Creating a Quick Home Sale

How Does Climate Affect Your Patio Cover Choice?

19 July 2021 by Lillian Bishop

Covering your patio adds beauty, functionality, and value to your home. Choosing the right patio cover is more than just a matter of personal preference, however. Selecting the best option for your home requires you to balance several factors, including your budget, your home's existing aesthetic, and your region's climate.

While you certainly want to choose a cover that you can enjoy looking at for many years, you shouldn't neglect the importance of this last factor. Your area's climate can significantly impact your cover's role in making your patio a more functional and enjoyable space. Keep reading to learn about three ways that the environment should influence your purchasing decision.

1. Shade Levels

Not every cover offers the same level of shade. Solid patio covers provide the most significant amount of protection from the sun since they block 100% of its light. While these covers won't let any sunlight through, you'll still need to consider the size and orientation of your patio. When the sun is low on the horizon, you may still receive significant sunlight under the cover.

Other options include lattices and pergolas, which provide dappled light or retractable awnings. These styles let more natural light through to your patio for a much brighter environment. If you live in a hot, sunny area, then a solid cover may be a wiser choice. On the other hand, retractable awnings or lattice covers might work better if significant sun protection isn't a concern.

2. Local Rain Conditions

Do you live in an area where it rains frequently? Do you plan on using your patio as an all-weather outdoor environment or only in good conditions? Are you going to store furniture or other items on your patio that may be sensitive to rainfall? You'll need to consider all of these questions when choosing a new cover for your patio.

Keep in mind that you may have to make some accommodations if you live in an area with heavy rainfall and don't choose an all-weather cover. For example, you'll need to bring patio furniture inside or use weather covers to protect it. If you want all-weather protection while still receiving sunlight, glass or acrylic covers may fit your needs perfectly.

3. Inclement Weather

Heavy winds, snow, hail, and other extreme weather events can impact your patio. If your area frequently experiences this type of weather, you'll need to choose a cover that can withstand these events. Fabric covers are one potentially poor choice in these climates, although retractable covers may be a good solution in some cases.

A new patio cover will become an integral part of your home, so you should always choose one that brings you joy, but keep your local environment in mind, as well. To learn more, contact companies that sell patio covers.

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