Tips for Winterizing Your Patio Cover in Boise, ID

Winter is Coming.

Just like the Stark family in Game of Thrones, families in Boise, Idaho, must also heed the call to protect their homes against the impending cold.

But one oft-neglected aspect of winter preparations is our patios, which, if not properly winterized, can suffer pretty serious damage during the freezing months. And as they say, “prevention is better than a cure” – in this case, because repairs and replacements can cost a LOT more than protecting your outdoor space ahead of time.

If you don’t know how to winterize your patio properly, we’ll provide helpful tips on what to look out for and what to do to defend it against the elements. (Not White Walkers, sadly. That’s for another article.)

But we WILL share some design ideas for which kind of patio roofs, pergolas, and covers work best with houses in Boise, Idaho. So stick around ‘till the end!

The Boise Climate

Boise is located in a desert, so it follows a typical high desert temperature regimen, getting only an average of 11 inches of precipitation each year. 

This also means that the area experiences higher daytime temperatures and freezing nights, making for interesting life here in the City of Trees.

When it comes to patio protection, that means there’s a few different weather factors you need to keep in mind.

Boise Summers

Boise summers? Ah, they are a unique blend of short, dry spells and crystal-clear skies. But, let’s be real – those temperatures that consistently flirt with the 90s can really put us through our paces.

Now, if you’re a sun worshipper, you’ll want to soak up every drop of that glorious summer sunshine. But here’s a tip: invest in a patio cover. Not just any patio cover, mind you, but one that offers top-notch UV protection.

Why, you ask? Picture this: it’s July 2022, and Boise is sizzling at a whopping 104 degrees. Most folks are huddled indoors, but not you. 

You’re out on your patio, lounging under your cover, sipping a cool drink. The heat doesn’t faze you; you’re protected from those harmful UV rays, and your patio isn’t a hot plate.

Boise Winters

Boise, unlike other parts of Idaho that often endure harsh winters, is fortunate to have usually gentle winter seasons. Although the neighboring mountains receive a significant snowfall, in the valley, the snow rarely lingers for more than a couple of days.

However, Boiseans can also experience extreme weather shifts, where it jumps up to 40 and back down to single digits in a day. That’s the difference between, “Ah, it’s a bit nippy out,” and, “The air is freezing my lungs.”

So, to still be able to use your patio even in the winter, it’s best to have a patio cover that keeps you warm, but can also withstand heavy snow on top of it without collapsing. You could even opt for a fully-enclosed patio cover, with a fireplace or central heating. 

So, once you’re winding down on all the summer BBQs, how do you make sure your patio cover can withstand the strong storms and heavy snowfall that sometimes hit Boise?

7 Ways to Winterize Your Patio Cover

Patio coverings are excellent for providing shade and protection during the warmer months, but they can easily suffer damage in winter. Snow accumulation, ice, and freezing temperatures can lead to cracks, tears, or even structural damage.

That’s where proper winterization tactics come in. Preparing ahead of time helps preserve the longevity of your patio covers, and is a lot more cost-effective than full-scale repairs or replacements down the road. 

Here’s what you can do to prevent any damage to your patio during the Boise winter:

1. Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean your patio and pergola coverings thoroughly. Remove any dirt, debris, or leaves that may have accumulated over the warmer months. Cleaning prevents molds and mildew growths, which can weaken the covers.
2. Waterproofing:  Apply a waterproofing solution specifically designed for your patio covers. Doing so helps protect your covers against moisture and prevent water damage during snowfalls and rains.
3. Inspect for Damage: Check for any existing damage or weak spots in your patio covers or pergola. If you notice tears, cracks, or loose parts, address them promptly to help your patio withstand the winter and prevent the weather from causing further damage (Read: more expense).
4. Secure Fastenings: Make sure that all the fastenings in your patio, such as bolts, screws, and hinges, are tightened and secured. Leaving loose components can become dangerous during heavy snowfall or strong winds.
5. Inspect for any Pests: Some patio roof materials are not pest-resistant, so it’s best to inspect any potential infestations of mice, birds, or insects, as they can potentially damage your patio cover during the winter season.
6. Check its Weight Capacity: It’s essential to know the weight your patios can bear to ensure that they can withstand the heavy winter snow without warping or collapsing.
7. Invest in a Weather-Resistant Patio Cover: The weather in Boise can vary significantly within hours, so unless you have a weather-resistant patio cover, you’ll be at high risk of potential damage. Choose a patio cover that withstands scorching sun, heavy rain and snowfall, and strong winds.

