Outdoor rooms or enclosed porches are popular home additions that help you enjoy the surrounding scenery without the negative effects like weather, bugs, or excessive sun. Screened-in porches and glass enclosures are both popular options for homeowners who want year-round enjoyment of the outdoors and have a stunning place to host events. This blog will focus on common benefits and considerations that come with screened-in porches or glass enclosures to help you make an informed decision. 

Comparing The Cost

Before adding something to your home, you may set a budget for how much you can reasonably spend. Screen options and glass enclosures will vary widely in price depending on the size and the different materials. Screened-in porches will be less expensive to build and also have fewer maintenance costs down the road. Glass enclosures are more expensive because of the cost to make and manufacture large panes of glass. Maintaining and cleaning costs can be high after installing a glass enclosure because of the weather and debris that may frequent your home.

Connecting To Nature

The biggest benefit of a porch or enclosed room is to enjoy the nature and scenery around your home in comfort. Screened-in options are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but may be hard to remain comfortable during extreme temperatures or when it is raining. Leaving the screens down can block some of your view, but may not protect you from the weather or sun. 

Glass enclosures will feel like an extension of your home, as you can have an almost 360-degree view of your surroundings. However, they don’t allow you to feel the breeze or hear sounds outside as much as an open concept porch. Enclosures will protect you from bugs, rain, snow, or harmful UV rays, but may feel more confined. 

Privacy

Even while enjoying nature, people still want to have privacy in their yards or around their homes. If you are a more private person, a screened-in porch will be a better option because of the slightly opaque nature of different materials. While screens won’t block everything, it is cheaper than tinted glass. Glass enclosures can be tinted to help enhance privacy, but tinting can result in a higher cost and more maintenance. If you are worried about privacy, an enclosed room may not be the best option for you, but there are additional privacy measures that you can add to a screened-in porch or glass room to give you peace of mind. 

Maintenance Considerations

Cleaning and repairing your home will also carry over to your enclosures and porches. The maintenance for a screened-in porch will be limited maintenance, like cleaning off debris or patching holes. Glass-enclosed options will also need cleaning, but the repairs or maintenance may cost more than other porch coverings. Replacing the glass or fixing deep scratches will also be costly, resulting in a higher long-term investment.

Style Of Your Home

Another factor that you should consider before installing a porch covering is the style of your home. Screened-in options and glass enclosures have different aesthetics, which may impact how the exterior of your home looks to you and to guests. Working with the current style of your home can help the porch covering or enclosure look aesthetically pleasing and blend into the exterior. Both options will work for most homes and can blend into a variety of exterior colors and materials. 

Enclosures From Kool Breeze

Kool Breeze offers a variety of awnings, carports, coverings, and pergolas to help provide additional hangout spaces for your home. Our services can help enhance the aesthetics of your home while also helping you host outdoor events or enjoy the surrounding scenery. These additions to your home can increase its value and improve aesthetics that may be needed when you look to sell your home. Kool Breeze stands behind our products and services and their ability to improve your life.

Our team has been working with Ogden, UT, homes for over 75 years, helping them to enjoy better home protection and spend more time outside. Our family-owned business is proud to offer custom-built coverings that exceed your expectations. Check out our recent projects or reach out to get an estimate for your project.

Utah is known for its heavy snowfall and harsh winters, which can lead to roof damage, cracked concrete, and mold growth. However, Utah also has hot weather during the summer months, forcing residents to cope with the two extremes and make their homes adaptable. Window awnings are one popular additive that can help keep a home cooler in the summer, but what happens when the winter weather begins to creep in?

Snowfall can add up quickly and become extremely heavy on roofs, carports, and windows. Let’s take a closer look at how window awnings can handle heavy, wet snow and if there is a way for your awnings to be better prepared for the upcoming season. 

The Dangers Of Heavy Snow

Letting snow pile up on your home, car, or a nearby tree can lead to potential dangers to your safety and the inanimate objects it is resting on. Letting snow build up could cause structural collapse, broken tree limbs, power outages, and water leaks as the snow melts into small cracks. Falling trees and power lines could leave you without heat or light during the dark and cold winter nights. Removing heavy snow from your roof and from around electrical components will lower the risk of these dangers and lengthen the life of your home. 

Design Features That Help With Snow Resistance

In order to protect your window awnings and your home, there are a few key design features that help ensure that snow slides off or melts quickly enough to prevent damage. Choosing the right design for your window awnings can allow them to remain intact throughout the winter season. 

Pitch

The pitch of a roof or awning is the degree/steepness of the slope. Having the right angle can help make it easier for snow and rain to slide down into your gutters, preventing pressure on the weaker components. If you are unable to choose a higher pitch option, especially when it comes to windows, you may need to choose an awning with a high snow-load rating.

Coating

Coating the metal or wood of your awning can help the snow melt quickly, or make the surface more slippery so that moisture will glide right off. Adding a coating to awnings will protect them from forming ice dams, harmful icicles, and large buildups that could cause them to break off. Teflon, acrylic, or polyurethane coatings will help the heavy snow slide right off.

Material

The material of the window awnings also plays a role in snow accumulation. Some materials get colder than others, allowing snow or rain to freeze once it touches the surface. Choosing a material with a lower freezing point or adding a coating to the awning to keep it from freezing will prevent snow accumulation.

Materials That Are Best Suited For Snow

There are a few materials that are better suited for snow, rain, and heavy debris when it comes to awnings. Choosing a water-resistant material and one that can handle heavy materials will protect your window or home from extensive damage. 

One of the best materials for awnings is metal, because of its ability to withstand moisture and heavy snow. Metal awnings are able to hold significant weight and have a long lifespan. However, choosing the right metal is also important to avoid rust and corrosion. Stainless steel or galvanized steel are great options for a moist climate. 

