Patio Enclosures vs Patio Covers: What's Your Best Option?

Imagine enjoying your backyard patio space without worrying about the blazing sun or an unexpected rain storm. Now think about how much longer your patio will last with proper protection against UV, direct sunlight and moisture damage.

You need a structure that protects you and your patio, and that leads you to a simple choice — patio enclosures vs. patio covers. But which provides the most protection and shelter against the sun and elements? Which offers the most versatile design and outdoor living capability?

We’ve installed over 20,000 premium outdoor living spaces that withstand Texas’ toughest heat and weather patterns. While patio enclosures offer solid protection, covered patios create a greater sense of true outdoor living with a mix of shelter and open-air design.

• Patio enclosures offer great protection: are they too closed off? You’ll benefit from pest and weather protection, but you’ll lose the feel of true outdoor living. 
• Covered patio spaces offer quality outdoor living design. Premium roofing materials offer ample protection from heat and moisture, and open-air construction allows seamless movement throughout your yard.
• Patio covers offer 3 core benefits over patio enclosures. They facilitate a true outdoor lifestyle, cost less to install, and don’t trap heat like glass enclosures.

Patio Enclosures: A Raincoat for Outdoor Living Spaces

Homeowners who want a more protected, usable outdoor living area often choose patio enclosures. Think of a patio enclosure like a heavy-duty raincoat for your outdoor space. 

They come in a variety of materials, but their function is the same — a barrier against moisture and wind. 

Enclosed patio spaces often appear in 3 distinct styles:

1. Screened-in patios: a screen-based design to combat pest infestation and mosquitoes
2. Glass enclosures: an attractive option for homeowners who want full protection from the elements and from wind and air flow
3. Solariums and sunrooms: a specific style of glass enclosure designed to allow maximum sunlight into the patio space

Key Features of Premium Patio Enclosures

Patio enclosures basically act like an addition to your home, creating a barrier against pests, wind, rain and inclement weather.

Many enclosures have built-in doors. These lead from the interior of your home to the patio, and from the patio out to your yard.

Full glass enclosures often have built-in windows to allow a small amount of air flow into the space at the user’s discretion.

It’s important to note that not all patio enclosures have roofs. Many designs rely on your home’s existing roof structure or a pre-existing patio cover. But don’t expect your enclosed space to automatically include roofing solutions — be sure to ask your contractor.

Material Options for Patio Enclosures

Patio enclosures are constructed with a wide variety of materials. However, not all of them are suitable for premium durability and longevity.

For example, fabric is used in many retractable patio enclosure features. But it’s easily torn, damaged by the elements, and not an effective long-term solution for a premium space.

Here are 5 materials many homeowners consider for patio enclosure construction:

1. Screen: Fundamental for screened-in patios, but very susceptible to damage.
2. Glass: Used heavily for fully enclosed structures like sunrooms. Tempered glass and tinted glass offer better UV protection and resistance to cold weather.
3. Aluminum: Lightweight, durable material that resists corrosion, often used in framing.
4. Vinyl: Great against rot, mold and pests - but not ideal for aesthetic value.
5. Polycarbonate: Durable and lightweight plastic-based material, but also not ideal for heightened curb appeal.

Pros and Cons of Patio Enclosures

Enclosed patio spaces offer a reliable living area throughout the year and enhanced protection from inclement weather. They also do a good job of reducing pest issues, especially in humid and muggy climates.

However, patio enclosures do come with a higher price tag and more complex installation procedures than patio covers. They also greatly restrict (or totally eliminate) natural air flow through the space. Heat is often trapped in glass enclosures, causing elevated temperatures.

Be sure to consult with an outdoor design expert to make sure your enclosure doesn’t dramatically alter the appearance of your home.

Pros:

• Year-round use.
• Protection from elements.
• Pest control.
• Increased living space.

Cons:

• High cost
• Complex installation
• Highly restricted air flow
• Reduced natural light
• Increased interior temperature
• Drastic architectural style change

Patio Covers: Open Air Living and Ample Protection

You want the look and feel of an outdoor space that isn’t closed off from the world. But you still need protection from direct sunlight, UV damage and unexpected rainstorms.

A covered patio provides a premium blend of durable materials, protection from inclement weather, and the natural airflow of true outdoor living.

