Why the Right Patio Cover Installers Make All the Difference
Patio cover installers help homeowners transform exposed backyards into comfortable, year-round structural outdoor living spaces — but choosing the right one matters more than most people realize.
Here’s what to look for at a glance:
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Licensed and insured | Protects you if something goes wrong |
| Experience with your material | Aluminum and wood require different skills |
| Permit handling | Skipping permits can cause legal headaches |
| Manufacturer certification | Ensures proper installation of branded systems |
| Warranty on labor and materials | Covers you long after the crew leaves |
A quality structural patio cover does more than block the sun. It protects your family from rain and snow, reduces heat on your outdoor surfaces, and — according to remodeling data — can recover up to 80% of its cost in added home value.
But a poor installation can mean sagging structures, leaks, or covers that fail in the first winter storm. That’s why who installs your cover matters just as much as what material you choose.
At Awnings Unlimited, we’ve been Salt Lake City’s trusted patio cover installers since 1976, serving all of Northern Utah with expert installations using durable Alumawood by Amerimax. With decades of experience behind every project, we’re here to help you make the right call for your backyard.
Understanding Your Options: Materials and Styles
When you begin your search for Patio Cover Installers, the first question you’ll face is: “What should it be made of?” In the Intermountain West, our weather is beautiful but brutal. We deal with intense UV rays in the summer and heavy snow loads in the winter.
For decades, wood was the standard. While wood offers a classic aesthetic, it comes with a “hidden tax” of constant maintenance. In places like Los Angeles, industry data shows a massive shift where 90% of new installations have moved to aluminum. Here in Utah and Wyoming, we see the same trend.
Alumawood is the premier choice for modern homeowners. It uses high-quality, embossed aluminum that mimics the texture and beauty of cedar or redwood but without the rot, termites, or peeling paint. Because it features a baked-on powder-coat finish, it stays looking new for decades.
Comparing Aluminum vs. Wood
To help you decide, we’ve broken down the key differences between the two most common materials used by Patio Cover Installers.
| Feature | Aluminum (Alumawood) | Traditional Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | None (Occasional rinse) | Sanding, staining every 2-3 years |
| Durability | Won’t rot, rust, or burn | Susceptible to rot and termites |
| Weight | Lightweight but strong | Very heavy; requires deep footings |
| Customization | Excellent (colors/styles) | Infinite (but expensive) |
| Lifespan | 40+ years | 15-20 years (with high maintenance) |
If you want to dive deeper into the specifics of these materials, check out our Patio Covers 101: Materials, Styles, and Maintenance Tips.
Motorized Solutions from Patio Cover Installers
For homeowners who want the ultimate “smart” backyard, motorized louvered roofs are the gold standard. These systems feature adjustable slats that can rotate up to 160 degrees.
With a push of a button or a command to your smart device, you can:
- Open the slats to let in 100% of the sunlight and allow hot air to escape.
- Angle the slats to create 40–60% shade while still enjoying a refreshing breeze.
- Close the slats completely to create a watertight seal during a sudden Utah rainstorm.
These systems often include weather sensors that automatically close the roof when rain is detected, protecting your outdoor furniture even when you aren’t home. You can see these systems in action in this video: Transforming Backyards Into Useable Space.
Customizing Your Outdoor Space
Your home isn’t a “cookie-cutter” build, and your shade shouldn’t be either. Reputable Patio Cover Installers offer two primary structural configurations:
- Attached Covers: These are bolted directly to your home’s fascia or roofline, acting as a seamless extension of your living room.
- Free-Standing Structures: These “shade islands” can be placed anywhere—next to a pool, over a detached deck, or as a standalone gazebo for an outdoor kitchen.
Beyond the structure, you can customize the “vibe” with integrated LED lighting, ceiling fans for those stagnant July afternoons, and even radiant heaters for crisp autumn nights. For more design inspiration, read The Ultimate Guide to Custom Patio Covers.
Why Hire Professional Patio Cover Installers?
It might be tempting to treat a patio cover as a weekend project, but in regions with extreme weather, professional installation is a safety requirement.
A structural patio cover is essentially a giant sail. If it isn’t engineered correctly, a strong wind gust can rip it off your house. High-quality systems, like those from Renaissance Patio, are engineered to resist up to 175-mph hurricane-force winds and 85-pound-per-square-foot snow loads. Professional Patio Cover Installers ensure that the connections—the weakest point of any structure—are designed from scratch for maximum structural integrity.
Expert installers also navigate the complexities of local building codes. In the Wasatch Front, every city has different requirements for how deep your concrete footings must be to prevent “frost heave.” Professionals handle these calculations so your structural cover stays level for the next thirty years. Learn more about the benefits of going pro here: Why Choose Professional Patio Cover Installation.
