your home. They even have covers, so what’s the difference?

While they look similar, they have vastly different purposes. Pergolas tend to be smaller, require thinner columns due to the smaller covers and give you less protection against the elements. At the same time, they are more open for air circulation and typically less expensive. These are best if you only need a small part of your patio covered. While the tops typically aren’t fully covered, you can choose polycarbonate or tin covers for more protection.

A professional installer can talk to you about which is best for your patio. Attached covers are the better of the two in terms of design, shade, coverage and aesthetic appeal, but pergolas might be better for your individual needs.

Do you Need a Covered Patio?

This is another important question. Do you actually need a covered patio? For many people in Las Vegas, the answer is very frequently yes. If you find that your patio is always too hot and bathed in excessive sunlight, then having a cover can help protect you against all this heat. It keeps the area shaded and protected against the elements.

If you are considering selling your home soon, then you might also find this beneficial. These covers can add significant value to your home. Consider adding one to entice buyers and make more from your property.