Patio covers and awnings can give some much-needed shade to your property. A smartly installed patio cover not only gives you an outdoor seating area some extra shade, it can also help shade the inside of your house. So, patio covers can actually make your inside more eco-friendly. Of course, the cover can also be a fun new stylish feature on your house.

There are many different types of patio covers, from the affordable retractable fabric systems to the permanent constructed covers. This article breaks down the main differences between these two types of patios.

Retractable Covers

Retractable patios and awnings are extremely popular and convenient for some people. Having a retractable cover that you only use when you need it can be a very convenient way to control your shade. The covers are opened using a special cranking mechanism or a motor. Obviously, motorized systems are more expensive, but they are certainly more convenient if they are working properly. If you do need to repair a motorized cover, it can be a little expensive.

In general, the most attractive things about patio retractable covers is that they can be more easily retracted and set up, and they are also cheaper. You can even dismount the entire system during the winter if you want.

Permanent Covers

A permanent patio cover needs to be built by a general contractor. Obviously, when it comes to a permanent cover, you want it to blend in with the rest of your home exterior. You want your cover to be the same texture, trim color, and general style as your home. This requires the use of far more expensive building supplies.

There are modular patio covers that basically look like permanent structures, but they probably aren't going to match perfectly with your home. They are usually paintable, but it might not have the perfect style and texture. Adding a patio cover to your property is a big investment.

Your Home Value

In general, a permanent cover is always going to add more value to your home. Many people think that fabric covers look cheesy and temporary. They certainly don't have the class or value of a permanent cover. But, if you are mainly considering adding a cover for functionality and don't want to spend too much money on it, retractable covers are very functional and smart.

Either can be the right choice for your property. The choice depends on your budget and your circumstances.