Shade Archives - JLC Enterprises

Will a Solid Patio Cover Make Your House Too Dark?

A solid patio cover provides strong shade and protection from direct sun, but homeowners sometimes worry about what will happen inside the house. A kitchen or family room that receives most of its daylight through patio doors and windows can become dimmer after a deep roof is added.

That does not mean a solid cover is wrong. The result depends on the cover depth, roof height, orientation, nearby windows, underside color, and light entering from other directions.

Start With the Windows Beside the Patio

Look at which rooms depend on the patio facing glass. A room with windows on two walls responds differently from a kitchen with one sliding door.

Observe the space in the morning, at midday, and late afternoon. A west facing window may receive harsh heat and glare when the room is brightest. Reducing that direct sun may improve comfort even when the room becomes less bright.

North facing glass receives less direct solar gain, so covering it can remove useful daylight without the same reduction in heat. Department of Energy guidance recommends considering shading and daylight together rather than treating them as separate issues.

Compare Solid and Lattice Coverage

A solid roof blocks direct sunlight. It is useful over outdoor kitchens, dining tables, televisions, and furniture needing stronger protection.

A lattice cover filters sunlight through open sections. JLC notes that lattice can suit patios near windows where homeowners want shade without making the area feel closed in. Competing patio cover guidance makes the same distinction: solid and insulated roofs provide greater coverage, while lattice designs preserve more filtered light and airflow.

Some yards benefit from a combination design. Solid coverage can protect the main seating area while lattice sections near important windows preserve more daylight.

Cover Depth Makes a Difference

A roof extending a few feet beyond the wall affects the room differently from one reaching across a large patio. Greater depth blocks more of the visible sky from nearby windows.

The projection should follow the furniture and shade goal rather than automatically covering every inch of concrete. If one section is used for dining and another as an open garden area, the cover can focus on the part needing protection.

Roof height matters too. A higher cover can preserve a broader view of the sky, although height must still suit the home, engineering, drainage, wind design, and neighborhood rules.

Use Color to Reflect Available Light

A light colored underside reflects more daylight beneath the cover than a dark ceiling. Light patios and nearby surfaces can also bounce some sunlight toward the windows. Department of Energy remodeling guidance notes that light exterior surfaces reflect light into rooms, while dark surfaces and vegetation absorb more of it.

This cannot replace direct daylight, but it can prevent the covered patio from feeling gloomy. Ceiling finish, flooring, wall paint, and furniture colors all contribute.

Plan Interior and Exterior Lighting Together

Even a carefully designed cover changes the room after sunset and on cloudy days. Review the existing kitchen, dining room, and family room lighting before construction.

Under the cover, several modest fixtures usually work better than one harsh central light. Indoors, under cabinet lighting or a brighter lamp may solve a dark corner without changing the patio design.

Wiring is easier to plan before the cover is installed, especially when fans, recessed lights, or outdoor outlets are included.

Test the Idea Before Finalizing the Design

Use the proposed dimensions to create a temporary visual guide. Poles, string, or a simple digital sketch can show the roof edge and how much sky will remain visible from inside.

Stand in the important rooms at different times. The goal is to balance daylight with a patio comfortable enough to use.

Compare Patio Cover Options With JLC Enterprises

JLC Enterprises designs and installs solid, lattice, cantilevered, and 4K aluminum patio covers throughout the Phoenix Valley and East Valley. Call 480 967 9183 for a free in home estimate. The team can review window locations, sun exposure, cover depth, roof height, and mixed coverage options before the final design is selected.

Live References

JLC Enterprises Patio Covers

https://www.jlcenterprises.com/patio-covers-phoenix-arizona.htm

JLC Enterprises: Cantilever, Lattice or Solid Patio Covers

https://www.jlcenterprises.com/cantilever-lattice-or-solid-patio-covers-for-phoenix-backyards/

United States Department of Energy: Hot and Dry Climate Design Guidance

https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/30percent_hot_dry.pdf

United States Department of Energy: No Regrets Remodeling

https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/no_regrets_remodeling_ornl.pdf

West Coast Awnings: Solid Roof Versus Lattice Patio Covers

https://wcawnings.com/choosing-between-a-solid-roof-vs-lattice-patio-cover.html

If you are looking to add more shade surrounding your deck area, consider any of these 15 ideas below!

