Metal Covered Patio Designs

Either steel or aluminum patio covers can be used on your patio depending on how much strength is required for the structure. If you live in a area where there is regular heavy snowfall and high winds for a good part of the year you will want to use a steel beam construction, rather than a lighter aluminium frame.

The best covered patio with be determined by whether it will be free standing or connected to an existing wall or roof, and also whether the style is going to be a gazebo or pergola. A steel frame is ideal for larger structures that need more support, for houses with long narrow yards, or for a patio that runs the length of your house. You can still use aluminum, vinyl or fabric for the roof, even if the structure is steel.

Aluminum is Cheap Large metal patio covers are relatively cheap, which is great if you need to cover a large area. Unfortunately steel will rust in time and needs regular maintenance carried out on it, but aluminum doesnt. If you want cover that will last you a long time and will be sturdy you will want to use aluminum to avoid the need for as much maintenance.

Installation If you are planing on doing the installation yourself, you will still need a contractor to do the work needed with the steel beams and the foundations. As far a aluminum roofing kits are concerned these will be easy enough to install if you are a keen DIYer.

Heat When considering you covered patio designs you should factor in how hot it will be if it is enclosed. If the cover is not well ventilated the steel will retain any heat. In the other hand, aluminum both heats and cool quicker and is easier to control the heat inside.

Choose both materials for durability To sum up, if you need a strong patio cover then you will want to choose the steel frame, but you should also look into aluminum roofing to keep your building cool on hot days, make it easy to maintain and for cheaper DIY installation.