Rain or Shine: Get the Perfect Cover for Your Miami Patio

As B.J. Thomas’s iconic Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head goes: “But there’s one thing I know. The blues they send to meet me. Won’t defeat me, it won’t be long. Till happiness steps up to greet me.”

But, unlike the happy-go-lucky singer, your patio can’t shrug off the weather, especially in Miami, where patio furniture combats both sun and rain. After all, a soggy, weather-battered deck isn’t ideal. 

Take a common material you see on many outdoor seats and tables, for instance: iron. Sure, it might lend a rustic look to your patio, but did you know that iron is one of the most susceptible materials to rusting? It just takes a couple of hours in the wet for it to rust.

After all, Miami is smack dab in hurricane territory. If your home gets hit by a hurricane while you’re out of town (or even out for the day), you can kiss goodbye to your outdoor furniture.

That’s where a patio roof comes into play. If you’re new to scouting for robust protection for your outdoor hangout, let our team here at Renaissance Patio load you up with the info you need to find the perfect partner for your Miami patio.

The Miami Weather

As all Miamians know, the Magic City gets sun all year round.

Whether you and the family are basking in the summer sun or kicking it back while enjoying the cool winter breeze, the Miami climate’s pretty predictable.

So when choosing the best cover for you and your patio, you’ve got to consider the Miami seasonal climate and how you want to enjoy it when you’re outdoors in both summer and winter.

Miami Summers

Summer can be challenging for your average Floridian, since temperatures can reach peaks of 88°F, making most summer days mean and muggy.

It’s best to consider a patio cover and/or screen room for optimal UV protection. Unlike less exposed cities like say, New York, Miami gets far more UV exposure. 

For instance, throughout the month of September, The Weather Networks cites Miami receiving very high (10) UV exposure—a high chance of skin damage and sunburns. In contrast, New York averages a score of 4-5 or moderate—a sunhat is enough to keep you safe.

Fortunately, patio covers will help you avoid most of the heat from the midday sun glaring down on your property, while also keeping you safe from harmful UV radiation.

Miami Winters

Miami winters are mild and warm, seeing zero snowfall. Most of the winter months will even allow you to enjoy a cool winter night from the comfort of your backyard patio.

While a Miami porch will never feel Jack Frost’s touch, there’s another weather fiend to worry about: rain. You see an average of 61.9 inches of rainfall yearly in Miami. 

In fact, Miami is the #1 city most likely to get hit by hurricanes, with a 16% chance of a hurricane hitting the Magic City annually—case in point, in September 2022, Hurricane Ian, which caused over $110B in damages across Florida.

So, ensure you pick patio protection that can weather tough Miami storms, while keeping your backyard high and dry.

Most Important Features for Patio Protection in Miami

Given Miami’s unique climate, your patio cover needs to incorporate some pretty hefty wind resistance, while also being ideal for hot, sunny days. 

That being said, here are some specific things to look for when choosing pergolas, screen rooms, or patio covers for your property:

1. Material:
   • The choice of material is crucial, as it affects the cover’s durability, maintenance requirements, and appearance. Common materials for patio covers include:
     • Aluminum: Lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust and insects.
     • Wood: Provides a natural, classic look, but may require more maintenance.
     • Vinyl: Low maintenance, durable, and resistant to rot, rust, and insects.
     • Polycarbonate or acrylic panels: Lets light pass through, while protecting from the elements.
2. Design and Style:
   • The patio cover design should complement your home’s architecture and personal style preferences. You can choose from various styles, including pergolas, awnings, solid roofs, and lattice designs.
3. Size and Coverage:
   • Measure your patio area carefully to ensure the cover provides adequate shade or protection. Consider whether you want a partial or full-coverage patio cover.
4. Durability and Weather Resistance:
   • Ensure the patio cover can withstand the Florida climate. Pick protection that can handle wind and rain.
   • Look for UV-resistant, waterproof materials that can handle temperature fluctuations without warping or fading.
5. Maintenance Requirements:
   • Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to perform. Some materials, like wood, may require regular staining or sealing, while others, like aluminum or vinyl, are more low-maintenance.
6. Installation:
   • We recommend professional installation to ensure the patio cover is securely anchored and sloped adequately for water drainage.
7. Cost:
   • Establish a budget for your patio cover project and factor in the cost of materials, labor, and any additional features or accessories you want.
8. Color and Finish:
   • Choose a color and finish that complements your home’s exterior and landscaping.
9. Ventilation and Lighting:
   • Consider options for ventilation, such as vents or fans, to ensure there’s adequate airflow.
   • Plan for lighting features, like integrated LED lights, to create an inviting atmosphere in the evenings.
10. Customization:
    • If you have specific needs or design ideas, look for a manufacturer or installer that can customize the patio cover to your specifications.
11. Building Codes and Permits:
    • Check local building codes and permit requirements before purchasing a patio cover to ensure compliance with regulations.
12. Warranty and Customer Support:
    • Ensure that the manufacturer or installer provides a warranty for the patio cover.
    • Ask about their customer support and service policies.
13. Longevity:
    • Invest in a patio cover built to last. This will help save money in the long run, versus replacements or maintenance.

