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How to Enjoy Your Patio or Deck in the Rain

Even if you’re someone who loves the rain, you probably don’t enjoy spending a rainy day out on your patio without sufficient coverage. When this space is unprotected, you get wet and cold and are driven back inside by the unfriendly weather pretty quickly. 

Thankfully, there are ways to enclose and cover your patio so it’s a place you can enjoy even on rainy days. If you’d like to weatherproof your outdoor living space, keep reading to learn more about your options — plus tips for how to make a rainy afternoon on your patio more enjoyable. 

What’s Wrong With a Little Rain?

There are two main issues with rain on your porch, deck or patio: 

  • It’s wet — so it can cause water damage to your deck and furniture. 

  • It’s cold — so it’s impossible to enjoy the space even if you’re wrapped in a weatherproofed raincoat yourself!

On the whole, rain is great for the environment and an important part of seasonal weather. However, people can’t stay damp and cold for long before getting uncomfortable. Spending time on your patio in the rain is unpleasant, which means you can’t enjoy this space during inclement weather. 

Creating a Weatherproof Patio Enclosure

The solution is to enclose your patio or deck so that you can enjoy this outdoor space even on rainy days. Enclosing this area may even mean you can enjoy it during winter weather — although that will depend on how cold it gets and how seriously you enclose the space. 

Here are a few options to consider for enclosing your patio space. The best option depends on how open you want your space to be and how much protection you need to enjoy time outside throughout the year. 

Patio Covers

The first step for blocking the weather is to install a roofing system over your patio space. There are several options available, and Colorado Sunroom and Window offers several that we can professionally install in your space. 

1. Solara Adjustable Patio Cover

This weatherproof patio cover is a pergola with a special slatted roof. During good weather, the slats can be left open so sunshine can come in. During rain or snow, you can turn the slats so they create a closed, sealed surface that keeps the elements out. 

The Solaria patio cover is made of aluminum and comes in several colors. You can choose either a manual or automatic model, but both are easy to use. If you like the slatted look of a pergola, this is a great option for covering your space. 

2. Renaissance Patio Cover

This cover design option has a roof and posts, as well as a flat surface instead of a slatted one. There are several versions of the Renaissance patio cover, and they all look different. Most of them obscure light, although the Fresco model is less opaque and allows sunlight to come into the space. 

Renaissance patio covers are made of aluminum and wood and are designed to be strong and long-lasting. There are a number of style and color variations, so you can find the design that best suits your home. 

Adding a cover to your patio is essential for keeping this space dry during rainstorms. When the rainy weather is warm enough, you can curl up on soft patio furniture and enjoy a good book while listening to the sound of the rain. However, a roof doesn’t help much with snow — or when the wind takes the rain sideways.

Patio Enclosures 

If you want to take your patio space to the next level and keep out worse weather, you should consider patio enclosures. There are a few different options. One is to install permanent wall additions, effectively turning your patio into a sunroom. 

Another option is to incorporate adjustable shades that can be raised during sunny weather. This is a great choice for enclosing a covered porch. Let’s look at each option more closely. 

1. Permanent Wall Additions

A sunroom is essentially a patio that’s enclosed for weather protection and temperature control. If you choose to completely enclose your patio, you can still enjoy large windows, lots of sunlight and a space that connects you to nature. 

With this option, you’ll be able to enjoy this space all year — regardless of the weather. At Colorado Sunroom and Window, we can install a wall panel system that will turn your patio into a sunroom you can enjoy during the rain and snow.

 
 

2. Adjustable Shades

Alternatively, you can install retractable shades that block the weather during storms. These shades can protect your furniture and improve internal temperatures while still allowing you to enjoy the view. 

At Colorado Sunroom and Window, we offer shades that are opaque or fitted with clear panels to match your window shape and size. We know that every patio space is different, so we work with clients to design a custom solution that’s the best fit. 

Tips to Enjoy Your Patio Cover or Patio Enclosure

Whether you cover or enclose your patio, there are many options for enjoying this additional space. The best choices depend on how protected your space is from the elements. Here are a few suggestions for decorating and using this unique space. 

Ideas for Covered Patios

If you cover your patio, it will receive overhead protection from rain and snow. A few ideas for enjoying this space include adding a firepit or fireplace. During cool autumn nights and early spring days, you can sit outside and enjoy the glow. Another idea is to install a grill and invite friends and family over for barbecue and burgers during the summer. 

Ideas for Enclosed Patios

When you completely enclose your patio, everything inside remains safe from the elements. This gives you a lot of freedom to include whatever elements you’ll most enjoy. Here are a few ideas: 

  • Widescreen TV

  • Projector screen

  • Furniture

  • Game table

  • Reading nook

Incorporate the elements that best line up with how you’d like to use this space. While some homeowners might prefer to entertain in an enclosed patio, others may see it as a peaceful retreat for some quality alone time. 

Contact Colorado Sunroom and Window for a Free Estimate Today!

At Colorado Sunroom and Window, we offer many different ways for you to cover or enclose your patio so you can enjoy it during inclement weather. And if your patio is completely open, you could also consider installing a LifeRoom. This patio option includes a cover and retractable walls in an all-in-one package. You can even opt for climate control, mood lighting and a projection screen for watching movies on one of your walls. 

Learn more about your options at Colorado Sunroom and Window, or contact us today for a free estimate so we can help you find the best solution for your goals.