Patio Covers Do More Than Shade Your Backyard
When Sacramento homeowners think about patio covers, the first benefit that comes to mind is outdoor comfort — a shaded place to relax, dine, or entertain. But what many people don’t realize is that a properly designed patio cover can also play a major role in reducing heat inside your home.
With long summers, intense sun exposure, and rising energy costs, managing heat gain has become a priority. Aluminum patio covers from West Coast Awnings don’t just protect your patio — they help keep your interior cooler, reduce air conditioning use, and improve year-round energy efficiency.
How Heat Enters Your Home
Before understanding how patio covers help, it’s important to know how heat gets inside your home in the first place.
In Sacramento, the biggest contributors to indoor heat gain include:
- Direct sunlight through windows and sliding glass doors
- Sun exposure on exterior walls
- Radiant heat absorbed by patios and concrete near entry points
- West- and south-facing openings that receive intense afternoon sun
When sunlight hits glass or exterior walls, that heat transfers indoors, forcing your AC to work harder.
How Patio Covers Reduce Indoor Heat
A well-placed patio cover acts as a solar barrier, blocking heat before it ever reaches your home.
Here’s how aluminum patio covers make a difference:
1. Blocking Direct Sunlight on Windows & Doors
Many Sacramento homes have large sliding glass doors or picture windows opening onto the patio. These areas are prime heat-entry points.
- Prevents direct sunlight from hitting glass
- Reduces radiant heat transfer
- Keeps interior spaces cooler during peak afternoon hours
Homeowners often notice immediate improvements in rooms adjacent to the patio.
2. Shading Exterior Walls
When exterior walls absorb heat all day, they radiate that warmth indoors well into the evening.
Patio covers shade:
- Stucco and siding
- Door frames and trim
- Entryways and outdoor-facing walls
This reduces thermal buildup and helps stabilize indoor temperatures.
3. Lowering Surface Temperatures Around the Home
Concrete patios and walkways can become heat reservoirs. When these surfaces are shaded, they stay cooler and radiate less heat toward the home.
- Lower ambient temperatures near doors and windows
- Reduced heat seepage into interior living spaces
Solid Roof vs. Lattice Covers for Heat Reduction
Not all patio covers reduce heat equally. The design matters.
Solid Insulated Roof Patio Covers
Solid insulated aluminum patio covers provide maximum heat reduction by:
- Blocking nearly all direct sunlight
- Creating a consistent shaded zone
- Offering superior protection during extreme heat waves
These are ideal for:
- West-facing patios
- Homes with large sliding doors
- Homeowners focused on energy savings
Lattice Patio Covers
Lattice covers allow filtered light while still reducing heat buildup.
- Partial sun control
- Increased airflow
- A balance between shade and brightness
Lattice covers work well when:
- You want natural light without harsh glare
- Trees already provide some shade
- Heat reduction is desired without full enclosure
Energy Savings You Can Feel (and Measure)
By reducing heat gain, patio covers can help:
- Lower AC runtime
- Reduce energy bills
- Improve overall home comfort
Many Sacramento homeowners report cooler interior temperatures in rooms connected to the patio — especially during late afternoons when heat is usually at its worst.
Why Aluminum Patio Covers Outperform Other Materials
Not all patio covers are built to handle Sacramento’s climate.
- Superior heat reflection
- No warping, cracking, or fading
- Long-term performance in extreme temperatures
- Minimal maintenance
Durawood™ aluminum options even provide the look of wood without absorbing heat or deteriorating over time.
Custom Placement Makes the Difference
Heat reduction depends heavily on proper design and placement.
West Coast Awnings considers:
- Sun angles throughout the day
- Direction of exposure
- Roofline and window positioning
- Home layout and airflow
This ensures your patio cover delivers both outdoor comfort and indoor energy benefits.
Why Sacramento Homeowners Choose West Coast Awnings
- Locally owned and operated
- Custom aluminum patio cover designs
- Materials engineered for Sacramento heat
- Professional installation
- Lifetime product warranty
- 5-star customer satisfaction
Cool Your Home the Smart Way
If you’re looking for a way to improve comfort without major renovations, a custom aluminum patio cover is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
Contact West Coast Awnings today for a free consultation and estimate.
Schedule Your Fall Patio Cover Inspection or Upgrade
Want to make sure your patio cover is ready for Sacramento’s rainy weather? West Coast Awnings is here to help.
📞 Call: (916) 251-7206
🌐 Visit: wcawnings.com
📅 Request a free consultation