Vetting Patio Cover Installers for Quality and Safety
Not all Patio Cover Installers are created equal. Before you sign a contract, you should ask for proof of the following:
- Licensing: Are they licensed as a general or specialty contractor in your specific state (Utah or Wyoming)?
- Liability Insurance: This protects your property if a ladder falls through a window.
- Worker’s Compensation: This protects you from being sued if an installer is injured on your property.
- Manufacturer Certifications: Companies like Amerimax (Alumawood) provide specific training to ensure their products are installed to warranty standards.
The Installation Process from Consultation to Completion
What does the journey look like? A professional Patio Cover Installation follows a proven roadmap:
- Consultation: We meet at your home to measure the space, discuss your shade needs, and choose colors.
- Design & Quote: We provide a detailed estimate and 3D visualization if needed.
- Permits: We handle the “red tape” with the city or county to ensure the structure is legal.
- Fabrication: Your cover is custom-cut to the exact inch.
- Site Preparation: We ensure the ledger board or footings are ready.
- Installation: Most professional crews can finish a standard install in 1–3 days.
- Final Walkthrough: We ensure every screw is tight and the site is spotless.
The Cost and ROI of Structural Backyard Shade Structures
Let’s talk numbers. While a patio cover is an investment, it’s one of the few home improvements with a high Return on Investment (ROI).
According to the Remodeling Impact Report, a new wood deck or patio addition can recover roughly 80% of its construction cost in home resale value. For example, a $10,000 investment could recoup $8,000 immediately in equity. Beyond the money, 9% of realtors suggest adding structural outdoor shade structures to help a home sell faster.
Factors Influencing the Price from Patio Cover Installers
The final quote from Patio Cover Installers depends on several variables:
- Material Grade: Standard aluminum vs. heavy-gauge extruded aluminum.
- Size: A 10×10 cover costs significantly less than a 20×40 “wraparound” cover.
- Design Intricacy: A simple flat-pan roof is more affordable than a multi-level louvered system.
- Local Labor & Permits: Permit fees vary by city (e.g., Salt Lake City vs. Park City).
If you’re ready to get a specific number for your project, you can Get a Quote directly from our team. If you need help spreading out the cost, there are many Financing options available that offer low-interest rates for home improvements.
Maintenance and Long-Term Durability
One of the biggest reasons we recommend Alumawood is its “set it and forget it” nature. While wood requires you to break out the sander and stain every few years to prevent rot, aluminum is virtually maintenance-free.
In our dry Utah climate, wood can crack and warp within just a few seasons. Aluminum, however, doesn’t care about the sun. The powder-coat finish is baked on, meaning it won’t peel or blister. A quick rinse with a garden hose once a season is usually all it takes to keep it looking brand new.
For those living in snowy regions like Heber City or Logan, our Utah Patio Covers are designed to handle the heavy “lake effect” snow without buckling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Patio Cover Installation
Do structural patio covers require building permits?
In almost all cases in Utah and Wyoming, yes. If a structure is attached to your home or exceeds a certain square footage (usually 120–200 sq. ft.), a permit is required to ensure it meets wind and snow load codes. Your Patio Cover Installers should handle this process for you. Don’t forget to check with your HOA as well; they often have specific rules about colors and heights.
How long does the installation process typically take?
The “hands-on” installation usually takes only 1 to 3 days. However, the lead-up time—including custom fabrication and waiting for city permit approvals—can take several weeks. It’s always best to start your project in the late winter or early spring so you’re ready for the first heatwave of June.
Can I install a patio cover kit myself?
There are DIY patio cover kits available, but we generally advise against them for permanent structures. DIY kits often use thinner gauge aluminum and lack the “hardcore engineering” of professional systems. Furthermore, most manufacturer warranties (like the leading ones we offer at Awnings Unlimited) are only valid if the system is installed by a certified professional. If you make a mistake on a DIY install, you could end up with a leaky roof and no recourse.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Partner for Your Backyard
Your backyard is an extension of your home. It’s where you’ll host summer BBQs, watch your kids play, and relax after a long day. Choosing the right Patio Cover Installers ensures that your new structural space is safe, beautiful, and built to last a lifetime.
At Awnings Unlimited, we take pride in being a family-owned Salt Lake City business. Since 1976, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the Wasatch Front and Wyoming create their dream outdoor spaces. We specialize in Alumawood systems because we believe our customers deserve the best durability and the strongest warranties in the industry.
Ready to take back your backyard from the sun? Find Your Structural Patio Cover Pro at Awnings Unlimited and let’s start designing your outdoor oasis today.