Aluminum canopies and patio covers have become popular and attractive home improvements. The product itself has been in use for years. As a lightweight and durable material, aluminum can be a great alternative to steel or stick-built structures. Features, colors and styles have evolved over the years to provide owners with many options. Today we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these popular aluminum structures.

advantages:

1) Durability: My parents have lived in the same house for over 30 years. His patio cover was installed in the late 1960s and is still standing and working. This product will stand the test of time with little more than a once a year cleaning. Most companies design their units to withstand wind and snow loads. As a result, barring natural weather disasters, your patio cover or carport will give you many years of use.

2) Attractive – As stated above, with a little maintenance, your carport or patio cover will look good for years to come. Aluminum pans will never rust. There are a variety of colors to choose from and several frame styles that should satisfy any homeowner.

3) Structural Simplicity – Due to the lightweight nature of aluminum, a patio cover can be attached directly to your patio slab and carports can be attached directly to your driveway. Also fixing to the house requires minimal anchoring. Note: Some areas may require posts to be set in concrete, check with your area code department. One of the best advantages of Aluminum structures is the minimum drop required for its installation. Aluminum canopies and patio covers require only ¼” drop/ft span. A shingle roof requires a minimum of 4″ drop/ft span, which often creates issues with exterior clearance .

4) Functionality: Very few home improvement projects can provide the quality utility that an aluminum patio or carport cover can. Patio covers over decks and patios offer an escape from the direct sun and weather, and can make them much more useful and enjoyable. Aluminum carports (detached 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 various plugs offered by manufacturers and it is highly recommended that you insist on these at the time of installation. They add cost, but they will save you from the endless hassle of cleaning trays.

2) Trees – All aluminum carports and patio covers come with built-in gutters and downspouts; in the fall, if you live in a wooded area, the leaves are a constant problem. Since aluminum framing does not require as much roof slope, leaves and debris are much more likely to accumulate. The most common problem I see is when this leaf buildup is left unattended, clogging gutters, pooling water, and ultimately causing panels to bow and leak.

3) Rust on Structure – Most aluminum patio and carport covers are installed with steel bar studs and beams, and although they are painted prior to installation, natural exposure to the elements will eventually cause the parts to rust. oxidize (especially in contact with the ground)

4) Hail – The biggest problem with aluminum carports and patio covers is hail. We replace several of these every year. Due to the lightweight nature of aluminum, a hail storm can leave unattractive small 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 covers. The advantages of these products far outweigh the disadvantages. Almost all the disadvantages can be prevented with simple maintenance.