The reason that we bring up this topic on our site is because of its use for a patio roof. It makes for a really nice option in terms of aesthetics and it can also be quite simple to install for these applications. If you choose to go with a more expensive metal tile or material like copper, then you’ll probably want to invest in having a professional roofer do the installation. The industrious DIYer could handle a corrugated metal panel install just laid over some rafters or on top of some sheeting.

This is an example from Steelmaster of a large metal roof that is over a nice patio space.

These types of installations are often more for show than anything that we would consider for protection from the elements in a waterproof sort of way.

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Patio Roof Plans

So, what are your plans for your patio’s roof? You should know that the lattice roof found on many pergola designs is quite a popular choice. It is made using a wooden post and beam structure supporting rafters. These are what can then support a lattice structure up top or can be the finished ‘roof’ themselves.

Another option with the pergola is to place this sheet or metal roofing materials directly over these rafters as was just mentioned. Not only does this provide you with more solid shade, but it will also give you a nice sound effect when rain is hitting it.

Next step is to add a metal roof and get an even more efficient and 'clean' rain water collection system for use in the garden.

An additional point that makes a metal patio roof an attractive option is how it can be used with a rain water collection system or cistern. Since metal is naturally mildew and algae growth resistant and not produced with petroleum by-products, it allows for clean water runoff. This rainwater can be collected in your cisterns and used to water your plants in your garden.  This works especially well if your home has continuous or seamless gutters installed.

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You know – if you are a frequent visitor of our site – that we are big fans of building with green and environmentally-friendly materials and products wherever possible.   You’ll also appreciate that we find products that are as attractive aesthetically as they are environmentally where such products exist.  This is why we like the idea of a roof plans that call for using metal.

Environmental Benefits of a Metal Roof

This is a nice example of how copper will develop a nice patina over time.

It is lightweight, which makes it amenable to being installed over existing roof materials. This minimizes both labor in tearing off an old roof and also reduces waste that will accumulate in a landfill – especially since many older roofs contain those petroleum by-products.

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In addition to this, metal is recyclable. In fact, many metal roofs contain as much as 25% recycled (sometimes 95%!) materials. It is also able to allow water to run off and snow to be shed, removing the load on the roof.

We’ve mentioned the algae and mildew resistance. There is also a property known as ‘hydrostatic’ meaning that it protects a roof system from growing fungus created by moisture. This is more of a concern on your home than an open patio space, but it deserves mention, nonetheless.

Finally, metal is an energy efficient choice. It reflects up to 70% of the sun’s energy, minimizing heat retention. On the roof of your home, this could translate into 34% less heat gain when compared to a typical asphalt shingle roof. Speaking of the sun and patio roofs, we’ve also discussed the solar patio cover in another article. You may be interested in that option as well, potentially a combination of both.

For these reasons and more, a patio metal roof makes for a great choice for your unique patio. You’ll have a hard time finding patio covers that provide you with durability through hot and cold temperatures, wet and dry weather cycles and climate zones, high UV ray areas, windy conditions, hail, ice or snow as a metal roof does.

Here is a sample of the lattice-style patio roof.

What many people are interested in is the shade that a roof or other shade, can provide. If you have a more casual and smaller patio space, you may be able to get by with a simple patio umbrella. While not as permanent as a fully covered structure, it can still give you what you are after. Besides, you can also move it around and take it down in heavy winds or other inclimate weather. These are options that don’t exist with other patio roof options.      Photo credit

There are some very popular patio structures that we really embrace on our site. They are all similar, but have some unique differences as well. In terms of creating a nice outdoor room or larger patio area, a pergola is a very hard structure to beat. It has many features that make it suitable for the discussion here. Similar to the pergola are the gazebo and smaller structures; the trellis and arbor. These latter terms are sometimes used interchangeably with the term pergola, but not around here. What we refer to is a typical 10’ x 10’ or larger structure. This is not a magic number, it is just a standard size for garden canopies and other shade structures, so it is more for reference than anything else. Let’s talk about some of these roof styles and materials.

