Autumn and winter are the best times of the year to plan for home improvement projects and particularly outdoor projects such as building a covered patio or entertainment area.
The best time to plan and initiate outdoor improvement projects is when the rainy season is over and you don't have to worry about any showers ruining any work you start, because a sudden downpour can quickly ruin a project and set you back. One outdoor project that is best done when the chances of rain are over and the garden has gone into hibernation is planning an outdoor patio or entertainment area.
For South Africans, the outdoors is part of our lifestyle and having a place to spend free time relaxing or getting together with friends, preferably outdoors in our wonderful climate, is something we all long for. Being able to build a dedicated area in the garden where you can entertain or relax is just as much a part of our tradition as is the braai! A covered patio or entertainment area enhances a backyard, offers protection from the harsh summer sun and downpours, and also adds to the overall aesthetics and value of a property.
If you have already selected the ideal spot for a covered patio or entertainment area, or have perhaps already started the process of building this, adding a cover is the next step and you will want one that provides everything you need for full-on enjoyment. We look at several stylish roofing or covering solutions, most reasonably affordable, that can be considered when finishing off the project.
All natural materials
As we continue to look for more sustainable solutions for our lifestyles, what could be more green than using materials provided by nature. A patio structure built using treated log poles with a customised roof covering using poles and laths. Laths are thin poles that can be used for roofing or fencing and these are pressure treated to ensure a long lifespan.
Lightweight and DIY
What makes this covered pergola attractive to many homeowners is the clear Polycarbonate roof sheeting that can be purchased at any Builders store for around R400 per 3.6-metre length sheet. PC is a durable roofing material that is lightweight and able to withstand our extreme weather and heat during the summer months. PC roof sheeting is a relatively inexpensive solution for patio or pergola roofing with an expected lifespan of up to 20 years.
Steel Solutions
An increasing trend for ease and affordability is to have a custom carport-style covered patio. This solution is easily the fastest method of installing a covered patio, although not always the cheapest. A basic installation can include the framework with the option to have IBR sheeting for the roof cover, motorised louvres that can easily be adjusted to accommodate the weather, or simply have the frame and add your own roofing from a wide selection of options.
A carport-style pergola offers an area for relaxation or entertaining. Instead of traditional IBR roofing, add your own custom roofing solutions that can include shade net or canvas sail, grasses or laths, PC sheeting in solid, clear, or opaque, or leave it open and train a climber or creeper to cover the structure.
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