Louvered Patio Covers Offer Functionality and Beauty to Your Outdoor Spaces

The ingenious Equinox Louvered Roof patio covers are not only functional, by letting you control the system to adjust to light and weather conditions, they also are adaptive, attractive, and durable.

The Equinox Is Adaptive

The Equinox Louvered Roof is ideally suited for use in all types of outdoor areas.  Units can be attached to existing structures, built free-standing, or incorporated into current solid roofs in a sky-light fashion.

Free-standing patio covers are perfect for shading hot tubs, barbecue pits, and garden seating areas.

Here the Equinox louver system is used as a skylight in the roof of a garden courtyard.

Applications include:  patios, decks, spas, swimming pools, gazebos, outdoor kitchens, BBQ areas, courtyards, entryways and anywhere else convenient sun, light and weather control is desired.

The Equinox system can be installed flat, pitched, gabled or vertically for privacy screening and wind protection.

The Equinox louvered roof system can accommodate any shape or size outdoor space, including those with curves.

The Equinox Is Attractive

Each Equinox Louvered Roof is designed with the aesthetics and architecture of the surrounding areas and buildings in mind.  It can be a stand-alone structure or attached to existing structures.

Design possibilities are endless with multiple colors, materials, finishes and styles available.  Frame options include aluminum, steel, wood, stucco, and paint.  Virtually any material and finish can be applied to achieve just the right look and feel for your project.

The Equinox Is Durable

Each Equinox Louvered Roof comes standard with an industry-leading 5-year limited warranty on all parts and labor.  This includes the motor, mechanism, and electrical connections.

Its all metal construction and simple design ensure years of reliable operation without the need of costly or time-consuming maintenance.

Unlike other patio cover options, Equinox uses no plastic, vinyl, rubber, wood or cloth, and therefore is not subject to typical sun and weather damage.

Equinox Louvered Roof patio covers are ideally suited for the Pacific Northwest environment and lifestyle!

How the Equinox Louvered Roof System Works

Now YOU can control the use of your backyard patio or deck in all types of weather with an Equinox Louvered Roof.  Here’s how the system works…

The Equinox Louvered Roof is an ingenious mechanism-driven system that transforms a solid waterproof patio cover into an open garden trellis or Pergola covering.

Each louver roof blade rotates in unison over a 160-degree range of motion with the ability to stop anywhere allowing an exact regulation of the light, shade and ventilation desired.

This motion is activated by a small 12-volt DC motor and controlled by either a single/multiple toggle switch conveniently placed in the patio area or a hand-held remote control.

Power to the system is provided by a small rechargeable battery through the use of a solar panel incorporated into the system or by a small transformer, which plugs into an ordinary household 110v outlet. This system can also be integrated with home automation systems, allowing pre-programmed settings, times, moisture sensors, etc.

When closed, the interlocking louver blades create a waterproof seal. A slight pitch drains the water away into the incorporated gutter and downspout system.

The Equinox Louvered Roof system is unmatched in the patio cover industry in terms of cost, functionality and performance.  Add one to your patio or deck today and enjoy your outdoor living experience rain or shine!

WeatherMaster Window System Offers Style, Safety, and Flexible Designs

WeatherMaster windows were added to a second-story deck off the master bedroom. The panels at the left are slid all the way down, the ones to the right are fully up, and the panels in the middle are adjusted both up and down.

You can turn your patio or deck into a multi-season sun room by enclosing it with strong vinyl panels that slide up to block wind and rain, or down for a pleasant open-air feeling.  As the panels go down, they virtually disappear, providing clear views of your backyard landscaping and up to 75% ventilation for those pleasant evening gatherings.  Also, the panels easily lift out for total ventilation on those beautiful Pacific Northwest summer days.

Because WeatherMaster windows are custom-made, they work with virtually all existing patio covers, or can be an integral part of a new patio or deck design project.

This is the outside view of the enclosed deck above. Note how the tinted window panels have been adjusted to let air enter and/or block sun.

The transparent vinyl window panels, which are stronger than glass, come in clear and three tints:  smoke gray, bronze and dark gray.  You can have all panels match or select a combination of tints to address the specific sun and shade requirements of your outdoor living space.  The tinted panels are designed to protect you and your furniture from harsh afternoon sun.

The aluminum frames come in a variety of stylish designer colors to complement your home’s exterior:

Strong aluminum frames come in 7 designer colors.

If you live near water, you can also add screens to keep pesky mosquitoes from joining your outdoor parties.

Using the WeatherMaster Window System will extend the usefulness of your patio or deck throughout the year, and may just create your new favorite room!

Louvered Patio Cover In Action

As the saying goes:  A picture is worth a thousand words.  Take a look at the Equinox louvered roof system in action.

Control the Sun with Patio Covers

Too much sun isn’t something the Pacific Northwest is known for.  Surprisingly, however, living at a northern latitude creates challenges when protecting patios and decks from direct, harsh summer sun.

Most people think the sun is directly overhead at noon so it should be the hottest time of the day.  Not so for us.  Because of our latitude, the sun we get is actually angled.  One effect of the sun coming in at a lower angle is that we experience higher temperatures  later in the day—4 to 6 p.m. PDT in spring spring, summer and fall—just the time you want to relax on your patio or deck, have dinner, or entertain friends.

