Why the Right Awning and Patio Cover Changes Everything
Choosing the right awning and patio cover is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your home. Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know:
| Topic | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Best material for durability | Aluminum (Alumawood) — won’t warp, rot, or crack |
| Top cover types | Fixed aluminum, polycarbonate panel |
| Key benefits | UV protection, energy savings, rain coverage, home value |
| Average home value increase | 5–10% with a quality patio cover installed |
| Energy savings potential | Up to 25% reduction in cooling costs |
| DIY vs. professional | Professional install recommended for structural covers |
Your outdoor space should work for you — not sit empty because the sun is too harsh or the weather is unpredictable. A well-chosen patio cover extends your usable living area, protects your furniture, and can even lower your energy bills. In fact, the U.S. awning market is growing at over 6% per year, driven largely by homeowners who want more from their outdoor spaces.
Whether you’re comparing aluminum structures or polycarbonate panels, there’s a solution built for your home, your climate, and your budget.
At Awnings Unlimited, we’ve been designing and installing custom awning and patio cover solutions across Northern Utah since 1976 — using durable, eco-friendly Alumawood materials and backing every project with an industry-leading warranty. We’ll walk you through every option in this guide so you can make a confident, informed choice.
Popular Types of Awning and Patio Covers
When you start looking into a new awning and patio setup, the choices for structural covers are designed for longevity and performance. We’ve been navigating this landscape for decades, focusing on engineered solutions that handle the heavy snow loads we see in the Wasatch Front and provide a permanent “outdoor room” feel.
In May 2026, the trend is leaning heavily toward low-maintenance materials. Gone are the days when homeowners wanted to spend their weekends sanding and painting wooden pergolas. Today, it’s all about longevity and ease.
Material Deep Dive
- Aluminum (Alumawood): This is the gold standard for Utah homes. It offers the beautiful texture of wood but is actually embossed aluminum. It won’t warp, crack, rot, or invite termites.
- Polycarbonate Panels: These are fantastic if you want protection from the rain but still want natural light to filter through. High-quality polycarbonate can even withstand 3/4-inch diameter hail!
Utah Patio Covers: Enjoy Your Outdoor Space Year-Round are designed to handle our unique climate, from the intense summer heat in St. George to the heavy snows in Park City.
| Feature | Aluminum (Alumawood) | Polycarbonate |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Extremely High | High |
| Maintenance | Low (Rinse with hose) | Low |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent (Snow/Wind) | Excellent (Rain/Light) |
| Lifespan | 20+ Years | 10-15 Years |
Fixed Awning and Patio Structures
For those looking for a permanent transformation, fixed structures are the way to go. These are true extensions of your home’s architecture. Using Alumawood, we can create a space that looks like traditional timber but stands up to the harshest Utah winters without flinching.
Fixed covers are particularly popular for homeowners who want to include outdoor kitchens, ceiling fans, or even outdoor televisions. Because the structure is permanent and stable, you can easily run electrical wiring through the core of the beams.
Living in Utah: Why You Need Awnings often comes down to energy efficiency. By blocking direct sunlight before it even hits your windows, you can reduce indoor cooling costs by up to 25%. Elevate Your Outdoor Space with a Custom Patio Cover to ensure it matches the specific aesthetic and structural requirements of your property.
Key Benefits of Structural Shade
Why are so many people in Utah and Wyoming investing in an awning and patio cover? It’s not just about looking good—though that’s a nice perk. It’s about functionality.
- Energy Savings: As we mentioned, blocking the sun before it hits your glass is much more effective than using indoor blinds. It keeps the “greenhouse effect” from heating up your living room.
- Furniture Protection: UV rays are brutal. They can fade your expensive outdoor cushions, crack your teak table, and even damage the flooring inside your home near the patio doors. A structural cover provides up to 100% UV protection.
- Rainproofing: Ever had a BBQ ruined by a sudden summer downpour? With a solid-roof patio cover, the party continues. Our standing-seam designs are 100% leakproof, ensuring your outdoor furniture and guests stay dry.
- Temperature Control: A solid patio cover can lower the temperature on your deck by up to 15 degrees. In the heat of a Utah summer, that’s the difference between a space that’s unusable and one that’s your favorite “room” in the house.
Expand Your Living Space with a New Patio Cover and you’ll find yourself spending more time outdoors than ever before. If you need inspiration, check out these Transform Your Outdoor Space: Top Patio Cover Design Ideas.
DIY Kits vs. Professional Installation
It’s the age-old question: “Can I just do this myself?”
There are plenty of DIY kits available at big-box retailers. These kits are often budget-friendly and can be a fun weekend project for a very handy homeowner. However, there are significant trade-offs to consider.
The DIY Reality:
- Warranty: Most overseas kits only offer a 2-3 year warranty.
- Engineering: DIY kits are often “one size fits all.” They may not be rated for the specific snow loads required by building codes in places like Park City or Ogden.
- Tools & Time: You’ll need a solid set of tools, at least one helper, and likely 1-2 full days of labor.
The Professional Advantage: When we handle an installation at Awnings Unlimited, we take the stress off your shoulders. We ensure the structure is anchored correctly to your home’s ledger or a secure concrete footing.
- Customization: We don’t do “out of the box.” Your cover is built to the exact inch of your patio.
- Permits: We understand local building codes from Logan to Provo.
- Durability: Our Alumawood products come with a lifetime warranty on the frame.
The Ultimate Guide to Custom Patio Covers breaks down why professional help is often the more cost-effective choice in the long run. You want to Maximize Your Backyard’s Potential with Custom Patio Covers that add real value to your home, not a structure that might fail during the first heavy snowstorm.
Maintenance and Long-Term Durability
One of the reasons we love aluminum and Alumawood is because they are incredibly low-maintenance. However, a little TLC goes a long way in keeping your awning and patio area looking brand new.
- Cleaning: For aluminum covers, a simple rinse with a garden hose once or twice a year is usually enough to remove dust and pollen. For stubborn spots, a mild soap solution and a soft cloth will do the trick.
- Inspections: After a heavy winter, it’s a good idea to check your mounting brackets and fasteners to ensure everything remains tight and secure.
For more tips on keeping your space ready for guests, read The Covered Pergola: Your Guide to Year-Round Patio Enjoyment. When you Create the Perfect Outdoor Space with a Custom Patio Cover, you’re making an investment that should last as long as the home itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a patio cover increase home value?
Statistics show that adding a high-quality patio cover or awning can increase a home’s resale value by 5% to 10%. Over 70% of homeowners report a positive return on investment, as buyers in 2026 are specifically looking for “move-in ready” outdoor living spaces.
What is the best material for a permanent patio cover?
In our professional opinion, aluminum (specifically Alumawood) is the best choice for Utah and Wyoming. It offers the aesthetic of wood without the maintenance, it’s fire-resistant, and it handles heavy snow loads better than vinyl or light-duty wood structures.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect outdoor sanctuary starts with choosing the right awning and patio cover. Whether you want the sleek, modern look of a polycarbonate roof or the timeless elegance of an Alumawood pergola, the goal is to create a space where memories are made.
Since 1976, Awnings Unlimited has been a family-owned staple in the Salt Lake City community. We take pride in our work across the Wasatch Front, from Logan down to Nephi and over into Wyoming. We don’t just sell covers; we build extensions of your home that stand the test of time.
If you’re ready to transform your backyard, we’re here to help. Custom Patio Covers: Designs to Suit Your Style and Needs are just a phone call away. Browse our full range of outdoor products today and let’s get started on your project!