Why aluminum wins in South Florida
Summer sun in Fort Lauderdale is brutal. It beats down on your patio from March through October. An aluminum patio cover turns that hot slab into a cool, shady spot you can actually use.
Aluminum is made for our climate. It does not rust. It does not rot. Termites ignore it completely. Wood covers need paint and stain every few years. Aluminum just needs a rinse with the hose.
The metal is light but strong. A well-built aluminum cover stands up to heavy rain and strong wind. It will not warp in the heat or swell in the humidity. That matters here, where the air feels wet half the year.
Most covers attach right to your house. The roof panels slope so rain runs off away from the door. Gutters carry the water to the yard. Your patio stays dry, and so does the doorway into your home.
An aluminum cover also cuts your cooling bill a little. Shade on the back wall means less heat gets into the house. Many owners tell us the rooms off the patio feel cooler in July.
Solid roof or open lattice
You have two main choices. A solid roof blocks all sun and all rain. An open lattice roof gives dappled shade and lets some light through. Both use the same strong aluminum frame.
Solid roofs are the top pick in Fort Lauderdale. Our rain comes fast and hard. A solid roof lets you sit outside while a storm passes. You stay dry and keep your chairs dry too.
Lattice covers look great and feel airy. The slats block much of the direct sun but let the breeze move through. They do not stop rain, so plan for that. Some owners pair a lattice cover with outdoor furniture that can get wet.
You can mix the two. A solid section over the grill and a lattice section over the seating area is a common setup. We can sketch that layout with you during the free visit.
Colors and finishes that hold up
Aluminum covers come with a baked-on finish. It is not paint that peels. The color is part of the metal coating and holds up to sun for years.
White is the most popular choice here. It reflects heat and looks clean against Florida stucco. Bronze and sand tones match many homes too. We bring color samples so you can hold them against your house.
The posts and beams are the same color as the roof. Everything matches from the street. A clean, finished look adds curb appeal instead of taking away from it.
How it works
Getting a cover is simple. You call or send the form. We come out, measure, and talk through your options. You get a written price with no pressure.
- Free visit. We measure your patio and look at how the cover will attach to your home. We ask how you use the space.
- Clear choices. You pick solid or lattice, a color, and any extras like gutters or ceiling fans. We explain what each choice costs.
- Written price. You get one price in writing. It covers the cover, the install, and cleanup. No surprises later.
- Permit help. Broward County requires a permit for patio covers. We handle the paperwork and the drawings.
- Install day. Most covers go up in one to two days. We haul away the old material and sweep up before we leave.
Care is easy
Aluminum asks for very little. Rinse it with a garden hose a few times a year. That washes off salt, dust, and pollen.
Once a year, check the gutters. Leaves and seed pods pile up fast in South Florida. A quick scoop keeps water flowing the right way.
After a big storm, look at the cover from the ground. Check for loose trim or panels that shifted. If you see anything odd, call us and we will take a look.
Do not let vines grow on the frame. They trap moisture and stain the finish. A quick trim in spring keeps things clean.
Every project is different — contact us for a free written estimate.
A patio you use all year
Right now your patio may sit empty most of the summer. It is just too hot. A cover changes that. Morning coffee, evening dinners, and weekend cookouts all move outside.
Think about how you want to use the space. A grill station needs a solid roof. A reading nook works fine under lattice. Tell us your plans and we will design around them.
Call (301) 679-9193 or send the form for a free on-site estimate.