The Best Patio Roof Covers Have One Thing in Common

There are countless styles of patio roof covers to consider as you create the outdoor living space of your dreams. We’ve helped over 25,000 homeowners achieve functional, secure and stylish covered patio spaces. That experience has taught us one enduring lesson:

If you need maximum weather protection, superior durability and increased outdoor living space, the best choice is a solid patio cover.

In this article, our design-build experts explain why solid patio roofing is your best option, the 3 styles we like and trust the most, and the best use cases for each patio cover style.

5 Reasons Why Solid Patio Roofing is Your Best Option

The reason we prefer solid patio roof covers boils down to one word: versatility.

Open and lattice roof styles are stylish, but only in certain designs — and they provide little to no resistance to heat, humidity and unexpected storms.

Shade sails and other flexible patio covers simply don’t provide the durability and needed all-weather protection of a solid roof structure.

If you’re investing in a patio cover, then don’t settle for half-measures. 

Here are 5 reasons why solid patio roof covers are the superior option for outdoor living spaces:

Extend Your Outdoor Living Space

Solid roof structures extend your outdoor living area in two distinct ways — more usable space, and greater protection from the elements.

Do you have an open roof or lattice shade structure? If so, you know that your outdoor living space generally ends at its edge — or when it rains, snows or hails. A solid cover offers the full coverage necessary to implement outdoor kitchens, appliances, and seating on your patio.

Solid covers provide more complete protection from the elements than open and lattice shade structures. Their construction essentially creates an outdoor living room. This allows for comfortable use of the patio year-round, regardless of weather conditions.

Increase Weather Protection

Unlike lattice or open-style covers, solid roofs offer full protection from both sun and rain. This ensures that your patio furniture and any outdoor appliances are shielded from the elements.

Maximize Shade, Minimize Heat

Solid patio covers effectively block harsh sunlight, providing deep shade and cooler temperatures underneath. Our custom designs can incorporate strategic venting to prevent heat buildup.

Incorporate Overhead Lighting and Fans

A solid roof structure allows for the easy installation of overhead lighting and ceiling fans, enhancing both the ambiance and comfort of the space.

Your smart lighting fixtures replace direct sunlight to brighten up your space without the extra heat. And overhead fans facilitate airflow and improve ventilation to cool down your patio.

Bonus: Use smart lighting and fans, and control them all with a touch of your smartphone.

Gain Durability and Reduce Maintenance

Solid patio covers are built to last. They’re constructed from durable materials like aluminum, steel, or high-quality wood. They also require less maintenance compared to some other options.

A solid roof structure also reduces your maintenance and upkeep of the patio materials underneath it. Less direct sunlight means less fading and heat damage, and less exposure to rain and snow equals far less moisture damage over time.

3 Patio Roof Cover Styles We Like and Trust

We asked our team of Outdoor Living Designers and Construction Coordinators to review project data from our 25,000+ outdoor projects. Their job: highlight the most trustworthy, popular styles of solid patio roofing in our service history.

Discover our top 3 patio roof cover styles, along with key advantages based on protection, durability and style. We’ve also included potential drawbacks based on your local climate and conditions, plus good building materials to consider for each style.

Gable Roof: Classic Aesthetics

Gable roofs are characterized by their triangular shape, with two sloping sides meeting at a ridge. This simple, symmetrical design offers a timeless aesthetic that complements various architectural styles.

Key Advantages

• Inherent Protection: The sloped design excels at draining water and snow, minimizing the risk of leaks and water damage.
• Durability: Gable roofs can be constructed from durable materials like asphalt shingles or metal, ensuring longevity.
• Classic Style: The simple yet elegant design adds visual interest and curb appeal to a home.

Potential Drawbacks

• Wind Damage: In areas with high winds, the steep slopes can be vulnerable to damage. This is easily mitigated with high-quality, GAF rated shingles.
• Snow Accumulation: In regions with heavy snowfall, snow can accumulate on the roof, requiring occasional removal.

Best Materials

• Asphalt shingles
• Metal structure
• Wood (especially cedar)

Flat Pan Roof: Modern Versatility

Flat pan roofs are characterized by their nearly level surface, typically with a slight pitch to improve drainage. This modern design offers a sleek and minimalist aesthetic.

Key Advantages

• Versatility: The flat surface offers exceptional versatility for patio covers, providing a sleek, durable solution that suits a wide range of outdoor living styles and needs.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Generally less expensive to install compared to pitched roofs due to their simple design and efficient use of materials.
• Low Maintenance: Easier to clean and inspect compared to sloped roofs.