Once you’ve done all of this to your pergola and patio covers, you’re good to go. But, just like our final tip, it’s important to be extra cautious by considering what your patio cover is made of.

After all, like a Valyrian steel sword, you need a patio cover that’s made of the right stuff. For example, a steel cover will be more susceptible to rust, while wood is more prone to rain rot, termites, and mold.

Patio Cover Materials for Homes in Boise

What materials are best suited for a patio that can withstand Boise’s extreme combo of summer and winter weather?

We’ve compiled the pros and cons of using different building materials for your patio cover into this handy checklist:

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	✅	❌	✅	✅

Questions for Your Patio Roof Contractor

Remember when we said prevention is better than a cure?

The best prevention is making sure you have a winter-proof patio cover from day one. So if you’re looking to build a new structure, we’ve compiled a list of important questions for potential contractors to allow you to enjoy the great outdoors while keeping the (sometimes harsh) weather at bay.

Here are the questions you should ask, and our answers, if you were to ask us:

1. Do RP materials have at least a tensile strength of 30 lbs/ft2?
   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 30 lbs per square foot is just a drop in the ocean.

2. Are RP patio cover installations compliant with Idaho building codes?
   All of our local installers have detailed knowledge of up-to-date laws and building regulations in Idaho, and all of our structures are 100% to code.

3. How much sun do RP 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.

4. Do your patio covers require regular maintenance?
   All of our patio covers have baked-on powder coat finishes, which is a durable and maintenance-free coating. So, the maintenance is no more than a wash now and then.

5. How flexible are the patio roof options RP provides? 
   You can place your structure anywhere on your property, as an attached patio cover, a gazebo, a freestanding wet bar, or anything in between. 

6. Can RP patio covers withstand strong winds?
   We build our protection systems with the sturdiest materials. All of our patio covers, screen rooms, and pergolas can withstand up to 175 mph winds – definitely enough for even the strongest Idaho winter storms.

If your patio construction company’s answers are along these lines, you should be protected for the winters in Boise.

Patio Cover Styles for Boise Homes

The right patio cover for your home in Boise is one that’s a mix of form and function.

There’s a mix of architectural styles in Boise, from Colonial to Queen Anne Style, with some even built from a mail-order kit. Regardless of the style of your home, there’s a functional patio cover that’s a perfect fit for your aesthetic.

Take a look at some of the different patio cover styles that blend well with a few of the most popular homes in Boise, Idaho.

Style: Mid-Century Modern

Goes Best With: Simple, classic, and chic

Boise is home to many mid-century-style houses. These types go best with a patio cover that has simple lines and is highly functional.

For example, our Fresco Patio Cover has a pergola-style roof that lets you enjoy the summer outdoors while keeping the heat out. Similarly, you can enjoy the outdoors during winter without worrying about it collapsing due to heavy snow. It’s crafted using the industry’s best-standing seam with infrared-rejecting panels to brighten your patio space while protecting it from the elements year-round.

Style: Craftsman

Goes Best With: Unique but tasteful designs

Wood always brings warmth to a home, but a wooden patio cover may not be the best option during winter, because they’re more susceptible to damage from rain and snowfall. 

But, thanks to technology, you can now purchase patio covers crafted from modern materials that mimic the look of wood, without the cons.

For example, our Classico Patio Cover is designed and engineered for the extremes of Idaho’s scorching sun and snow loads in winter while boasting the appearance of a classic wood-framed patio cover. It’s made of aircraft-grade power-coated extruded aluminum, high-carbon steel, and nylon-headed fasteners to resist extreme weather. Plus, its baked-on finish requires minimal maintenance.

With design features like sculpted posts and full-length trusses, our Classico Patio Cover blends seamlessly with classic architecture styles while incorporating the most advanced technology on the market.

Worry Less about Patio Covers in Your Boise Home

Winterizing your patio covers and pergola coverings in Boise, Idaho, is essential to ensure they remain in excellent condition and ready for use when spring arrives. With the right patio cover, you can create a secure and cozy outdoor space even during the harshest winter.

Winter may be coming, but with the proper precautions, you can ensure that your patio will be well-prepared to face it head-on.

If you want to find the perfect blend of strength and style for your home, Renaissance Patio is here to help. Request a quote, and let’s work together to make your vision a reality.