A patio cover helps keep a patio dry.
Aluminum and wood have some very different properties, and they each have pros and cons as patio covers. One material is not necessarily better than the other; the ideal patio cover choice depends on the needs of the people who use the patio. Both materials will protect a patio from the elements. Does this Spark an idea?
Fire Safety
Metal roofing, such as aluminum patio covers, offer more fire protection than wood covers. Aluminum is not flammable, and fire should not pass through it. However, fires can spread across and through wooden patio covers. It is safer to use wood with a fire-resistant treatment than untreated wood, although both types of wood are less safe than aluminum.
Pest Problems
Since aluminum is a soft metal, rats and mice can gnaw on it just like they can gnaw on wood patio covers. Some pests, however prefer wood patio covers to aluminum. For example, termites, carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles tend to damage wood. Using a water-repellent preservative can help prevent insect damage to wooden patio covers.
Noise Levels
Rain is often very loud on an aluminum patio cover, and it is quieter on a wooden one. Individuals who live in rainy climates and value a quiet patio might prefer wood for this reason. However, some people find the sound of rain on an aluminum cover soothing. Aluminum dampens sound less than wood so it is also more likely to cause echoes of loud noises than wood.
Temperature Control
Both aluminum and wood patio covers will provide shade protection, but they can behave differently when it comes to temperature control. Lighter covers generally reflect more light and keep an area cooler than darker covers. Aluminum is often more reflective and more inclined to keep a patio cool than dark wooden patio covers. However, both types of patio covers will reflect a great deal of hot sunlight when painted with a reflective coating.
Installation and Maintenance Ease
Outdoor aluminum requires less maintenance than outdoor wood. Wood can suffer from mildew problems and rot brought on by moisture absorption, while aluminum does not have these issues. Aluminum is also thinner and lighter than heavy woods, making it easier to move and install as a patio cover. However, aluminum may be more difficult to cut and drill into than wood when building patio covers.
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