Posted by Mike Kluba on Wed, Feb 24, 2010 @ 03:50 PM
The major drawback to a full shade or solid patio cover is the loss of light coming through the doors and windows covered. Maybe that is why lattice is our most popular style. But there are some possible solutions. Polycarbonate....If it is good enough for the windshield of an aircraft it will work on a patio cover roof. stronger than glass, polycarbonate is our most popular material to meet this challenge.
Skyvue Patio Covers (www.aluminumrailing.com) offer a very well built patio cover. The frame is powder coated extruded aluminum and is available in eight colors. The polycarbonate comes tinted with 50% or 75% shading. It will filter 98% of the harmful UV rays. This patio cover will provide the most protection while allowing the most light than any other patio cover on the market.
Metals USA offers the Illumaview Natural Light System as an option to their Elitewood Insulated patio cover. The insulated patio cover is 3" thick, walkable and comes with their exclusive Kynar finish. The Illumaview system consists of polycarbonate panels 16" wide that run the length of the patio cover. They can be placed every 4' or according to the width of your patio cover. This system is perfect when you need maximum protection but want to allow some light over doors or windows.
Another option is to build a lattice patio cover and install polycarbonate panels either over the entire cover or just areas where you want some protection. The polycarbonate comes in 4' wide sheets in either clear or bronze tint. They are connected at the seams to prevent leaking. This system is the least expensive and is very flexible. You can protect a small area such as a doorway or window or a large area such as your outdoor furniture. This type of installation has the benefit of being very flexible and allows you to create and
design your project as you like it.
Posted by Mike Kluba on Fri, Feb 12, 2010 @ 04:41 PM
If you are replacing an old wood patio cover you probably already know that you want to replace it with aluminum or vinyl. A wood outdoor patio cover requires a great deal of maintenance to protect it from aging, rot and termites. If you live in a high risk fire zone - well, forget it! My philosophy is that wood belongs inside the home not outside - just look at the window and door replacement business. Here is a guide to comparing the features of vinyl and aluminum patio covers.
Appearance - Compared to wood which will split, warp and crack, vinyl and aluminum will retain their original appearance years after they are installed. Aluminum now comes in woodgrain embossing and looks identical to perfectly cut premium grade wood. Vinyl is smooth, no embossing or texture.Bottom line - No difference, it is in the eyes of the beholder. The best thing to do is to visit a showroom or make sure your salesman has samples. Compare both before you decide.
Styles - Both products offer lattice or full shade. Aluminum has two styles of full shade including a 3" and 4" insulated cover that is quiet, cooler, walkable and can be fitted with raceways for electrical wiring (ceiling fans and lights). The insulated cover can also be built with polycarbonate skylights. Some vinyl companies offer a nice louver system. Aluminum offers up to eight colors while vinyl is limited to white and beige.
Bottom line - Aluminum has the advantage on full shade patio covers. Lattice is a toss up.
Durability - Both products meet all city building codes including wind speeds of up to and exceeding 100mph. They both come with lifetime warranties against fading, chipping, peeling, discoloration, etc. Maintenance is the same for vinyl and aluminum - occasional cleaning with mild soap and water, no painting. Vinyl is heavier and can resist impact from a heavy object or lawn equipment. Aluminum can dent but damaged components can be easily replaced.
Bottom line - Slight edge to vinyl for resistance to impact.
Green Building - Both aluminum and vinyl can be recycled. Aluminum is the third most abundant element on earth (behind oxygen and silicon). The amount of aluminum remains relatively constant since it is recycled and not consumed into energy. Once either product is installed on your home if will outlast the life of the home.
A patio cover will significantly reduce your air conditioning costs especially if it covers an area exposed to the west or south side of your house. Our customers notice the difference immediately after their new cover is installed.
Bottom line - Both have good credentials but an edge to aluminum because vinyl is a petro chemical byproduct.
Additional Features - Vinyl is cooler to the touch in hot weather. In heavy rain aluminum can produce a pinging sound. This usually is not a problem unless the cover is over or near a bedroom window. Aluminum has more style options than vinyl especially with full shade covers. As I mentioned earlier there are more colors with aluminum.
Bottom line - No advantage with either - it just depends on your particular needs.
Cost - Aluminum is significantly lower in cost to vinyl.
Botton line - Get your competitve bids and decide for yourself.
Warranties - Both materials carry lifetime warranties. The aluminum warranty is transferrable to a new owner for life. Vinyl offers a 30 warranty after it is transferred. After many years and hundreds of installations I have never had a customer make a warranty claim.
Bottom line - No significant difference.
Posted by Mike Kluba on Fri, Feb 05, 2010 @ 01:28 PM
1.) Expand your living space - Next time you visit a friend's home and they are entertaining outdoors, observe where people gather. If there is an umbrella, gazebo or some type of awning people will always seek a shaded area. A patio cover will create a large shaded area that will attract people and enhance their enjoyment. Remember-the area you cover is the area you use.
2.) Protect your home and outdoor furnishings - When we do our in-home estimates we frequently meet homeowners who want protection from direct sun and rain. Weather can damage and eventually ruin exposed doors and windows. Another common problem is decks and balconies that leak. The answer to these problems is a full shade patio cover.
Outdoor kitchens have become very popular backyard remodeling projects. Why spend thousands of dollars on expensive barbecue equipment and outdoor furniture and leave it exposed to the sun and rain? A lattice patio cover will provide 70% shade and still allow light and ventilation on the covered area.
3.) Add value to your home -
A majority of our customers hire us to replace their old patio cover (once they have one they can't live without it). After we remove the old patio cover it is always striking how bare and unfinished the backyard patio area looks. Homes are usually built with a porch or some type of landing at the front entrance. This provides a warm, inviting look to the house. The same applies to the rear of the house. A patio cover will not only add living space but makes the back of you house look completed.
Next article - The latest in patio cover materials.