Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 2/19/2009

Question
I have a large patio, however most of the summer months are too hot to enjoy because it gets direct afternoon sunlight.  I was thinking about a retractable awning, like sunsetters, or perhaps a more permanent roof covering would be better.  Either one would go over half the patio since it is very long which would leave an area uncovered, and that is fine.  I just want to know the pros and cons of both options, and since cost is going to be a factor, which would be more economical now and perhaps bring a better resale value later?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jillian - thanks for your question!

You're right, the retractable awning's big drawback is the size and location.  They're really quite nice and very convenient, but only cover a relatively small area - usually up against the house.  But if that's the area you want to cover then they're fine.

A permanent roof can be whatever size you want, but unlike the awning it's completely opaque; the awning fabric on the other hand lets a little sunlight through (but not heat).  A permanent roof also will require foundations, posts, roofing, flashing, etc. because it has to handle bad weather as well as good (it's not retractable!). You'll probably also need require building permits and so forth.

A third option is a "brise soleil" ("sun-breaker") which is more commonly referred to as a "pergola" in landscape architectural circles. It's a roof of "slats" that let some sun in while providing some shade...I've seen many that have vines growing on them that provide even more shade.  Some are also done with retractable canvas shades.  A nice photo of one is here: http://www.backyardamerica.com/mahogany-pergola.htm or just Google "pergola" and click on "images" - you'll get plenty of ideas.

A brise soleil is simple and easy to build, can be any size and located anywhere you want, doesn't usually require a building permit and can be very attractive.  Most landscape contractors have experience with these, but kits are also available (see link above).

Back to your original question - the retractable awning will likely be the least expensive of these three options, the permanent roof the most expensive.  Resale value is very, very local in nature - what's valuable in one part of the state may not be in another - so you need to contact a local real estate agent for an opinion on that.

But my gut feeling is that a well-done brise soleil would add the most value, the awning the least.  The permanent roof could be valuable or it could be seen as a hindrance to some - that's one big advantage of the awning, it can be easily removed by a future owner if they don't want it.  Don't worry TOO much about resale, however, do what works best for you first.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com