Patio Roofs Designs and Styles

You can imagine the design for the roof of your patio like any other roof, with some unique differences. We’ll use the pergola as our example, but the materials could fit others as well. The main thing about a roof on a free-standing patio structure is that it doesn’t necessarily have to provide all of the same features that your home’s roof does. In other words, it doesn’t need to be completely waterproof unless that is the type of roof you are looking for.

Many people prefer more of a lattice-style roof that allows more light to penetrate, but also gives shade as well. There are automatic louver style roofs now as well. These are really pretty nifty. You see, what would be ideal is for the beams or stringers on your pergola to match the angle of the sun’s rays. This would allow you to get the best type of shade possible. Part of this depends on how you situate your pergola – or other patio area – on your property. The sun sits in the sky differently at different times of the year. You can see how this particular style of patio roof accomplishes this – very ingenious design!

Now, there are other times when you can actually harness the placement and position of your patio structure for good use. What we mean is that you can use the roof of your patio to capture energy from the sun. A typical solar patio cover can give you enough energy to at least power the lighting and some other minor energy uses on your patio. Unless you have a large patio, don’t expect it to power your home or provide enough energy for your outdoor kitchen appliances or audio-visual equipment.

If you’re just looking for a simple roof for your patio, there are always wood, tile and metal choices. Wood, like the lattice roof or using a cross-beam style is a handsome look. It provides support for climbing vines and such as well. You can stain it and seal it to give you a longer finish. However, it will need to be maintained much more often.

With a cement or ceramic tile roof, you can get a more rustic or Mediterranean look and feel to your patio. It may even take on a cabana appeal. Typically, you’ll need to have a masonry built pillar or post structure to support such a heavy roof. These also require much more technical skill to install, so the DIYer may be stretching him or herself with this one.

A similar situation arises with a metal patio roof. You can use metal, like zinc, copper or steel to create a really elegant looking roof. Since it is a smaller space, the additional high cost of such a roof may not be as hard on the budget. These roofs have been demonstrated to last decades – even decades longer than a traditional roof. So, if you are interested in a patio cover that is truly unique and has some character and charm, consider hiring a professional to install a metal roof for you.

What will make you decide on one type of patio roof over another is mostly related to the style of your home and patio spaces.  If you have something that is more free-standing, like a pergola, then the roof will most likely be nothing but the beams or possibly a lattice-style of roof.  But, don’t be fooled – these are great pergola roofing options.  These are often wooden structures, with cedar and redwood being the best choices.  Not only do they have a nice quality to work with, but they weather the elements extremely beautifully.  They do have natural defenses

This patio roof looks like a reinforced lattice style.

against premature aging, but will do much better with a wood sealer or stain.  If you like the look of the natural wood – and this is something we favor around here at Patio Covers Place – then just go with a clear sealant option.  Thompson’s, Behr and others can be found at your local home improvement warehouses that will do the job quite well.

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Another option for the free-standing patio cover, like the pergola or cabana look, is an outdoor patio roof made of tile.  These tiles are reminiscent of a Mediterranean look, but are now usually made of concrete.  The readily available nature of the cement roof tiles makes them easier to work with and more affordable in most cases.  You can still get them in a variety of shades to give the appearance of an old-world style.  This type of patio roof, combined with some stone pillars makes for a great look.

What About Metal Patio Roofing?

Similar to these construction methods, though using different materials, you could opt for a metal roof for your patio cover.  Choices for metals include things like steel, copper, bronze and aluminum.  These not only make for a unique

Here is just one type of metal patio roof made of steel.

looking roof, but can have as long a durability as any material.  These metal patio roofs often have life spans of up to 50-60 years.  Try getting that out of a traditional asphalt or wooden shingle.  It simply isn’t going to happen.  In addition to this, these metals develop a wonderful patina that just adds to the distinguished look of your patio over time.

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As discussed, there is a distinct advantage of having metal for durability, but sometimes you just need to match an existing roof line and material.  For these traditional asphalt shingle roofs or cedar shingle roofs, they are constructed in the same way as any roof on a home.  First, the joists are placed.  Next, comes the plywood.  For your home to be waterproof, a felt paper and flashing are used.  For your patio, this step may not be employed. Then, the shingles are marked, measured and nailed into place.  You would never know it was done unless you say it first yourself.  These are the basic principles and options regarding your patio roof ideas.