Beginner's Guide To Patio Covers

A patio cover is a material that is used to cover over a patio space. These covers can be made of wood, metal, vinyl or aluminum. Their primary role is to protect the patio from the adverse effects of the wind, rain or even snow. A patio cover exhibits similarities with a porch awning, the only difference being that porch awnings are strictly made from canvas and not any other material. By providing protection from the weather, a patio cover gives homeowners the chance to enjoy their patio for a lengthened period. You can consider the patio cover San Diego experts for the best services. If you do not have the slightest idea on how to go about a patio, this beginner’s guide will shed some light your way.

A beginner’s guide to patio covers

Planning your patio

After you have decided on where your patio is to be placed, the first thing to do is draw on a graph paper a very detailed plan to scale. All the dimensions of your patio should be put on the diagram. On the plan, mark all the permanent features-manhole covers, fencing, walls and the house.

Measure Up

This is where you calculate your patio’s area in square meters. You can do this by using paving slabs. Paving slabs can easily be acquired at any shop that sells patios. The area that will be covered by your patio is represented by the number of packs of paving slabs used.

Mark out the patio

Using a string, a builder’s square and wooden pegs, transfer your plan carefully and accurately to the ground. To depict the depth of the working (the completed level of the patio slab surfaces and bedding mortar), mark some lines on the wooden pegs you are using. See to it that the top surface marks are at the same level with any existing manhole covers and paving. When you are putting in the wooden pegs, do not forget to allow for a little slope from the house.

Preparation of the base.

Prepare the base by adding over the thoroughly compacted hardcore a layer of bedding mortar. Then gently lay down the paving slabs and fill in the gaps existing between the paving slabs. After they are filled fully, leave them and the mortar to dry for about 24 hours. This is the last stage in the process of patio installation.