A lot of people like the idea of sitting out in the evenings during the week and sitting out during the day during the weekends in their patio area. Depending where the patio is located, sun can be a bit of a nuisance in that area. You have 2 options when this is the case, The first choice is a temporary option such as an awning coming off the house or a sun umbrella in the table, the second choice is a permanent patio roof.
Obviously, the most basic versions are the cheapest, for example a sun umbrella will cost you only a small amount and keep the sun off. However, the more durable and aesthetic options are more expensive. When you start looking at the high end awnings, they can be even more expensive than a proper built patio roof!
We recommend a patio roof instead of an awning as it will lend character and provide long term value in comparison to any awning. Provided you can live without the rolling in and out of it which most people find a bit annoying after a while anyway.
Design
The design of a patio roof should match the design and style of your home. The best look is that which integrates seamlessly and appears to have been built with the house instead of at a later date. An attached patio roof also needs to be constructed to bear its own weight, which means you should connect it into the home using its own system and not relying or adding to the roofing structure.
Solid and open roofs each have their benefits and drawbacks. An open design will allow for better airflow, but also offers more sun. Shade screens can help by blocking the direct sun.
Do not forget the main purpose of a patio roof when you are getting it built. The main purpose of any patio roof is to eliminate the sun coming into it. So choose the right pitch and angle before ever putting a screw or brick in place!
A low ceiling will add more shade but can feel confining. A high ceiling will add more light but less shade. Take notes for a couple of days using a line on the house to mark the shade and sun levels during the day so you can get the maximum benefit during the peak hours during the day. This is between 12pm and 5pm.
Extra Features
During the planning stage, a homeowner should consider the final amenities they want for the patio, such as lighting, a ceiling fan, heating system, fire pit, shade screens, a mist system, or water features. If the patio is going to be an outdoor kitchen or bar area eventually, that should be discussed during the planning stages for the patio roof.
Planning Permission
Planning permission is required to build a patio roof especially if it will be having any effect on the surrounding areas. Planning permission ensure the structure is built to minimum building codes, which don’t always offer the maximum benefit. A roofing contractor who has been building patio roofs for a long time will know exactly how to approach the work and how to build it to last. Always source your roofer locally and make sure to check their reputation online and locally as well. A roofer which is well known to us is :
Roof Wise Dublin
2 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3
County Dublin
Ireland
Telephone: 01 254 8329
A good roofer will work with all types of roofing tiles and shingles which is important since they should ideally be matching in with what already is in place. From natural stone slate tiles to asphalt shingles, ceramic tiles, felt roofs and rubber roofing. All of these make excellent choices for a roof and with proper maintenance, you will not need any roof repairs.
Make sure they are working in tandem with the planning permission and that only quality materials are used on the roof. This helps to eliminate any problems later on down the road such as leaks or repairs being needed to the roof due to inferior products being used.
Surface Within A Patio Roof
Another feature which you should consider in the patio area is what type of surface is already there. For example, if the patio area was built with block paving, it can lead to moss and algae growing on it since the sun will rarely be shining on it but moisture will enter it.
A great option for a covered patio area is a natural stone slab or natural stone tile. Both of these are fairly resistant to moisture and will help to eliminate any problems you would otherwise get from a covered patio area. For help or advice always reach out to a local driveway and patio contractor in your area such as :
Abel Driveways LTD
1 Farnham Road, Guildford
GU2 4RG
Telephone: 01483 342767
Make sure to go through all the different types of options available with your patio surface or driveway surface if its a rear driveway area. You can get samples to further inspect or ask to see some other examples already laid down which will probably help the most since natural stone like Indian sandstone and porcelain can vary slightly in colour throughout a laid surface. If you are choosing a manufactured product such as riven slabbing or block paving, make sure to get it sealed immediately.
Concrete is another viable option but suffers similar to block paving in a covered area. Honestly, the best option we feel for any covered terrace or patio roof area is tiles. They can be jointed with a resin grout which will stop any rot and can be textured to ensure maximum grip especially barefoot in the patio area.
List of Patio Surfacing Choices:
- Granite Tiles
- Porcelain
- Block Paving
- Interlock Pavers
- Slabbing
- Riven Slabs
- Concrete
- Gravel (not nice to walk on)
- Decking