While canvas fabric is not waterproof, when it is used for awnings, it is dipped in a weatherproof coating to help it resist moisture. Canvas fabric is commonly used for patio awnings, but can be used for window awnings, too. Fabric awnings will not be able to hold as much snow as metal or plastic materials. 

Acrylic fabric is rated for winter weather because of the material’s natural water-resistant qualities. The synthetic fabric doesn’t need a coating, but if you live in a climate with frequently changing temperatures, it could impact the longevity of the fabric. 

Retractable Awnings Are Best For Snow-Heavy Climates

Having retractable or roll-up awnings is the best option for climates with heavy snow because they can be used and left extended during the summer, fall, and spring, but put away during the winter. Retractable awnings can be used over multiple windows, providing shade and a cool interior during the summer. Retractable awnings are the best for harsh winter weather because they can be kept out of the way as the snow rains down around them. 

Window Awnings From Kool Breeze

Kool Breeze has been providing durable coverings for homes in Utah since 1947. Our shades and coverings are made to last through all different weather conditions to keep your home protected and energy efficient. Kool Breeze has created shade options for homes of all sizes, helping them to achieve their landscaping and entertainment space dreams. Reach out to us to install a carport, awning, solar shade, or build an enclosed room today!

A patio cover can play many roles when installed on or near your home. When done correctly, patio covers can provide an extension of your living space, allowing you to enjoy backyard relaxation without stress. Durable patio cover materials are also necessary to lower the heat around the home and patio area. Choosing the right material for your specific climate, home design, and patio size is essential to a long-lasting patio cover. This blog will look at different materials often used for patio covers and how they compare in durability, moisture resistance, cost, longevity, and more. 

Aluminum

One of the most popular materials for patio covers, awnings, and carports is aluminum. The reason this material is so popular is that it is lightweight, making it easy to install and maintain, but it still remains durable through different weather conditions. 

For homes in Utah, having moisture-resistant materials is crucial for the heavy winters. Aluminum is water-resistant because of its ability to form a protective layer. When aluminum is exposed to oxygen, it forms an aluminum oxide layer that prevents any chemical reactions and further corrosion. This makes it great for a patio cover, as snow and rain will not weaken the material.

When it comes to using aluminum for patio covers, the price per square foot can vary from other aluminum projects. The typical range for aluminum is around $40-60 per square foot when used for patios. While it is not the most expensive material, aluminum costs can add up if you want a large cover, added insulation, or movable parts. 

Vinyl

Another low-maintenance option that remains durable through summer and winter weather is vinyl. This popular material is used for patio covers in multiple climates because it is resistant to rot, rust, and corrosion. With all of their benefits, vinyl patio covers aren’t as well insulated as other materials, which could lead to hotter temperatures around the home or on your patio.

Vinyl is inherently waterproof, making it the top choice for flooring and outdoor settings. This material does not require sealing or painting in order to withstand the weather, making it a more time-effective option for homeowners. Snow, rain, and other moisture won’t seep through your patio cover, keeping furniture and other belongings dry during a storm. You can enjoy your outdoor patio as the rain or snow falls around you without fear of getting wet. 

The cost of vinyl is something that varies depending on the supplier and location. Vinyl can range from $25-80 per square foot and can increase in price based on the type of vinyl (luxury or other) and the complexity of the patio cover. Larger patios, L-shaped designs, or complex layering will increase the overall cost of patio construction with vinyl. 

Wood

Wood has been a popular construction material for years, but it is not well suited for everything. Working with wood can be a more budget-friendly option, but it often doesn’t have the same durability as other materials. While wood may not have as long a lifespan as aluminum or vinyl, it is easy to implement into any home or landscape design. Different wood varieties, grain patterns, and coloring can help your patio cover blend seamlessly into your architectural design. 

Using wood for a patio cover is not ideal for climates with high humidity, rainfall, or snow. It is prone to rotting and warping, which can lead to frequent replacement of your patio cover. Wood will need to be sealed before installation, and at least once a year to keep moisture out. Some woods are more resistant than others, including redwood and cedar, but still benefit from a proper sealant if you want to keep your patio cover durable. 

At $25-40 per square foot, wood is often a cheaper option for your patio. However, with the added maintenance costs, the need for sealant, and the shorter lifespan, you could end up paying just as much as any other cover material. For homes that need a budget friendly and more temporary solution, wood can be a great option. Wood patio covers may feel more natural and inviting, but they are not built for every climate. 

Fiberglass

One of the most durable materials for patio covers is fiberglass. It is known for its durability against debris and weather, making it great for homes in Utah and other climates. These patio covers have withstood heavy wind and rain, making them one of the longest-lasting materials on the market for patio cover construction. 

Due to its durable makeup, fiberglass is great at preventing moisture from seeping into the patio below. The glass fibers are coated in a resin that keeps water from seeping into the material, making it even able to withstand full submersion. Make sure you purchase fiberglass material that is properly coated, or coat it yourself, before using it as a patio cover. 

One of the downsides of fiberglass is its higher cost. It can cost anywhere from $30-70 per square foot to have a fiberglass covering, but a new cover can last you up to 30 years, making the upfront investment more manageable. Once it is installed, though, fiberglass requires minimal maintenance and can easily be cleaned by the homeowner. Saving on maintenance and repair costs makes this material worth the higher installation costs.

Patio Covers From Kool Breeze

If you are looking for a shaded and protective patio cover, Kool Breeze has the best options for you. We have been working with homes in Ogden, Utah, and the surrounding area for many years. Allow the experts to help you achieve a cooler and more aesthetic home with patio covers, enclosed rooms, carports, and more!