Potential Drawbacks

• Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water accumulation and potential leaks.
• Heat Buildup: The enclosed structure can trap heat, requiring strategic venting or insulation. Overhead ceiling fans are a smart investment.

Best Materials

• Aluminum
• Steel
• TPO (roofing membrane)

Hip Roof/Standard Patio Cover: Excellent Drainage

A hip roof features four sloping sides that meet at a ridge to form a pyramid shape. This patio cover design differs from a gable roof, as all 4 sides slope downward. They function well in areas that experience heavy rainfall, as well as patios that require more head room.

Key Advantages

• Excellent Moisture Protection: Provides 4 sloped sides for excellent rainwater flow and drainage away from your patio structure.
• Increased Headroom: Adds usable square footage to the property, increasing its functionality and property value.
• Simple Integration: It’s easy to mirror your existing home’s roof structure, slope and aesthetic qualities with a hip roof on your patio.

Potential Drawbacks

• Complex Construction: Trust an experienced outdoor contractor with your hip roof design — it’s generally too complex for a handyman installation.
• More Flashing Required: Hip roofs require more flashing than gable roofs to prevent leaks and moisture damage.

Best Materials

• Match your existing house roof materials

Best Use Cases

Where are the best regions to install a gable roof, flat pan or attached shade structure? Which style offers the best protection and lifespan in your local climate?

Let’s explore the unique advantages of our three solid patio roof structures. We’ll find the best use case for where you live, and how you live outdoors.

Thoughtful Craftsmanship: Discover Allied Outdoor Solutions’ winning design-build process.

When and Where to Choose a Gable Roof for Your Patio

Gable roofs are well-suited for areas with heavy rainfall or moderate snowfall due to their excellent drainage capabilities. Their angled pitch directs rainwater safely away from the patio, and offers more natural airflow to reduce heat from outdoor grills and appliances.

Their classic design complements traditional home styles, whether rustic or modern — ranch and modern farmhouse styles are fantastic choices.

Best use cases: 

• Year-round weather protection
• Traditional home designs (ranch, modern farmhouse)
• Locations that experience all 4 seasons
• Patio spaces with outdoor kitchens

When and Where to Choose a Flat Pan Patio Cover

Flat pan roofs are ideal for maximizing usable space. They are a practical and flexible solution for urban environments, offering a defined outdoor living zone.

Outdoor bar islands look stylish and modern under the cover of a flat pan roof. If you live in a snowy area, be sure the roof is pitched enough to avoid accumulation.

Best use cases: 

• Temperate climates — install overhead fans for better airflow
• Modern style homes (minimal, contemporary designs)
• Areas without heavy snow accumulation
• Patio spaces with outdoor bar and entertainment features

When and Where to Choose an Attached Patio Roof Structure

Attached patio roofs are perfect for homeowners who want a seamless extension of their living space. They facilitate easy access and create a cohesive design flow between indoor and outdoor areas.

Choose materials that reflect and compliment the existing architecture and style of your home and other outdoor spaces. The goal is to provide a true indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Best use cases:

• Year-round weather protection
• All home designs — be sure to thoughtfully match your building materials
• Homes in need of more usable square footage
• Patio spaces that function as outdoor living rooms

Trust Our History of Shade Structure Success

Allied Outdoor Solutions has transformed over 25,000 Texas backyards into elevated outdoor living spaces with custom design-build solutions. Satisfied homeowners in Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio trust us for our expertise and quality workmanship.

We’ve designed and built tens of thousands of custom, handcrafted covered patios. Our knowledge, experience and quality craftmanship are as reliable as the structures we build to protect the way you live outdoors.

Here’s what your neighbors and local community members say about their Allied Outdoor Solutions covered patio spaces:

"Excellent and timely construction of a patio cover built onto our house. Perfect execution, timely response and excellent workmanship. Could not be happier!" – Mark H.

"We used Allied for a patio extension project and we were absolutely thrilled with the results. We had great communication from the team and our project was completed with high quality and in a very timely manner. The extension they installed looks like it was built with our house. Would definitely recommend using them for any construction needs!" – Jessica R.

The Functional, Durable Outdoor Patio of Your Dreams

Solid patio roof covers offer a winning combination of functionality, durability, and style, enhancing outdoor living spaces and adding value to homes. 

Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a gable roof, the modern versatility of a flat pan roof, or the seamless integration of an attached structure, Allied Outdoor Solutions brings your unique vision to life.

Let’s chat during a free consultation — we’ll guide you to the outdoor lifestyle you’ve always imagined.