Just because the summer months are coming to an end shouldn’t spell the end of your time outside on your deck. Of course, there’s nothing like enjoying the long sunny days with the perfect view out over your garden but as the weather starts to cool down, you should start thinking about investing in a high quality patio cover to make the most of your deck all the way through to winter.
What Is A Patio Cover?
If you’ve never seen or heard of a patio cover before, you’re in for a treat. At a very simple level, a patio cover can be a fabric awning that stretches out over your deck like a sun umbrella. However, a high quality patio cover will be made from wood, aluminium or vinyl, making it much more durable and able to stand up to some of the more extreme Calgary weather. Patio covers can be attached to your home, which is a popular option if your deck isn’t too wide, or a free standing post and beam structure which gives you more space and freedom if your deck is an unusual shape.
The Benefits Of A Patio Cover
A patio cover transforms your deck from a summer only hang out space to one that can be used as long as it’s warm enough to be outside. Beyond the obvious benefit of providing shade from the midday Calgary sun, a patio cover also brings these benefits to your deck area:
- Wind control – there’s a big reason why Calgary is known as the Windy City, and it can be a pain when the wind spoils a perfect afternoon out on your deck. While your patio cover won’t protect you against the strongest winds, it does create a different airflow around your home, and you’ll notice the difference a patio cover makes when it turns a fast wind into a soft summer breeze.
- Protection from the rain – it may sound obvious, but a patio cover allows you to stay outside during a pop shower. The slope of the patio cover roof should be enough to keep the rain off your deck, and it should either come out far enough to drain straight onto your garden, or you’ll need a simple guttering system to help keep the water off your deck. You’ll also find that a solid patio cover roof will help keep snow and ice off your deck meaning there’s less clean up to do in spring.
- Evening lighting – finally, a patio cover gives you a sturdy place to hang some overhead lighting. Whether this is a big central light or a series of recessed LED lights, you’ll be able to keep the party going as the days get shorter. As you’re installing wiring to the ceiling, you may want to consider running further wires to provide you with a couple of electrical outlets so you can plug in a music system, a coffee machine or even a projector for a night time family movie night!.