1. Install A Pergola

Most experts do not define pergolas as a roof since it is built from a frame with open rafters. This means it cannot fully protect a home from inclement weather. Pergolas can, however, add much-needed shade to a backyard or garden area.

Pergolas can either be freestanding structures or attached to the home, depending on type of design desired. Homeowners can choose from a variety of high-quality wood stains or iron elements to build a pergola that can withstand weather conditions and add to the character of your home.

2. Gazebo

You can protect your guests and patio furniture from the sun with the addition of a gazebo. A full gazebo canopy will provide maximum protection from the elements while giving your outdoor living space a clean look, at the same time.

Most homeowners must choose between a steel or wooden frame when installing a gazebo. A small gazebo can do the trick if you’re simply looking to cover the grill area.

3. Hang A Shade Sail

Unfortunately, some yards may not feature an obvious area to place an awning or umbrella. If this is the case in your outdoor living area, you could consider hanging a shade sail.

The durable, weatherproof fabric can block out the sun’s harmful rays. Shade sail fabric can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes to fit your yard.

4. Latice Patio Covers

Lattice patio covers are also known as pergolas, ramada’s, or gazebos. Our lattice patio covers differ, as each are crafted from highly durable Alumawood. What is Alumawood? It is manufactured from durable, lightweight, and strong aluminum. It’s embossed with lifelike high quality wood grain for that more natural look.

It perfectly captures the look of wood without the maintenance needs of real wood. Alumawood will not crack, warp or split and it never needs painting! The finished product looks beautiful from the day it is installed and remains that way for years to come.

5. 4K Aluminum Pergolas

It’s no secret that 4K aluminum pergolas are highly durable structures that provide both shade and elegance to an outdoor living space. These structures feature customizable designs, ease of installation, and very few maintenance needs over time. 4K aluminum pergolas are undoubtedly a popular choice for enhancing a patio, backyard, or garden area.

When selecting an outdoor shade structure, consider a 4K aluminum pergola for its strength and durability. These heavy-duty structures can resist rust and fading, while withstanding the harsh winds brought on during monsoon season in Arizona.

6. Install An Awning

A retractable awning can result in some instant shade outdoors. Installing an awning can be a simple DIY task that’s completed in just a few hours.

You’ll be able to choose between a manual crank option or a motorized version.

7. Hang Outdoor Curtains

Adding a pair of curtains can be one of the easiest ways to introduce more shade to your yard. Heavy-duty fabric will be able to withstand the elements while allowing for flexibility when it comes to your preferences.

These curtains can come in a wide array of colors and patterns. A neutral pair of curtains in a cream or white color can give your space a more modern appeal.

8. Roller Shades

A covered porch can offer some much-needed shade from the harsh Arizona sunshine.

Some porches may also feature a roller shade that can be pulled down during the sunniest parts of the day, creating more shade.

9. Fabric Shield

Fabric shields tend to be a favorite choice of nature enthusiasts. It is also a great option for anyone with a tight budget.

Typically, outdoor fabric is available with many color options. These are good solutions for outdoor deck shading.

10. Use Umbrellas

The most budget-friendly option on the market today is the outdoor umbrella.

Most homeowners tend to choose umbrellas that come with a style that compliments their outdoor living space.

11. Shade Panels

Shade panels allow any homeowner to add somewhat of an artistic flare to their deck area.

These panels can give your outdoor space an appealing look, while offering protection from the sun, at the same time.

12. Roof Overhangs

These permanent outdoor shade structures are often referred to as luxurious.

Homeowners can customize the overhangs or match their design to the existing roof.

13. Wrap Around Porch

You can give your outdoor space a beautiful look with a feature like a wrap-around porch.

Homeowners often enjoy the permanent pitched roof, deck railing, and vertical beams.

14. Screened & Windowed Lanai

This tropical shade feature comes complete with a semi-enclosed and screened structure.

This lanai is often ideal for keeping the bugs away and providing shade while dining outdoors.

15. Take Advantage Of Underdeck Shade

The space beneath your deck could be the perfect area to design a whole new hangout.

The only thing better than one deck is two decks!

Backyard Shade Structure Installation In Phoenix, Arizona

If you’re thinking about installing a patio cover in Arizona, let JLC assist! JLC offers installation of wood, alumawood, aluminum and lattice patio covers and pergolas for homeowners in Phoenix, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa and other areas in Arizona.