Patio covers offer enhanced outdoor living functionality. Homeowners frequently use these spaces to implement these design features:

1. Outdoor kitchen and dining: Build an outdoor kitchen or grill with open-air ventilation that a patio enclosure doesn’t provide.
2. Outdoor fireplace: It’s much simpler to add an outdoor fireplace or custom fire pit to a covered patio — both in terms of installation and safe ventilation.
3. Integrated patio and pool deck: An open-air covered patio provides a seamless transition to poolside areas with the same flooring and hardscaping materials.

Key Features of Premium Patio Covers

A covered patio features an overhead covering with structural supports — usually posts, beams and the existing home. 

Patio roof design can be highly versatile. Choose from simple awnings, classic gable roofing, trendy pergola-style lattice or slatted roofs, or a pyramid-style hip roof.

Covered patios should include premium, durable flooring materials. Modified concrete overlays, natural stone, pavers and light-colored tile offer high-end finishes with good heat and moisture resistance.

The primary goal of patio covers is to extend usable outdoor living space, while keeping an open-air design flow. Relax, dine, drink and entertain while keeping a connection to your property.

Material Options for Patio Roofing

Patio roofing material selection is highly dependent on where you live. Homeowners in the Pacific Northwest must account for dampness and moisture. Texas residents need protection from high UV radiation, humidity and occasional hail storms.

Here are some premium patio cover materials to consider, along with how they’ll perform against local climate and weather concerns:

1. Aluminum: Lightweight, durable and rust-resistant. Great for modern patio covers that need heat and moisture resistance, but may struggle against constant impacts (hail, tree branches, etc.)
2. Metal: Steel roofing is gaining popularity for its high durability, long lifespan and moisture resistance. It naturally resists pests and does well against UV damage. Some metal roofing materials get extremely hot, and may be noisy during rain storms.
3. Composite: Composite materials can mimic wood and metal surfaces, but with increased resistance to pressure, heat and rot. They’re extremely strong, but will never fully recreate a natural material.
4. Treated wood: Aesthetically gorgeous cedar and redwood timbers add rustic charm to your patio roof. Cost varies greatly depending on delivery — find local wood suppliers. Regular sealing and maintenance is required to prevent rot and insect damage.

Pros and Cons of Patio Covers

Pros:

• Lower cost
• Simpler installation
• True outdoor living area
• Enhanced natural airflow
• Protection from sun and UV damage
• Diverse material selection

Cons:

• Less wind protection
• Less pest control
• No fully enclosed space

Here’s Why Our Experts Prefer Covered Patios

Allied Outdoor Solutions has installed thousands of premium covered patio spaces throughout Texas. We prefer them to patio enclosures for 3 primary reasons:

1. Creation of a true outdoor living space
2. Lower installation costs = more budget for premium materials and design features
3. Open-air design reduces energy bills and avoids “trapped heat” problems

Patio Covers Create True Outdoor Living Spaces

Patio covers retain the open-air charm and natural air flow of a true outdoor living space, with no barrier between you and your property.

Imagine sitting under your covered patio, watching the game with friends in front of your outdoor grill. You step directly off the patio onto your pool deck for a quick dip in the pool, then head back to the custom fire pit on the edge of your patio space.

This is the seamless outdoor lifestyle a patio cover can provide that an enclosed patio simply can’t.

Covered Patios Are More Beautiful and Less Expensive

Covered patios are often far less expensive than patio enclosures due to less complex installation. As a result, more premium materials are used to create an elevated space.

Would you rather spend money surrounding your patio with tempered glass — or use that budget to install a premium outdoor bar and dining area for your family?

Take the money you save on a full patio enclosure and lay premium natural stone flooring underneath your new patio dining area.

Patio Enclosures Don’t Always Beat the Summer Heat

While patio enclosures block out external weather and sun, they can trap heat easily. This creates increased internal temperatures that drive up AC and energy bills.

A large ceiling fan under your covered patio creates more than enough airflow to cool down your space in the hot summer months.

Covered Patios: The Center of Your Outdoor Living Upgrade

Patio covers are a stronger, more versatile investment than patio enclosures. They provide a true outdoor living experience, that combines breezy natural airflow with ample protection from direct sunlight and sudden storms.

Covered patios are simpler to install — this leaves you more room to upgrade every aspect of your new outdoor living area. Premium, durable materials like metal roofing and natural stone flooring add elegance and beauty to your patio.

And that added room in your budget lets you have some real fun under your patio cover. Use your savings on an outdoor kitchen and bar, entertainment center or outdoor fireplace.

We’ve installed over 20,000 premium outdoor living spaces for homeowners across Texas. If you live in Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth or San Antonio, we’d love to make your patio dreams come true.