Install a Patio Room or Cover for Year Round Outdoor Enjoyment

When the weather is pleasant, we want to extend our living areas outside. Your home may already have a deck or patio in the back yard that provides a place to enjoy the fresh air.

The problem with a patio or deck is that you just can't use it all the time. Obviously, you're not going to go out on the patio if it's raining. On warm days, the sun's hot rays can make it uncomfortable to sit outside for too long. And, around sunset, no matter what you do, the mosquitoes can drive you inside quicker than you can slap them away.

Many homeowners are turning to two alternatives -- the patio cover and the patio room.

A patio cover is a solid roof, usually made of aluminum, that provides protection from the sun and the elements. It provides the protection of an awning, but will last much longer. Unlike canvas awnings, patio covers are designed to withstand high winds and snow loads.

Patio rooms turn your porch or deck into a complete outdoor room. Patio rooms come complete with screen windows to keep the bugs away, and some have the option of glass windows that allow them to be used for an entire three or four seasons of the year, depending on the part of the country you live in.

Next: How to Choose the Right Patio Enclosure

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