Getting the most out of your outdoor living space can be done quickly and cheaply with high-quality patio covers. Different types of patio covers are available on the market to ensure that you have an intrusive method to use your outdoor living space at its best. The main reason behind using patio covers is to put a roof shade or awning over the head to eliminate the impact of the sun, rain and snow. The confusion lies in the availability of various patio covers in different styles and materials. Selecting the right one is possible only when you have reviewed all types of patio covers, their benefits, and how to use them in your outdoor space. Let us do the same in this article, where we discuss the types of patio covers and their benefits.

TOP TYPES OF PATIO COVERS – UNDERSTANDING THE BEST ONE

OPEN ROOF PERGOLA

The most common type of patio cover used in covered outdoor learning area as well as the open roof pergola. It is a structure with a grid-style roof and is available in different types. Most pergolas feature an open room, and there are horizontal beams that allow light and air to come in quickly. You can also be assured of complete weather protection. Louvre pergolas, for example, have angled horizontal beams that offer incredible weather protection, and you will find some flat roof pergolas as well, providing complete protection from the elements of nature. Open roof pergolas can be freestanding or built as an extension of your property. They come with the following pros and cons.

OPEN ROOF PERGOLA PROS

  • Cost-effective
  • It can be built freestanding or near your home
  • Modern, trending style
  • Can DIY
  • The open-concept design gives a lot of space

OPEN ROOF PERGOLA CONS

  • Colour fades over time
  • Offer little weather protection and shade
  • Requires frequent maintenance
  • No raised floor
  • Collects water during inclement weather

RETRACTABLE FABRIC PATIO AWNINGS

This version of the patio cover is a roof extension that will provide you with the shade needed from the sun. Fixed awnings are permanent, and you cannot retract them because they are made from metal to stand robustly against exposure to different weather conditions. On the other hand, we have retractable awnings that you can retract when not in use or during perfect weather conditions. They are made from fabrics and, in most cases, not as durable as fixed awnings in terms of withstanding rain and other harshness imposed by nature. Retractable fabric patio awnings have the following pros and cons.

RETRACTABLE FABRIC PATIO AWNING PROS

  • Offer outstanding protection from the sun
  • Keeps the side of your house cool
  • You save on air conditioning bills
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable
  • Great temporary patio cover
  • They are very easy to remove
  • Low maintenance 
  • Requires replacement about every 10 years

RETRACTABLE FABRIC PATIO AWNING CONS

  • Must be attached to a house
  • Limited size
  • Not as durable as metal awnings

ROOF EXTENSIONS

The next type of patio cover we discuss here is the roof extension or a roof home addition. The benefit of solid roofs as patio covers is that they are incredibly resistant to wear and tear and don't require any maintenance. Another exciting feature is that they create a more permanent sense of comfort in the outdoors, and you can store items such as furniture and barbecue without any fear of being exposed to nature. Standard roof panel arrangements used as patio covers include a flat panel or w-panel for a more wavy and corrugated appearance. Roof extensions have the following advantages and disadvantages when used as patio covers.

ROOF EXTENSION PROS

  • Practical, easy access to your indoor kitchen
  • Protects you and your cooking appliances from harsh weather
  • Permanent structure
  • Low maintenance

ROOF EXTENSION CONS

  • Difficult to install
  • It may require a permit

GAZEBO PATIO COVERS

A gazebo is an outdoor structure with a raised floor and walls and is mainly used along with patio covers. These pavilions are circular in structure and often feature an old-fashioned Victorian look. They can also feature pitched roofs for complete protection from the elements of nature. The best feature of gazebos is that you can install them anywhere in your backyard or any space based on your requirements. Here are the details of the pros and cons of gazebos.

GAZEBO PROS

  • Offer complete coverage to protect from weather
  • Raised floor, more comfortable than concrete
  • It can be installed anywhere in your backyard
  • Can run electricity to a gazebo

GAZEBO CONS

  • Require a contractor to install
  • High budget
  • Outdated style
  • Limited space, often smaller than pergolas

LATTICE ROOFS

Lattice roofs, when used as patio covers, provide homeowners greater control over the protection they need from the sun, rain and other atrocities of the Australian weather conditions. It can be fully covered with a canopy that is often made from cloth or other similar fabric. Modern-day lattice roofs come with adjustable settings, which means you can let 10% sunlight come in and block 90%, and this is adjustable based on your preferences or requirements.

CANOPIES

Canopies are one of the most admired patio covers due to the ease of installation and economical availability in the markets. They are present in a vast variety and allow homeowners to find a match for their personal style. Canopies are available in different fabrics and materials, and you can control the amount of sunlight based on your requirements.

PORTABLE PATIO COVERS

There are endless options in patios covers if you wish to cover a specific part of your outdoor area, not the entire region. For example, there are large umbrellas and freestanding canopies that you can roll out for use and roll back in when not in use. These portable patio covers will offer your outdoor area adequate protection from sunrise.

PAVILION ROOF PATIO COVERS

A very impressive option available in the form of patio covers is the pavilion roof, which is often made from wood. The best feature of the pavilion roof is that it covers the entire patio area, but the limitation is that it requires more time for installation. This pavilion roof can be built as far as patio covers are concerned. Here is a quick list of the pros and cons of pavilion roof patio covers.

PAVILION ROOF PROS

  • Open design with a lot of room for guests
  • A durable structure that lasts long in harsh weather
  • It completely protects you and your guests from the weather
  • Offers great shade

PAVILION ROOF CONS

  • High budget
  • Not easy to DIY
  • Requires a concrete foundation

The primary purpose of patio covers is to ensure that you don't stay exposed to weather conditions and that you use the outdoor space in the best way. People also prefer patio covers as an investment or as a decorative accessory for their patios. Not to mention that they also intend to make the outdoor area usable regardless of what weather prevails outside. Patio covers make the outdoor space more functional and add a beautiful charm to your home with a wide range of styles and materials available.