If you live in or around Phoenix, Arizona, you know the value of good shade. The sunshine is beautiful, but it can be overbearing at times. Spending time on your patio or deck may seem near impossible if you don’t have adequate shade.
Living in such a sunny climate, chances are that you have seen many types of patio covers. Maybe you’ve even checked them out but aren’t sure if they are worth the cost. It’s no secret that quality patio covers don’t come cheap. It is an investment for sure.
But is a patio cover a worthwhile investment? The simple answer is “yes.” But, don’t just take our word for it; keep reading to find out for yourself why so many Arizona residents are investing in patio covers.
1. Protects Outdoor Furniture
Patio furniture itself can be a small investment. A quality patio set will cost at minimum a couple of hundred dollars. If you don’t protect your patio furniture, you will need to replace it much sooner than you would otherwise, costing you unnecessarily.
Wood furniture can fade, crack, or rot if continually exposed to the elements. Metal furniture can rust if allowed to sit out in wet weather. A good patio cover will not only keep your furniture dry but also deflect the sun’s harsh UV rays.
So, save yourself some money by protecting your outdoor furniture with a patio cover.
2. Protects Deck or Patio
If you are in the market for a cover for your patio, you probably already have a patio or deck in place. Whether constructed from concrete, brick, or wood, patios can be a significant investment. Decks are no different. Protect this large investment by keeping it covered.
Along with protecting your outdoor furniture, a patio cover will protect the deck or patio it is covering. No matter what material your deck or patio is constructed from, continual exposure to the elements will take its toll.
A patio cover will preserve your deck or patio and reduce the number of repairs that could arise otherwise. This will save you a great deal of money over time.
3. Energy Efficient
An added perk of installing a patio cover is the resulting energy efficiency of your home. That’s right; a patio cover will reduce your electric bills as your HVAC system won’t need to run as often.
This is because the shaded area blocks some of the sun’s heat, lowering your home’s interior temperature. A lower interior temperature means your air conditioning unit doesn’t need to work as hard to keep your home cool.
If your HVAC system isn’t having to work as hard, you are more likely to avoid costly repairs, and your system will last much longer. This is just another way a patio cover can save you money.
Other ways to conserve energy is to customize your patio cover with solar panels or solar skylights.
4. Increased Property Value
Despite the other advantages of installing a patio cover, the benefit that wins many people over is simply that a patio cover will increase the home’s property value. It’s true. Investing in a patio cover means increasing the overall value of your home.
If you are considering selling your home any time in the future, having a cover over your deck or patio will allow you to sell your home for more money. Your home will appraise for more since this outdoor area is essentially an extension of your living space.
An outdoor living space or entertainment area will also increase your home’s appeal to potential buyers. People will love the idea of hosting parties and get-togethers outside under a beautiful lattice or louvered patio cover.
If a potential buyer saw two homes that were almost exactly the same, but one had a beautiful outdoor area with a patio cover, there is no denying which house they would choose. Make your home the one with that extra incentive.
There are a few tips to consider when choosing a patio cover if you want to get the most return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home.
- Invest In Quality– Remember that not all patio covers are created equally. The ideal choice is to invest in a high-quality permanent patio cover, such as one made from Alumawood. This type of cover is built to last.
- Choose Wisely– When choosing a patio cover, it is a good idea to choose one that matches or coordinates with the exterior of your home.
- Maintenance– Be sure to keep your patio cover clean and to perform any necessary maintenance to increase its life span and keep it looking its best.
These few tips are essential, as no one wants to purchase a home with a shabby, mismatched patio cover.
As you can see, a patio cover is undeniably a good investment as it helps to protect other possessions, such as your patio, outdoor furniture, and HVAC system, and increases your home’s value. So, while it may cost a bit to have one installed, the benefits are well worth the price tag.