Renewing Your Outdoor Space: Is it Time to Upgrade Your Patio Cover?

Most times, you can easily get away with repairing your patio cover when it shows initial symptoms of damage. But how do you know it’s time to replace it? 

If you have an old patio cover, it can be really confusing to identify when it becomes unstable. And if you overlook the warning signs without a timely modification, the structure may collapse and cause serious injury to anyone beneath it.

Hence, we have listed some crucial warning signals you should look out for to identify whether it’s the right time to replace your patio covers Ohio.  

Signs That Tell Your Patio Cover Needs Replacement

Structural Damage

The firmness of your patio cover or pergolas largely depends on the strength of the beams, joists, and posts. But these elements can get distorted and fall off if their service life has expired.

In the case of wood patio cover, warping can deform the structure due to uneven moisture absorption. Moisture, coupled with Ohio’s humid climate, can also attract insects like termites that can eat the wood from the inside out. In this case, you may see small, pinpoint holes in the surface, and the wood may sound hollow when tapped.

Sometimes, the beams may develop excessive arches when the supporting posts are set up far apart. Sagging, cracks, and rotting of the elements are common issues that weaken them and threaten the integrity of the structure.

Cracks in Foundation

The foundation is the primary support that determines the stability of your patio cover Cincinnati Ohio. But the ground upon which the foundation is laid can shift to cause cracks in the concrete. This can diminish the structure’s ability to withstand heavy winds, rain, or snow, risking the safety of everyone beneath it. If the damage is extensive, the risk of collapse increases, posing potential hazards. 

Hence, always ensure the foundation is in the best condition. If not, you need a full replacement to be set up on the new foundation. 

Old and Worn Out Structures

Every patio cover has a life that can vary depending on factors like material used, climatic conditions, and maintenance. However, the average lifespan of wood patio covers is 10-20 years, aluminum patio covers are 20-30 years, fabric patio covers are 5-10 years, and vinyl patio covers are 10-15 years.

Withstanding the test of time can be difficult. The wood may rot over time. The shingles in the roof may get cracks. Roof leaks can fail to protect the interiors against water. The fabric patio covers can easily get torn and faded. The vinyl patio cover may crack when exposed to sunlight for years.

All these increase the risk of catastrophic failure. So no matter how good your patio cover Columbus Ohio looks, if it has survived well over its average lifespan without any major modification, you must get it inspected by a professional.

Rusting Hardware

The hardware, like nuts, bolts, and brackets, keeps the structure intact and secure. But they can get rusty and frail and begin to break down. You know the possibility of rusting in a place like Ohio, where heavy rainfall is as common as air. The rusty hardware can be dangerous as they compromise the stability of your patio cover. 

Irregular Building Codes

Building codes dictate how structural systems like patio covers would be constructed to ensure safe and resilient structures. Hence one way to ensure that your patio cover is built correctly is to check if it follows proper building codes. 

Since building codes change over time, your patio cover Dayton Ohio or in other parts of the state may not meet the current standards if it’s old enough. In this case, there is a great chance it would result in a frail structure unable to support the weight of the roof in the long run. 

Displeasing Aesthetics 

Up till now, we only talked about functionality. But the appearance of your patio cover can’t be overlooked. Ohio’s harsh climate can make a patio cover discolored, stained, and outdated. The wear and tear in the structure add to the displeasing aesthetics. 

Replacing your pergolas not only refreshes the exterior with a stylish and modern appearance but also adds value to your property.

Summing Up

Nobody wants their outdoor sitting area to be on the verge of collapsing and risking safety. Hence, beware of the above warning signs and immediately contact an expert for inspection when you spot them. A new patio cover is undoubtedly an incredible investment that gives you a safe and sturdy place to make exciting memories with your family and friends. 

We, at Patio Covers Ohio, have a team of expert architects and designers, who can help you select the best options for your outdoor space. Connect with us and book your free consultation today. You can also email us at info@PatiocoversOhio.com, and our team will get in touch with you.