Property owners who not only have their property but also have their garden, usually want to use it as extensively as possible. Relaxing moments on your terrace is a must. Unfortunately, even in midsummer, there are many days when the weather prevents this plan: If sudden rain or strong wind comes, the comfort on the terrace is quickly over, and property owners have to retreat inside the house, for better or worse.
Even in very strong sunshine, lingering on an unshaded terrace is not always pleasant. In this case, a terrace covering seems to be the best solution. But which roofing option is most suitable? The following guide not only presents the different options for a terrace covering but also always deals with the associated advantages and disadvantages.
General Information: What Are The Advantages Of A Terrace Roof?
There are many reasons for a terrace covering on your property:
- Sun protection
- Protection from rain, wind and hail
- Temperature regulation
- Housing extension
- Privacy options
Whether and to what extent all of these advantages come into play with a terrace covering depends on the individually selected construction. As a rule, all roofing options fulfill the function of sun protection. However, only permanently installed canopies made of stable materials can provide long-term protection against hail, storms and heavy rain.
When it comes to temperature regulation, the focus is also on fixed constructions: for example, heat can accumulate under a roof made of plexiglass or laminated safety glass. In the spring months and on colder autumn days, the first and last sunbeams of the year are used accordingly.
Privacy protection options are usually used for terrace roofing by integrating additional elements. By installing wall elements or installing vertical awnings, a terrace covering can protect garden owners from the prying eyes of passers-by or neighbors.
Permanent Terrace Covering: Construction Made Of Wood, Steel or Aluminum
When it comes to permanent patio roofing, property owners usually have a choice of different construction materials. Common are:
- Wood
- Steel
- Aluminum
Of course, there are further subgroups and differentiation for these three materials, the explanation of which would, however, go beyond the scope of this guide.
As a brief note: For a terrace roof made of wood, a distinction can be made, for example, between pressure-impregnated wood, glued wood and various other types of wood.
A permanently installed terrace roof with a stable covering made of plastic, roof tiles or safety glass brings with it a whole range of different advantages. Regardless of the material from which the support structure for the terrace roof was made, the stable roof reliably protects itself against heavy rain, wind and storm as well also from falling branches or twigs. Bird droppings can also be kept permanently away from your terrace thanks to a permanently installed roof. Those who want to enjoy a weather-protected outdoor stand in summer and winter are well-advised to have a fixed terrace roof.
On the other hand, such a roof is significantly more expensive than an awning or an awning. Besides, with some roofing, additional money should be invested in shading. In such a case, motorized awnings are often attached to the patio roof, which then shields the patio against excessive sunlight or too much light. Depending on whether you choose a terrace covering with a wooden, steel or aluminum covers Folsom construction, the prices vary. On the other hand, this is a permanent investment that enhances your property. Many manufacturers nowadays even offer patio coverings with multi-year guarantees.
Flexible Terrace Covering: Awnings and Shade Sails
The simplest and mostly also the cheapest variants for a terrace covering are options that are not permanently installed and therefore prove to be particularly flexible. The simplest example in this context is probably a classic parasol, which, however, can be seen more as a useful utensil than as a real terrace covering.
It looks a bit different with awnings and awnings. Both variants are not necessarily to be seen as protection against all weather conditions, but at least help to keep fine rain and excessive sunlight away from the terrace.
The sun sail usually consists of a very stable cloth that is stretched out and then works as a parasol. Sun sails are normally not motorized and, if they are not permanently installed, have to be set up and dismantled with some effort if necessary.
Motorized awnings make operation much easier: They are mounted on a frame and can be extended and retracted if necessary. They also consist of sturdy cloth, often using acrylic, PVC or polyester.
The advantages and disadvantages of sun sails and awnings as the sole terrace covering are obvious: They are inexpensive and flexible to use, but on the other hand, they do not offer all-round protection. They primarily protect against strong sunlight and may also prevent fine rain. In heavy rain, thunderstorms or even snow and hail, awnings and awnings should not be used because they could otherwise be damaged.
Terrace Covering – This Is How the Right Decision Is Made
A permanently installed terrace roof made of steel, aluminum or wood is usually only worthwhile for property owners because of the high costs. If you live for rent and would like to protect yourself from the sun on the terrace, you should prefer a cheaper awning or a sunshade.
When building a patio roof, the professional also has to make an effort: a precise measurement is crucial so that the patio roof then also fits perfectly and tailor-made. Depending on whether a self-supporting or construction with support pillars is required, the appropriate foundation may also have to be considered. Other important decision factors are, for example, the type of roof construction, the color scheme and the covering.
Requirements for terrace roofing
Terrace covering: Construction with high demands on security
A terrace covering has to endure a lot: It is constantly exposed to wind and weather and defies both the high temperatures in summer and the frost in winter as the seasons go by. Also, there are people under the roof. And – as simple as it sounds – they must neither be endangered nor damaged. The roof, therefore, places high demands in various areas:
- Stability: The statics must be aligned so that they support the construction and give it stability.
- It must be firmly anchored to the wall and floor.
- An additional load caused by the weather such as storm and snow must not overload the construction.
- The materials must be weatherproof accordingly.
A terrace roof, therefore, requires careful planning to ensure that it meets all safety aspects.
Patio Cover Stability: Well-Constructed And Firmly Anchored For Optimal Statics
Anyone who roofs their terrace creates a complex component that has to meet high standards of stability:
- The supporting structure must be aligned so that it can carry the material of the cover. Heavyweights can occur here, especially with glass.
- The forces such as the dead weight and additional wind and snow loads, must be safely diverted down into the ground.
- The roof must be stable.
The most important aspect is the statics. If you use a finished kit for your terrace cover, you can be sure that it has been tested accordingly by the manufacturer. If you build your terrace cover yourself and adapt it precisely to your property, you have to exercise caution here: A structural engineer should make a corresponding calculation to check the stability. Then the terrace covering must, of course, also be built as it was calculated. In addition to security, this is important for patio users to ensure insurance protection.
Conclusion
As durable as the material is, regular care and maintenance are still always necessary to maintain the full function of the terrace roof.
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