The addition of a patio cover is a great way to enhance the function and aesthetics of your Houston home’s patio area. However, before you start with the patio cover construction, there are some essential consideration you need to take into account to ensure that you will be able to build a structure that you will enjoy for the years to come.
Expanding the living space through the addition of a patio has long been a favorite home improvement by many homeowners. Regardless of its size, a patio provides a place for the family to gather comfortably during warm, sunny days and also serves as a perfect spot to accommodate guests.
If you already have an open patio, you know how valuable it is in adding functionality and charm to your home. However, you can make your patio even more useful, especially in variable weather conditions, by having an overhead covering constructed over it.
Basically, a patio cover is a structure that can be added to the patio area to provide coverage against the sun and rain. It can either be attached to an existing structure such as the house or built as a free-standing structure. It can also be created from a wide variety of materials that include wood, aluminum, vinyl, metal or cloth.
Before you proceed with the patio cover construction, however, there are some considerations that you need to take into account. Factoring all these things will allow you to have a patio cover that will not only aesthetically enhance your house, but also a structure that will stand the test of time.
Patio size
One of the first few things you need to take into account when planning for a patio cover is the size of the patio area itself. Knowing the exact measurement of your patio will allow you to decide how large of a coverage you will need.
Permanent or temporary structure
As mentioned earlier, patio covers can either be permanent or temporary. A permanent patio cover is usually built out from the house starting below the gutter then extending its width and length toward the patio. It is usually supported buy posts along the longest edge of the patio area. Meanwhile, a temporary patio cover can be retracted and can be held into position using a temporary bracing. One of the most popular examples of this is none other than the retractable awning.
The decision on whether to opt for a permanent or temporary patio cover will depend on your preference and future plans. A permanent patio cover is ideal if you want to ensure a sturdy structure and if you have no plans of altering the structure later on. A temporary patio cover, on the other hand, will provide you the flexibility if you are looking into converting your patio into something else in the future.
Atmosphere and Climate
Perhaps the most important considerations you need to look at when planning for your patio cover are the everyday factors that affect the quality of life on a patio, which include the prevailing weather conditions, privacy, views and noise. Factoring all these will allow you to pick the right materials that can withstand varying climates and will also let you decide on the most appropriate design and style (open vs. solid roof) for your patio cover.
Building codes
Remember that any alteration or construction that will be made in your property can fall under your municipality’s building codes. Hence, before you start with the patio cover construction, you might want to discuss your plan with an official at your local municipality to ensure that you are not breaking any rules.
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