How Long Do Aluminum Patio Covers Last? Lifespan, Warranties, and Maintenance for Southern California Patios
Properly engineered and installed aluminum patio covers are designed to last a lifetime (30+ years) in Southern California with minimal maintenance. Reputable manufacturers back this up with strong warranties that provide peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know to maximize the lifespan of an aluminum pergola or patio cover.
This custom-designed combination lattice and insulated patio cover exceeds local engineering requirements. Built with Duralum’s Weatherwood brand and reinforced steel beams with city-approved engineering, it is designed to last a lifetime.
What factors impact patio cover life?
Proper Design & Engineering
Each city sets minimum engineering requirements for aluminum patio cover structures. These standards ensure the covers can withstand elements such as high winds, earthquakes, and heavy rain.
If a company encourages you to skip permitting, it’s usually because they want to avoid proper engineering. Contractors who cut costs often use thinner or lower-grade materials. Homeowners frequently tell us that competitors offered to build a cover with fewer posts than the engineering allows. In our 16 years as a patio cover contractor in Riverside County, we’ve replaced many covers that were sagging because they weren’t built to code.
Each city sets minimum engineering requirements for aluminum patio cover structures. These standards ensure the covers can withstand elements such as high winds, earthquakes, and heavy rain.
If a company encourages you to skip permitting, it’s usually because they want to avoid proper engineering. Contractors who cut costs often use thinner or lower-grade materials. Homeowners frequently tell us that competitors offered to build a cover with fewer posts than the engineering allows. In our 16 years as a patio cover contractor in Riverside County, we’ve replaced many of our competitor’s covers that were sagging because they weren’t built to the standard.
High Quality Materials
There’s a reason Valley Patios installs 4K Aluminum, Duralum, and Alumawood patio covers. These brands are recognized for their durability, strength, and long lifespan. Each offers strong warranties that are rarely needed.
Lower-quality manufacturers may use shortcuts that hold up in the short term but fail over time. Inferior paints and finishes fade quickly, weaker aluminum can sag, and cheap plastic components are prone to cracking.
Installation Quality
It’s not enough to use proper engineering standards and quality materials. A patio cover must also be installed correctly to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners to save money, which often leads to long-term issues. The most critical factor is the attachment to the ground. Secure fasteners and properly sized footings are essential. If aluminum is embedded in freshly poured concrete, the concrete can corrode the metal, eventually causing structural weakness or even collapse.
When adding lights, fans, or other accessories, it’s important to minimize the number of holes drilled into the aluminum. On solid cover designs, any penetration through the material almost always leads to future leaks.
Upkeep
Unlike wood, which requires costly sealing every few years, aluminum needs virtually no upkeep. Occasional cleaning is enough to protect the powder-coated finish and keep your patio cover looking fresh. For homes with overhead trees or in dusty areas, it’s important to clear debris from the roof structure as well.
Without regular cleaning, mildew or black streaks may appear over time, especially in more humid climates. Coastal and high-salinity environments also require a bit of extra care. With simple maintenance, your aluminum cover will continue to look like new.
Pre-Patio Cover Checklist
If you’re considering hiring a company to build a patio cover, use this simple checklist to make sure it’s built to last a lifetime:
Does the design meet or exceed city engineering standards?
Does the brand used offer a 20+ year warranty?
Is the company licensed & insured?
Has the company been in business 10+ years with past references available?
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Valley Patios is proud to design and install high quality patio covers across Southern California.