Uncategorized

So, lets look at some money saving tips:

When the prices are low

Lets assume that you do not have piles of extra cash that your tired of being in the way. Contractors most always have the best prices when they are in their slow season. Winter and early spring is a great time to order your carport or patio cover. Unlike having a roof put on, there are no major drawbacks to installing your aluminum cover in cold, rainy weather.

When the schedule is easy:

When you need it most:

We have all made mistakes and cut corners; lets not make the kind that can hurt people! Now, lets answer that question: “Do I need a professional to install my carport?

Yes, even if you are handy with tools

Because this question is swimming around in your mind, you need to consider some important facts about carports:

Carports are unlike any other structure on your property

You may be familiar with the basics of building engineering and maybe how to build a wall, or even how to ad a room to your house.  Notice, however, that a typical building has four or more walls and no openings which do not have doors or windows.  A carport, rv cover or patio cover does not. It is wide open and all of them have a large invisible sign hovering above which says, “Hey, High Winds, I’m over here“.

The Stakes Are High 

Staking down a store bought carport with rebar or something else may seem good enough, however when it rains a lot (and it does in Tacoma) the ground gets saturated and what usually comes with a lot of rain is a lot of wind! stakes are no match for a blustery storm here in Western Washington.

Yes, even if you are a contractor

Many of my customers are or have been building contractors and they more than most, understand that there is a lot to building a carport or patio cover. The chemistry of joining aluminum to steel, screws and attaching to a house, mobile home or garage. Do I need inside posts and where or when do I need a beam?  How far apart should the posts be? How far can the panels project?  How long can the cantilever be?

Never yield to the temptation to just do it yourself when it comes to projects that are safety critical!  High winds or high snow loads can cause injury of even death to those near us. Hire an experienced  professional patio cover contractor to install your carport, rv cover or patio cover!

Cleaning your patio cover is a lot like going to the dentist; its not fun but it has to be done.  Here are a few tip that might help and after its over, you will get to pick a small toy out the the surprise box!

The Underside

The ceiling does not need too much attention; perhaps just once a year, wipe it down with a kitchen spray cleaner with bleach to prevent mold and algae from forming.  If you use a smoker or BBQ (grill for you Southerners) then the ceiling of your patio cover may become sooty and greasy.  In this case, a de-greasing detergent might be necessary. Magnum Patio Covers Company uses high quality aluminum materials which are professionally powder coated and can handle most kitchen grade cleaners. If you have to step up to something stronger, acetone can be used however only sparingly and know that if you scrub too hard acetone can remove the paint.

On The Top

The top of your patio cover can be a challenge. Leaves and fir needles make a mess quickly so its best to use your blower and blow them off as often as you can. Then, two or three times a year you will want to use a car wash brush and car wash soap to keep it looking good. Add some bleach to it to fight the mold and moss. If you pressure wash, be sure not to hit the caulking that is over the screws. The gutters are narrow, so its best to hose everything down to each end and then scoop it out.

There are many types of awnings: aluminum, canvas, acrylic, Lexan and others. Here in the Northwest, canvas is a high maintenance choice. Because of the frequent damp conditions, algae and moss can easily cling to this material. If left untreated, it will become discolored and rotten.

Retractable awnings    The tough part about retractable awnings is having to clean off the leaves and fir needles before retracting. Then, when it is retracted, where do all the leaves and needles go?  The whole idea of having a retractable awning might have originated with the purpose of hiding a cheap, dilapidated old patio cover that is rusting, warping, peeling and leaking. Now, if the right patio cover where installed right and the materials where quality and actually added beauty to your home, then you wouldn’t want to retract it!