Is A Metal Patio Roof Asking For Trouble Or Is It The Shade Solution You Need?

When you are looking to add shade to your patio, you might start with an umbrella or some strategically-placed potted trees. However, if you want something a little more permanent, a pergola is a stylish backyard upgrade for your patio area. An open pergola is a common design option where the roof consists of slats instead of a solid covering. This provides a little bit of shade when you use it over the top of your patio area. If you want more shade, you can place a solid roof over the top of the pergola's roof slats. Options include glass, bamboo thatch, fabric, and polycarbonate patio roofs that can create a backyard oasis.

But what about a metal roof for your patio pergola? A metal pergola roof delivers maximum shade for the sitting area, keeping you cool on a sunny day. The look is trendy and modern, while requiring minimal maintenance. You can select between steel and aluminum when you are preparing to install a metal roof on your pergola over your patio. Metal roofs aren't perfect for every patio area, though. Should you install metal over your pergola, or should you look for another option for delivering the shade you want when enjoying the great outdoors? Learn more about the pros and cons of a metal patio roof.

One of the biggest benefits of a metal roof is that it offers maximum durability and longevity. A metal roofing material should last at least 50 years, so you can receive a great value over time. You might never have to replace it while you own the home. Additionally, metal is resistant to rot and insects, unlike wood or some other similar materials, meaning you don't have to perform regular maintenance on your patio pergola roof.

In addition to providing maximum shade for the patio, metal protects the patio area from weather issues like rain and snow. If you enjoy sitting outside on a rainy day, you can sit on your patio with an aluminum roof and remain dry. However, you may have a tough time relaxing, because the noise of falling rain on the metal roof can be quite loud. Some people may worry about the possibility of lightning being drawn more easily to the metal patio roof versus other patio roof materials, but this is not true. Lightning is not drawn more to the metal patio roof because it isn't grounded.

You can expect to find a few drawbacks to installing a metal pergola roof on your patio, starting with the cost. This material is more expensive than other materials for the patio roof. However, because of the durability of aluminum or steel, it gives you excellent performance over many years, saving money on replacements down the road.