Best Glendale Patio Cover Revealed: It’s Alumawood!

Imagine stepping into your Glendale backyard on a bright summer afternoon, ready to fire up the grill and enjoy some quality time with family. There’s just one problem – your patio feels like a furnace, making it practically impossible to enjoy your outdoor space during Arizona’s warmest months. Without proper shade, that dream of year-round outdoor living quickly turns into a sun-scorched reality.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many Glendale homeowners wrestle with this exact challenge: finding a way to create a comfortable outdoor living space that can handle Arizona’s intense heat and occasional wild weather, all while maintaining its appeal for years to come.

At Chillax Patios, we’ve installed hundreds of patio covers across Phoenix over the past eight years. We’ve seen firsthand how choosing the right patio cover can transform a sizzling backyard into a comfortable retreat you can enjoy any time of year. Let’s explore why Alumawood might be your ideal solution – and yes, we’ll also discuss when traditional wood options might actually be the better choice for certain situations.

What This Guide Will Cover

• How Alumawood handles Arizona’s extreme summer temperatures
• The true cost comparison between Alumawood and wood patio covers
• What you really need to know about durability and upkeep
• Finding the right option for your specific situation

The Arizona Weather Challenge

Let’s be honest – Arizona weather plays by its own rules. We’re talking about scorching temperatures that rocket past 110°F, those surprise microbursts that pack winds strong enough to knock over your neighbor’s trash cans, and sunshine so intense it can bleach the color right out of most materials.

Traditional wood patio covers often have a tough time with our extreme climate. Think about it like leaving a wooden deck chair out in the elements – over time, it warps, splits, and might even start rotting if it catches enough moisture. And let’s not forget about those pesky termites that treat wood structures like an all-you-can-eat buffet!

Why Alumawood Makes Sense for Glendale Homes

Think of Alumawood like a super-tough pickup truck built specifically for Arizona conditions. These patio covers are engineered to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them, including those wild summer storms that seem to come out of nowhere. They’re built to withstand winds up to 110 mph – that’s stronger than most microbursts we see in the Valley.

Money Talks: The Real Cost Over Time

Let’s break down the numbers, because we know every homeowner wants to make a smart investment. Yes, Alumawood costs more upfront than a wood patio cover. But here’s where things get interesting:

Wood Patio Cover Costs Over 10 Years:

• Initial installation: $X (varies by size)
• Annual sealing/painting: $200-400
• Termite treatments: $300-500 every few years
• Repairs from weather damage: $500-1000
• Total 10-year cost: Often 30-40% more than Alumawood

Alumawood Patio Cover Costs Over 10 Years:

• Initial installation: 15-20% more than wood
• Annual maintenance: Just soap and water
• Repairs needed: Almost never
• Total 10-year cost: Significantly less than wood

The Truth About Maintenance

Here’s what you’re really signing up for with each option:

Wood Patio Cover:

• Regular termite inspections
• Yearly sealing or painting
• Checking for warped or cracked boards
• Replacing damaged sections
• Professional treatments every few years

Alumawood:

• Spray it down with your garden hose occasionally
• Maybe use some mild soap once a year
• Quick check for loose fasteners annually
• That’s it!

When Wood Wins the Battle

Let’s be straight with you – wood still has some advantages that Alumawood can’t match:

1. Natural Beauty: Nothing beats the authentic look of real wood grain
2. Temperature Control: Wood stays cooler to the touch in direct sunlight
3. Design Flexibility: Wood can be modified on-site for unique designs
4. Walking Surface: Solid wood covers provide better natural support

Where Alumawood Shines

Now here’s what makes Alumawood a winner for most Glendale homes:

1. Built to Last: No warping, cracking, or termite problems
2. Color That Stays True: 8-year warranty against chalking and fading
3. Storm-Ready: Engineered to handle 110 mph winds
4. Long-Term Peace of Mind: Lifetime warranty against chipping, cracking, and peeling
5. Low-Maintenance Living: Skip the annual painting and sealing routine

The Walking Question

One thing many homeowners ask about is maintenance access. Here’s the straight scoop:

• Solid Insulated Alumawood: Safe to walk on directly
• Non-insulated Solid or Lattice: Need plywood for weight distribution
• Wood Pergolas: Not designed for foot traffic (despite common assumptions)

Pro Tip: Keep a piece of plywood handy for those times you need to clean the windows or check your roof. It makes a perfect temporary walking platform.

Making Your Choice

Think about these questions when deciding between wood and Alumawood:

1. How much time are you willing to spend on maintenance?
2. Is initial cost or long-term value more important to you?
3. How much direct sunlight hits your patio area?
4. What’s your style preference – natural wood or modern aluminum?

The Bottom Line

For most Glendale homeowners, Alumawood patio covers offer the perfect mix of durability, low maintenance, and long-term value. While you’ll pay more upfront, the minimal upkeep requirements and exceptional durability make them a smart choice for busy families who’d rather spend weekends enjoying their patio instead of maintaining it.

At Chillax Patios, we’ve helped hundreds of Phoenix-area homeowners create their ideal outdoor living spaces. While we specialize in Alumawood installations, we always encourage homeowners to explore all their options and pick what works best for their specific needs.

Think about it this way: the best patio cover is the one that lets you forget it’s even there. It should just work, day after day, year after year, keeping you comfortable while you enjoy your outdoor space. And in Glendale’s intense climate, that kind of reliability is worth every penny.

Want to see some examples in person? We’re always happy to show you some of our completed projects right here in Glendale. There’s nothing like seeing these patio covers in action to help you make the right choice for your home.