Picture this: you get home after a long day at work. You think, “Man, it’s the perfect weather to kick my feet up and catch some Z’s.” So, you decide to do just that.
You grab your shades, head to the backyard, and sit on your favorite lounge chair while the warm breeze lulls you to sleep. Suddenly, the clouds break. Your nap is rudely interrupted by the blazing Texas sun blinding you.
All of this, and more, could have been avoided if you invested in a pergola. Fortunately, we’re here to guide you on the ins and outs of shopping for patio covers.
The San Antonio Climate
As every Texan knows, the San Antonio weather is pretty comfortable, all things considered. Sure, summers can be a bit sweltering, but nothing any resident of the Lone Star State can’t handle. As for the winters, there isn’t any snow, but the cool breeze makes for the perfect weather to enjoy a warm cup of coffee.
San Antonio is also fortunate enough to avoid most severe weather conditions. For instance, San Antonio avoids hurricanes due to being far inland.
But to arm you with all the info you need to pick the best pergola, patio cover, or patio enclosure, here’s a more detailed look into the San Antonio seasons.
San Antonio Winters
Most residents know and love winters in San Antonio for their crisp, clear skies and daytime temperatures that typically hover in the 60s and 70s. Perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a picnic in one of the city’s many parks.
However, don’t let the daytime warmth fool you; San Antonio nights can get downright nippy. So, pack a jacket or sweater if you plan to explore the city after the sun goes down. But hey, isn’t snuggling up with a cup of hot cocoa or a bowl of chili all part of the winter charm?
All in all, San Antonio winters won’t limit you regarding your pergola choice. You won’t need to account for heavy snowfall. Nor do you need to worry about any biting wind chill. So, you’re free to pick patio covers completely based on your aesthetic preferences.
San Antonio Summers
First things first, the weather. San Antonio summers are like stepping into a giant oven. Temperatures easily climb into the high 90s and sometimes break the century mark. It’s so hot that even the asphalt sweats!
But don’t fret. Here’s where the Texan resilience kicks in. Locals have mastered the art of air conditioning and can weather the heat with the best of ‘em.
Still, don’t forget to pack some SPF-50. The Texas sun isn’t just toasty; it’s unforgiving.
For instance, on most days, when the sun reaches its zenith, you can expect a UV index that peaks at mid-9s to 10. That UV index rating indicates a high risk of sunburns—experts advise wearing covers and applying sunblock to avoid sunburn and permanent skin damage.
If you’re looking for an all-weather patio enclosure, it’s essential to account for San Antonio summers. Choose materials that can reduce UV exposure—in other words, look for accessories like shades and roofs built with materials to block UV rays.
Features to Include for Your San Antonio Pergola
Your 1st priority when considering a pergola for your San Antonio patio is to consider covers against UV exposure.
But, besides that, you’ve got free reign to mix and match your patio cover options. So, to help you grab the perfect match for your patio, here are a few essential pergola features to consider.
- Material Matters:
- Wood: A classic choice, cedar or redwood can add a touch of rustic charm to your patio. Just apply varnish and treat it with a UV-resistant finish to withstand the heat and humidity.
- Aluminum: Excellent for durability, aluminum resists rust and can withstand San Antonio’s occasional heavy rain.
- Vinyl: A low-maintenance option that won’t warp, fade, or require painting. Perfect for those who want to enjoy their patio rather than tending to their pergola.
- Style Sensibilities:
- Traditional or Modern: Consider the style of your home and personal preference. A sleek, minimalist pergola might be more fitting for a modern abode, while ornate designs complement a traditional look.
- Size & Space:
- Measure your patio carefully to ensure the pergola fits comfortably without overwhelming the space. It should provide enough shade while leaving room for other outdoor essentials like a dining set or lounge area.
- Shade Solutions:
- San Antonio’s scorching summers require ample shade. Opt for a pergola with adjustable louvers or retractable canopies. This way, you can adapt to changing weather conditions while enjoying your patio year-round.
- Maintenance Mojo:
- Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Wood pergolas require staining or sealing periodically, while aluminum and vinyl are low-maintenance options.
If the pergola you’re eyeing meets these criteria, you’ve got a solid option to pair with your San Antonio home.
But as the first criterion suggests, materials matter. Next, let’s cover the best patio enclosure materials to commit to.
The Best Pergola Materials
If you’re considering a pergola, you ideally want it to last as long as your home and patio. In that case, it’s critical to consider materials that look pleasing, last, and are low-maintenance.
To help you get a better idea of ideal materials to pair with your patio cover, here’s a handy checklist to keep in mind:
| 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 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
When it comes down to it, you can’t go wrong with most materials. Consider your budget, aesthetic needs, and climate concerns. Your pergola is good to go if the material satisfies all these conditions.
Questions to Ask Contractors About San Antonio Pergolas
If you have any worries about a pergola, it’s best to consult with contractors to get final confirmation. They’re armed with knowledge and experience to supply you with the information you want.
So, to help give you an idea of what concerns to raise, we’ve prepared a quick Q&A sample of what to ask contractors about a San Antonio Pergola.
- 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.
- 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.
- Q: Are your patio cover installations compliant with San Antonio building codes?
All of our local installers have detailed knowledge of up-to-date laws and building regulations in San Antonio, and all of our structures are 100% to code.
- 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.
- Q: How flexible are the patio roof options you provide?
You can place your structure anywhere on your property, such as an attached patio cover, a gazebo, a freestanding wet bar, or anything in between.
- 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.
Pergolas for San Antonio Homes
Thanks to its diverse population, San Antonio has a plentiful blend of various architectural styles. That being the case, your average pergola won’t pair well with every San Antonio property.
So, we’ve prepared a simple pairing guide for pergola choices that fit with the most common home types in San Antonio.
Spanish Colonial
Goes Best With: Timeless and classic aesthetics.
Thanks to their white stucco walls and red clay roofs, San Antonio homes built in the Spanish Colonial style evoke a rustic vibe. To avoid clashing styles, you should aim for patio covers, pergolas, or patio enclosures that feature timeless designs that stand the test of time.
The model that best satisfies these criteria is our Aria model. The Aria features shade trellises that protect against the San Antonio sun. Moreover, the model comes in a pristine white color that won’t fade over time, allowing it to pair perfectly with the Spanish Colonial design language.
Ranch-Style
Goes Best With: contemporary and clean design.
When you think of Texas, it’s hard not to picture a ranch with horses roaming the fields. So, it’s no surprise that one of the most popular San Antonio house designs incorporates those features. Ranch-style homes are usually single-story properties that are typically rectangular. They usually feature large windows and wood furnishings.
To best complement the ranch design, we suggest the Dolce model. The Dolce is a screen room you can seamlessly equip to your patio. It features a screen or glass panes that keep out the elements and the pests. It’s also built with aircraft-grade materials, making it durable enough to withstand the San Antonio heat.
The Picture-Perfect Pergola for Your San Antonio Home
That’s all you need to know. As long as you follow our guide, you can’t go wrong with your choice of pergola to pair with your home. Just remember to pick materials that protect you against the harsh rays of the Texan sun while complementing the looks of your property.
But if you have any other concerns, feel free to contact us for a quotation. Together, we can pair you with the ideal patio cover system for your backyard oasis.