Fortunately, there are creative shade structures that will let you control the sun, including tinted roofs and window panels, pergolas, shade sails, and screens to filter direct sun.  Here are a few examples.

—Kim Katwijk, owner of Deck Builders, Inc. and an Alfresca Outdoor Living project manager

With this shade sail deck cover, homeowners can adjust the amount of sun or shade at different times of the day.

Here fabric is woven through the top of the pergola, providing filtered light while retaining the classic pergola style.

In addition to providing privacy, screens can filter sunlight and create comfortable conversation or contemplation areas.

Adding tint to patio cover roofs will provide additional protection when the harsh sun is directly overhead.

Patio Cover Roof Design Ideas

Patio cover roof tops come in all sizes and shapes, and can be used to cover more than patios.  They cover decks, porches and even doorways.  It’s refreshing to see so many ideas out there that we can use for inspiration as we create the perfect addition for your home.

Here are photos of a doorway cover and patio cover.

–Jerry Bannister, owner of BHD Construction and an Alfresca Outdoor Living project manager

This tempered glass awning protects visitors waiting for their friend to answer the door.

This patio cover is made of Glulam beams, a laminated product that is strong and allows maximum span between posts. The sleek design adds to the overall appeal of the home.

Here is a side view of the Glulam-beamed patio cover.

The roof of the patio cover is made of dual panel polycarbonate material that filters the light, creating a pleasant outdoor living space.

Patio Covers Enhance Outdoor Living Experience

This patio cover is powder coated black and has a see-through roof.

Being a deck builder, I’ve always focused on providing my customers with some of the best outdoor living areas that I can imagine.  I’ve never realized how much nicer a backyard retreat could be with a patio cover until I owned one.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, the first thing that you appreciate is the fact that you and your stuff– barbecue, furniture, pets, kids, etc.–stays dry.  I am able to have nice furniture on my deck all year and it stays that way.  I also can grill up a great meal no matter what the conditions are outside.

These two patio covers are made from a white heat-resistant acrylic and have aluminum frames.

If it’s hot and the sun is too intense, the right patio cover will keep soaring heat to a comfortable level and you can enjoy your space instead of sweating in it.

The most modern patio covers are made from aluminum and acrylics or polycarbonates.  While some companies offer see through tops, others offer solid acrylics that diffuse the light for maximum heat dispersion.  Special  coatings can make the top layer of the acrylic more slip-resistant or have a more cooling effect.  Side walls can be installed for more protection or privacy.

This patio cover is built from 8" Western Red Cedar and has custom welded and powder coated bracketry.

Traditional patio covers can be built to your specification.  Check out the variety of options offered by Alfresca Outdoor Living.

–Jason Russell, owner of Dr.Decks LLC and an Alfresca Outdoor Living project manager

Pergolas and Panache

Panache \pə-ˈnash, -ˈnäsh\ is defined as “distinctive and stylish elegance.”  It also describes a pergola and the owner who has one in her yard.

Traditional pergolas, which consist of columns that support some kind of openwork roof, are very versatile.  They can be attached to a house or stand alone in a garden or over a pathway.  They can define an outdoor living space or provide an accent. They can evoke classic, Old World charm or be modified to show creativity and individuality.

Pergolas can be made from wood, vinyl or fiberglass to match the design of your home or make a statement about your personal fashion and flair.  A selection of column color and finish options can further customize your unique pergola.

Check out the following photos that show pergolas as outdoor rooms, deck and patio covers, and garden accents.

Attached to the house, this pergola defines the patio, providing filtered shade for outdoor entertaining or peaceful enjoyment. Columns mounted on stone bases add a modern touch.

This free-standing pergola over a backyard deck is a charming place from which to watch sunsets or gaze at stars on warm Northwest evenings.

This traditionally designed pergola was built directly over the lawn, creating a one-of-a-kind outdoor living room, which the homeowner decorated with carpet and crystal chandelier.

This pergola caps a beautifully designed outdoor kitchen. Here again the shortened columns modernize the otherwise classic pergola form, creating a stunning addition to the backyard.

Here pergola elements have been added to the top of a privacy screen. The addition not only provides visual interest to the screen and deck, but is also functional as a place from which to hang lovely flowering baskets.

This homeowner used the pergola form to create a classic sculpture for her yard. The vertical presence adds interest to the garden as well as frames the magnificent view of the city below.

As you can see, adding a pergola to your yard will definitely demonstrate that you have panache!

Enjoy the Rain in Comfort!

Enjoy spring rains and flowering white tulips from the comfort of your WeatherMaster window-enclosed deck.

Now is the perfect time to be enjoying cheery daffodils, colorful primroses and newly leafing green  trees in the backyard from the comfort of your patio or deck.

Today? you ask. But it’s rainy, windy and 45 degrees outside. How can I enjoy my garden from the patio?

Check out one of Alfresca’s premier patio covers—WeatherMaster windows. Turn your outdoor living space into an all-season room with versatile windows that slide up and down depending on the weather. You’d be surprised how pleasant it is to watch the rain dance on the petals of yellow daffodils and white tulips as you sip a warm beverage from your patio in March!

Contact us at AlfrescaPatioCovers@gmail.com or 1-877-524-4990 to find out how you can have a similar experience in April, May or June.