Patio Protection Materials 101

Your material choices matter more than you think. Wood might look great, but it requires more maintenance than the rest. Steel might be durable, but prolonged exposure can result in rust build-up.

To give you a better idea of material choice, here’s a checklist that provides some pros and cons for standard screen room, pergola, and patio cover materials:

Features	Extruded Aluminum	Vinyl	Steel	Wood
High tensile strength	✅	❌	✅	❌
Rust-resistant	✅	✅	❌	❌
Does not require repainting	✅	✅	❌	❌
Fire-resistant	✅	✅	✅	❌
Fade and tear-resistant	✅	❌	✅	❌
Does not require resealing	✅	✅	❌	❌
Is not prone to termites	✅	✅	✅	❌
Stylish finish	✅	❌	✅	✅

Overall, the best patio protection incorporates the best features while providing an uncompromised style. That’s what we aim for when designing our own range of patio covers.

Q and A With Your Contractor

Asking the right questions can mean the difference between a happy homeowner and a buyer’s regret.

So here’s a few questions to keep in mind when choosing a patio protection system to pair with your Miami home (plus, what WE would say, if you asked us):

1. Q: Do your materials have at least a tensile strength of 30lb/ft2?

A: Our entire line of products is made from extruded aluminum, which has a tensile strength of roughly 4,320,000 pounds per square foot – so 30lb per square foot is just a drop in the ocean. 

2. Q: Can your patio covers withstand hurricane-force winds?

A: All of our structures are engineered to withstand up to 175 mph winds.

3. Q: How long will finishes last? How frequently will they need repainting, resealing, or cleaning? 

We use only high-grade fasteners, covers and caps that withstand the elements, as well as durable finishes that are low-maintenance and long-lasting. The only thing they require is the occasional cleaning.

4. Q: Are your patio cover installations compliant with Miami building codes?

All of our local installers have detailed knowledge of up-to-date laws and building regulations in Miami, and all of our structures are 100% to code.

5. Q: How much sun do your patio covers block?

We offer a range of sunlight-filtering options, from full patio roofs to gently-shaded pergolas that you can adjust to allow between 10-60% of light to pass through.

6. Q: How flexible are the patio roof options you provide? 

You can place your structure anywhere on your property, as an attached patio cover, a gazebo, a free-standing wet bar, or anything in between. 

7. Q: Can I customize my structure? 

From screen walls to decorative add-ons, you can personalize the design of your patio roof to fit your unique vision. You can even have a fully heated/air-conditioned, enclosed glass sunroom that you can enjoy in any season.

If your contractor has solid answers to all these questions, you can be pretty sure thaat your patio protection is on lockdown. If they can’t answer simple questions like these from the get-go… that’s a major red flag!

Patio Covers for Miami Homes

Pairing the right screen room, pergola, or patio cover with the style of your home is just as important as making sure it’s structurally sound.

In Miami, where homes can range from simple bungalows to multi-million dollar mansions, finding the right model might be more of a challenge than you might think. Luckily, we provide a range of patio protection that fit every home type.

Whether you have a conch-style home or a Mediterranean revival, you can find the “perfect match” patio cover that will blend seamlessly with your property. 

Here are some inspiration ideas, to get you started:

Miami Modern (MiMo)

Goes Best With: A sleek design with a modern twist

Homes that forsake classic sensibilities for modern aesthetics blend well with patio cover designs that synergize with their homes and furniture.

What better choice, then, than the Moderno? Featuring robust materials, like aluminum and high-carbon steel, it even resists the hardiest of hurricane-force winds. Besides that, the contemporary style fits perfectly with the clean lines of MiMo homes.

So a Moderno patio cover can keep you and your property away from Miami’s worst climates, while blending seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic.

Mediterranean Revival

Goes Best With: Rustic, timeless elegance.

It’s no secret that Miami is one of America’s biggest cultural melting pots, and that diversity is seen throughout its architecture, too. The breezy Mediterranean Revival style is one of our personal favorites in the area, bringing to mind the grandeur of Ancient Greece. 

Given its rustic features, there’s no better pairing for this type of home than the Contempo series. It incorporates a more traditional wood-framed look that compliments elements found in Mediterranean Revival properties, like high, ornate ceilings and decorative arches.

Plus, our Contempo patio covers can all withstand hurricane-force winds, and offer the look of wood, without any of the upkeep. 

The Perfect Patio Protection for Your Miami Home

There you go, a comprehensive guide to picking the right pergola, screen room, or patio roof to pair with your Miami property. Now, you’re fully equipped to pair the perfect cover with your patio. If you need further guidance, get a quote from the Renaissance Patio team. We’re here to help you build the patio of your dreams.