4 Patio Roofing Options
Posted on: 28 September 2017
Patios are meant to enjoy the beautiful weather. Sitting on the patio is nice, weather you are drinking your morning coffee in peace, or entertaining guests. However, in the summer, you might like a little shade. Most traditional patio roofs block out all of the sun, and are permanent. If that is not what you are looking for, here are a few other options to consider if you don't want to completely block out all of the sun.
Pergolas
You already have the foundation for a pergola. All you need are the posts and the trellised roof. Your patio remains, but you create an open roof overhead. Over the top of the pergola, you can stretch a tarp for shade, which can be rolled back and rolled forward.
Otherwise, you can plant several climbing vines, flowering vines, and climbing flowers to go up and reach across the top of the structure to create shade. When the vines or flowers are done for the season, the pergola's roof naturally opens up to let more sun in on the patio. It is the most natural roof option, if you are into that sort of thing.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings attach to the side of the house. They tend to overhang the area where your patio doors open to the patio, and a third to two thirds of your patio, depending on how big your patio is. You can choose a manual crank awning or an electric awning system. The retractable awning is waterproof too, which is especially nice if you are outside and there is a sudden cloudburst.
Retractable Roof Systems
These roof systems are "hard tops," as opposed to the soft covers of the retractable awnings. They slide backward, panel over panel, or fold up and back. If you are trying to imagine this, think about football and baseball fields that have retractable domes and ceilings. Then you will know exactly what these systems are like. You can open or close them as far as you want for personal comfort.
Patio Louvers
Patio louver systems work like louvered doors or window blinds. There are several slats of either metal or plastic layered across a special roof. The supporting posts are permanent, but the slats can tilt up and open all the way for maximum sun, or fold down to provide more shade. If you want complete shade for the patio, just close the slats with the adjustable controls.
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