Your outdoor space is a valuable amenity, especially during the spring and summer. It’s a fantastic place to barbecue or relax in the garden. You want to enjoy it as much as possible, but that can be challenging if the sun shines too brightly or heats your patio to unbearable temperatures.
A retractable patio cover can regulate how much sun hits your patio and keep it cool and comfortable throughout the day. However, retractable patio covers have downsides that should be considered before installing them. Fortunately, there is an alternative—the louvered roof patio cover.
Benefits of Retractable Patio Covers
Retractable patio covers are popular for many homeowners, and it’s not hard to see why. They offer several benefits that make them worth considering if you’re looking for ways to upgrade your outdoor space:
Protect From Sun and Rain
The retractable design of the patio cover allows you to control how much sun hits your patio. The retractable fabric blocks up to 99% of UV rays, protecting your furniture and plants from sun damage. Awnings are also rain resistant to keep your patio mostly dry.
Keep Your Patio Cooler
The fabric also helps keep your patio cooler by reflecting sunlight away from the surface. This will help you avoid those midday heat waves that can sometimes make sitting in your garden uncomfortable.
Easy To Install
Retractable patio covers are also easy to install and require minimal effort. Most retractable patio covers come with pre-cut pieces that you can quickly assemble yourself. This makes them an excellent option for those looking for an easy upgrade to their outdoor space.
Downsides of Retractable Patio Covers
While retractable patio covers have several advantages, they also come with some downsides. These include:
Made of Fabric
The biggest downside to retractable patio covers is that they are made of fabric. Fabric can tear, leak, get dirty easily, and mold. Even though the fabric has a protective cover that resists weathering, they still wear out and eventually looks old. This leaves you with the choice of either having an unappealing awning or replacing it every few years.
Weak Structure
Retractable patio covers are not made to withstand heavy storms or snow. If there is a sudden storm and you’re not home to retract the awning, it’s at risk of irreparable damage. It could even damage the house, or worse, someone else’s house if it flies off in a wind storm.
Seasonal and Other Limitations
Retractable patio covers are mostly used during the spring and summer seasons. However, many people like to spend time outside year-round, even during the winter months. Activities include sitting around a fire and drinking hot chocolate or cider while watching the snowfall. This doesn’t work so well with a retractable patio cover. Firstly, again, the fabric material and support structure aren’t strong enough to withstand the weight of snow. Secondly, having a fire under a retractable patio cover made of fabric is not a good idea. Floating embers and smoke will ruin the fabric.
There is a better alternative to retractable patio covers called louvered roof patio covers which are worth considering. They offer several advantages that make them a superior choice over retractable patio covers.
What Are Louvered Roof Patio Covers?
Louvered roof patio covers have the benefits of retractable patio covers but with a different design concept that allows you to control how much sun and shade your outdoor space receives. They are designed with movable louvers or slats that open or close depending on your desired sunlight. You can let in full light, partial light with ventilation, or have them fully closed to keep out rain or snow.
Benefits of Louvered Roof Patio Covers
More and more homeowners are turning to louvered roof patio covers due to their many advantages. These advantages include:
Allow You to Control the Amount of Patio Sun or Shade
One of the main benefits of louvered roof patio covers is that they give you control over how much sun or shade hits your patio. The retractable louvers allow you to open and close them depending on the sunlight you want in your outdoor space at any given time.
The Louvers Are Motorized
The louvers are also motorized, making them easy to open and close. This means you don’t have to worry about manually opening and closing the cover whenever you want to adjust the amount of sunlight your patio receives.
When Closed, the Louvered Roof Is Waterproof
The louvered roof is also waterproof when closed, making it an ideal option for those who want to protect their patio from rain and snow. The built-in gutter system keeps your patio and patio furniture dry. This can be especially helpful during the rainy months. You can spend time sitting outside on your comfortable dry patio while listening to the rain.
Sundance Louvered Roofs Can Withstand Heavy Snow and Wind
Sundance louvered roofs are designed to withstand heavy snow loads and strong wind, which makes them ideal for areas that experience those weather conditions often. You can feel confident knowing that your louvered roof patio cover isn’t going anywhere no matter the weather.
Louvered Roofs Allow More Time Outside Year-Round
The retractable louvers also make it easier to spend time outside year-round. The adjustable louvers allow you to enjoy the sun when you want and close them off for shade and protection from the elements when needed. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to spend more time outdoors, no matter the season.
They Are Easy to Clean
Louvered roof patio covers are easy to clean and maintain. The retractable louvers can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth, brushed, or hosed down to remove any dirt or debris. This makes them an excellent option for those who want an outdoor space that is easy to maintain and always looks its best.
They Are Customizable to Fit Over Almost Any Outdoor Space
This is another fantastic benefit of louvered roof patio covers. They can be customized to fit almost any outdoor space and come in various colors so you can find one that fits your style perfectly.
Make The Bold Choice: Get Louvered Roof Patio Covers
Your home is a significant investment, and it’s essential to make the right decision when choosing a patio cover. Retractable patio covers offer some advantages but may not be the best option for everyone.
Louvered roof patio covers offer many advantages that retractable patio covers do not, including durability, customization, aesthetic appeal, and year-round versatility making them the superior choice. If you’re looking to make the bold choice in patio covers, louvered roof patio covers are the way to go.
They provide all of the benefits of retractable patio covers without the drawbacks. Investing in a louvered cover can help protect your outdoor area from the elements while saving you money in the long run.
Find out more about louvered roof patio covers and why they are the best choice for your home. With various colors and customizations, you can be sure to find the perfect louvered cover that will make your outdoor space look its best.
