Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminum Garage and Patio Covers
Aluminum patio covers and garages have become a popular and attractive home improvement. The product itself has been used for years. As a lightweight and durable material, aluminum can be an excellent alternative to steel or pedestal-built structures. Features, colors, and styles have evolved over the years to offer homeowners many options. Today we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these popular aluminum frames.
Advantage:
1) Durability: my parents have lived in the same house for more than 30 years. Their patio cover was installed in the late 1960s and is still standing and functional. This product will stand the test of time with little more than one cleaning once a year. Most companies design their units to withstand wind and snow loads. As a result, exposing natural weather disasters, your patio or garage deck should give you years of use.
2) Attractive – As stated above, with a little maintenance, your garage or patio cover will stay in great shape for years to come. Aluminum pans will never rust. There are a variety of colors to choose from and various frame styles that should satisfy any homeowner.
3) Structural simplicity – Due to the lightweight nature of aluminum, a patio deck can be attached directly to your patio slab, and carports can be attached directly to your driveway. Also, attachment to the house requires minimal anchoring. Note: some areas may require posts to be placed in concrete, check with your area code department. One of the best advantages of aluminum structures is the minimal drop required for installation. Aluminum garages and patio covers require only ¼ “drop / foot of spread. A tile roof requires a minimum of 4” drop / foot of spread, often creating headroom issues in the outside.
4) Functionality – Very few home improvement projects can provide the quality utility that an aluminum patio cover or garage can provide. Patio decks over decks and patios offer an escape from the direct sun and weather, and can make them much more useful and enjoyable. Aluminum carports (freestanding or attached) can provide a great shelter for your vehicles when a garage is not available.
Disadvantages
1) Bird nests: Aluminum W-pan is known to attract birds. There are several plugs that manufacturers offer and it is highly recommended that you insist on these at the time of installation. They add costs, but will save you the endless hassle of cleaning pans.
2) Trees – All garages and aluminum patio decks come with recessed gutters and downspouts, in the fall if you live in a wooded area leaves are a constant problem. Since aluminum structures don’t require as much roof slope, leaves and debris are much more likely to collect. The most common problem I see is where this accumulation of leaves is left unattended, clogging the gutters, collecting water, and ultimately causing the panels to arch and leak.
3) Rust on the structure – Most aluminum patio and carport decks are installed with steel bar joists and posts, and while painted prior to installation, natural exposure to the elements will eventually cause the pieces to show rust (especially in contact with the ground)
4) Hail – The biggest problem with aluminum carports and patio decks is hail. We replace several of these every year. Due to the lightweight nature of aluminum, a hail storm can leave small, unattractive dents in the panels. Most homeowners insurance covers this, and in most cases, if the hail is strong enough, you will have other damage to your home.
As a contractor for many years, I have learned to appreciate the functional beauty of aluminum carports and patio decks. The advantages of these products far outweigh the disadvantages. Almost all disadvantages can be prevented with simple maintenance.
