Riverbend Timber Framing / Photo by Heidi Long
After a winter of wild, wicked weather, we’re all clamoring to enjoy the great outdoors — even if it’s simply spending some time on our patios or decks. We have a few design-build tricks to enhance your outdoor time and extend it when Mother Nature isn’t quite as cooperative as we’d like her to be. Check out our five top reasons to add a roof to your outdoor living area plans.
1. Reduce indoor cooling costs.
If you have a deck or patio located on the sunniest side of the house, adding a roof and generating some shade will help reduce the burden on your air-conditioning (and bank account) in the summer.
2. Add entertaining areas you will use.
A covered patio or deck makes spending time outside more comfortable, and adding features like outdoor kitchens and living rooms will make exterior entertaining a joy! Kick the fun up a notch by incorporating a tiki bar or add a hot tub for soothing relaxation rain or shine.
3. Install structured lighting.
An overhead light fixture, ceiling fan and task lighting are all viable options when you have a permanent roof in place. Add outlets for whimsical string lights or a cool chandelier over a dining table.
4. Extend the life of outdoor furniture.
Weather-tolerant fabrics and outdoor materials have come a very long way — some are indistinguishable from indoor furniture — but it never hurts to give them an extra measure of protection. By covering your deck or patio, you can leave the vast majority of your cushions and accessories outside all year long, reducing your dependence on extra storage to house these items in the offseason.
5. Minimize maintenance.
A roof not only protects those using the deck or patio, it also shields the house itself. By minimizing your home’s logs or timbers to direct assaults by moisture and sun exposure, you can scale back on how frequently you have to power wash, stain or seal these wood components — saving you both time and money.
See also: Timber Frame Gazebo Inspiration
