Do aluminum patio covers get hot?

A plain aluminum cover is a single sheet of metal with nothing behind it, and HomeGuide's aluminum prices are for basic roofs without insulation. Insulated panels put a foam core between two aluminum skins. HomeGuide prices those at $30 to $60 per sq ft, against $20 to $50 for solid aluminum.

Are aluminum patio covers good in hail?

They hold up to sun and rain, but aluminum dents. HomeGuide notes that a solid aluminum cover lasts up to 20 years but dents easily, and that wood-look aluminum panels dent under hail. If dents bother you, look at a steel or standing seam porch roof, which uses a heavier panel.

Can a patio cover tie into my existing roof?

Yes. A gable or shed-style cover can be framed into the house roof so it looks like part of the house. HomeGuide prices a gable roof over an existing patio at $70 to $155 per sq ft, because it usually needs new footings, posts and framing. Ask how the tie-in will be flashed.

Metal Patio Cover in Midland, TX

Typical cost: HomeGuide puts a patio cover over an existing patio at $20 to $60 per sq ft: steel $15 to $30, aluminum $20 to $50, insulated panels $30 to $60
Time: one patio cover builder's guide gives 1 to 3 days of installation for most homes, after design and any permit
Choices: a flat-pan cover, an insulated foam-core roof, a gable roof tied into the house ($70 to $155 per sq ft), or a metal awning ($450 to $1,250 in HomeAdvisor's data)

Midland Metal Roofing gets a measure-up booked with a contractor who builds patio covers, porch roofs and awnings in Midland. Send the patio size and a photo of the back of the house, and say whether you want shade only or a cooler space under the cover.

Metal Patio Cover Types for Midland Backyards

A patio cover has to block the afternoon sun and keep rain and hail off the patio. These four styles cost different amounts and handle each job differently.

Attached white aluminum flat-pan patio cover on posts behind a tan stucco house

Attached Flat-Pan Patio Covers

A flat-pan cover is ribbed aluminum or steel pans on a light frame. One side attaches to the house and the other sits on posts. Steel pans are the lowest-cost metal option in HomeGuide's table. These are basic covers with no insulation, just one metal skin between you and the sun.

Steel cover: $15 to $30 per sq ft, or $3,000 to $6,000 typical
Solid aluminum: $20 to $50 per sq ft, or $4,000 to $10,000; $10 to $15 per sq ft for the materials alone

Insulated aluminum foam-core patio cover with recessed lights over a back patio

Insulated-Panel Patio Covers

Insulated panels put a foam core between aluminum skins, and the panels interlock. You pay more for the insulation layer that a flat-pan cover doesn't have. If you want fans or lights under the cover, ask how wiring will run through the panels.

Installed: $30 to $60 per sq ft, or $6,000 to $12,000 typical
Materials only: $15 to $25 per sq ft

Gable porch roof with a dark bronze standing seam metal roof over a back patio

Gable and Standing Seam Porch Roofs

A gable or shed roof framed off the house looks like it was built with the home. With standing seam on top, it can match a metal house roof or contrast with a shingle one. It costs the most because the extra weight usually means new footings, posts and framing. Standing seam can run almost flat, but lapped panels need more pitch. The minimum slopes are on our standing seam page.

Gable roof over an existing patio: $70 to $155 per sq ft (HomeGuide)

Bronze metal awning over a back door and window on a brick house

Metal Awnings

An awning shades a door, a window or a small slab without posts. Most metal awnings are aluminum. HomeAdvisor's figures:

Typical installed metal awning: $450 to $1,250, about $850 average
Window or door awning: $200 to $1,000
Patio or deck awning: $500 to $3,500
Labor share: $160 to $500

Roofer in a harness and wide-brim hat kneeling on a light grey standing seam roof, checking a seam

Why Midland homeowners call Midland Metal Roofing

Free quotes, no obligation to hire
Panel, gauge and price in writing before any work
Your request goes to one Midland roofer, not a call list
Homeowners never pay us for the referral

Heat, Hail and the House Roof: Patio Cover Details That Matter

Price these details before you sign, not after the first summer.

Heat
Midland gets more than 100 days a year at 90°F or hotter, so price the insulated-panel option before you choose. Our metal roof coating page covers the heat numbers and reflective finishes.
Hail
HomeGuide notes that aluminum covers dent easily. If dents would bother you, price a steel or standing seam option too. See our hail damage page for storm damage on metal.
The tie-in
the joint where the cover meets the house has to shed water. Ask whether the builder will flash under the existing shingles or wall cladding, or just seal against the surface.
Old cover removal
taking down an old cover adds about $100 to $400, according to HomeGuide.
Bigger plans
if you may enclose the space later, ask for posts and footings that can carry walls. For covered parking instead of a patio, see metal carports.