Metal patio covers are an economic option if you are looking for a short term solution for your patio if you are renting the house and you don't want to put a lot of money into it when you know you will only live there for a few years. Also if you are a home owner and your house needs a little TLC on the outdoor décor, metal can also be an option to quickly make an upgrade and increase the house's value. However, one thing you need to keep in mind is that metal, although a cheaper option, is not very durable. Especially under harsh weather conditions it will easily start accumulating rust.
Aluminum is More Durable than Metal
If you are looking for a long term solution and are willing to spend more money, you can't go wrong with aluminum as it will never accumulate rust. Remember that even galvanized metal will rust over time. Aluminum is headache free.
Metal is Harder to install than Aluminum
Another detail, and a very important one indeed, is how hard or easy will the installation be. Especially if you are doing this project yourself. Metal is heavy compared to aluminum; therefore it is not easy to work with. If you are not used to working with metal you might find the drilling process to be difficult. You should also find out if the support system on your patio is strong enough to hold metal. If you don't have a sturdy support system then you need to go with a material that is lighter in weight than metal. Just like aluminum. The only downside of an aluminum patio cover is that you will need bigger beams if you live in an area where the winters are harsh and there is a lot of snow. However aluminum will last longer and it needs very little or no maintenance. When you look at most of the furniture that is made for outdoor use, you will see the material of choice is almost always aluminum. Because it doesn't get rusty, and it endures the UV rays, heavy rain, snow, wind, humidity and heat.
How to Choose Aluminum Patio Covers?
Because aluminum is more expensive than metal, you need to pay close attention to some details in order to choose the best quality aluminum patio cover. You need to look and see if the roof material of your patio cover is made from aluminum or metal. Sometimes, in order to keep the costs low, some companies will advertise that they are selling aluminum patio covers but you will find out that only the structures are made from aluminum while the roof or patio cover is from metal. This is something you should never settle for just to keep the costs low, if you are looking for a long term solution to cover your patio.
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The Patio Masters specializes in aluminum patio covers, Orange County patio covers and alumawood patio covers.
