Outdoor patio roof types come in several main categories, each offering different benefits for your backyard space:
Most Common Patio Roof Types:
Material Options:
There's something special about a covered patio where you can enjoy morning coffee, host weekend gatherings, or simply relax—regardless of Florida's intense sun or afternoon storms. The right roof transforms an unusable outdoor space into a year-round extension of your home.
But choosing between gable, hip, or pergola styles can feel overwhelming. Each type offers different benefits for weather protection, aesthetics, and functionality. Materials matter too—metal roofs can last over 50 years while wood roofs might need replacement after just 10-15 years. And in Florida's coastal climate, you need something that handles hurricanes, humidity, and relentless UV exposure.
Installation costs vary widely depending on size, materials, and complexity. A well-designed patio roof typically provides a 40-65% return on investment while dramatically increasing your usable living space. The key is matching the right style and materials to your home's architecture, your budget, and Florida's demanding weather conditions.
I'm Cody Lafferty, Founder & CEO of Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, and over three decades I've helped Brevard County homeowners steer these exact decisions when choosing outdoor patio roof types for their properties. My team specializes in engineering durable aluminum structures that withstand Florida's coastal conditions while seamlessly integrating with existing home designs.
When we talk about outdoor patio roof types, we aren't just talking about a "lid" for your deck. The style you choose dictates how much light enters your home, how well the space breathes, and how it stands up to a Florida downpour.
In the Melbourne and Palm Bay areas, we see a wide variety of architectural styles. For a home with a traditional look, a gable style is often the go-to. It features two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, creating a triangular peak. This isn't just for looks; that high peak allows heat to rise and escape, keeping your patio much cooler during a July afternoon.
For those looking for maximum structural integrity, a Hip Roof Screen Enclosure is a fantastic choice. Hip roofs have slopes on all four sides that meet at a central peak. They are incredibly stable and are often recommended for homes in high-wind areas because the aerodynamic shape helps wind blow over the structure rather than catching it like a sail.
If you have a one-story home or a space where second-story windows limit your height, a shed design (or studio roof) is often the most practical. This is a single-sloped roof that attaches to the home and angles downward. It’s simple, cost-effective, and blends easily with most modern home designs.
Functionality is where gable and hip roofs really shine. Because of their pitched design, they offer vaulted ceilings. This creates an airy, open feeling that makes a small patio feel like a grand outdoor room.
In Florida, ventilation is everything. Gable roofs allow for excellent airflow, which is crucial when you’re dealing with 90% humidity. On the other hand, the symmetrical design of a hip roof provides balanced shade throughout the day. It’s also worth considering more complex shapes like the mansard. If you've ever wondered what is a mansard roof, it’s a four-sided gambrel-style hip roof characterized by two slopes on each of its sides with the lower slope being much steeper. This style is often used in pool enclosures to maximize the "cage" height without needing massive vertical walls.
Your patio roof should look like it was built with the house, not slapped on as an afterthought. Matching the shingles, the pitch, and the trim of your existing roof is the key to boosting curb appeal.
A gable roof offers a classic, timeless look that works well with almost any architecture. A hip roof provides a more sophisticated, geometric appeal that adds visual interest to the back of the home. For those who want something unique, why choose a mansard roof for your pool enclosure often comes down to the neat, sloping lines that provide a "cathedral" feel while maintaining incredible strength against the elements.
Choosing the right material is just as important as the style. In Florida, we have to deal with salt air, high UV rays, and heavy rain.
MaterialLifespanMaintenanceCost RangeBest ForAluminum50+ YearsVery LowMid-RangeLongevity & Weather ResistanceComposite30+ YearsLowMid to HighInsulation & Comfort
Aluminum is the gold standard for outdoor patio roof types in Brevard County. It doesn't rust, warp, or rot, and it’s impervious to termites. Many of our systems use aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which is incredibly strong but lightweight.
If you are looking for a more "built-in" feel, a Composite Roof is an excellent option. These are often made of high-density foam sandwiched between aluminum "skins," providing incredible strength and insulation. For more details on which might work for you, see 5 Types of Patio Covers - Which is best for you?.
If you plan on spending a lot of time outside, we highly recommend looking into insulated options. A non-insulated aluminum roof can act like a radiator, soaking up the Florida sun and beaming that heat down onto you.
Insulated Aluminum Roof Panels use a core of high-density foam to block the heat. This can make the area under the roof up to 15-20 degrees cooler than a non-insulated cover. It also provides a quieter experience during heavy rain—instead of the "pinging" sound of rain on metal, you get a soft, muffled sound.
Choosing Insulated Roofs is also a smart move if you ever plan to enclose the space later. It’s much easier to turn an insulated patio into a sunroom than it is to start from scratch.
Maintenance is the "hidden cost" of any home improvement.
When comparing Aluminum vs Wood Patio Covers, aluminum wins every time for the busy Florida homeowner who doesn't want to spend their weekends on a ladder with a paintbrush.
Is a patio roof worth it? Statistics show that an insulated roof addition can provide a return on investment (ROI) of 40–65%. Beyond the resale value, you’re gaining usable square footage.
The Patio Roofing Cost varies based on the size and complexity, but when you consider that a metal roof can last over 50 years, the "cost per year" is actually quite low compared to other home upgrades. It’s an investment in your lifestyle and your property's value.
Before you pull the trigger on a design, there are a few local "Florida realities" to keep in mind.
Modern outdoor patio roof types are more than just shingles and beams. You can customize them to be as high-tech as you want.
One of the most critical parts of the installation is how the patio roof connects to your house. A "roof tie-in" is often better than a "sidewall connection" because it provides better structural integrity and drainage.
We often use "crickets"—which aren't insects, but angled-roof structures—to divert water away from the junction where the two roofs meet. This prevents water from pooling and causing leaks. For complex setups, Hybrid Screen Enclosures allow us to mix solid roof sections with screened-over sections, giving you shade where you need it and sun where you want it.
For Florida's climate, aluminum is the most durable material. It resists rust, handles high winds when engineered correctly, and isn't affected by the intense humidity or salt air common in coastal areas like Satellite Beach or Indialantic.
Yes. Any permanent structure attached to your home or over a certain size requires a building permit in Florida. This ensures the structure meets strict wind-load requirements for hurricane safety. We handle the permitting process for all our clients to make it stress-free.
A well-built patio roof typically offers an ROI of 40-65%. More importantly, it increases the "curb appeal" and usable living space, which are major selling points for buyers in the Florida market.
Choosing the right outdoor patio roof type is about finding the perfect balance between style, durability, and budget. Whether you want the grand feeling of a gable roof, the stability of a hip roof, or the simple efficiency of an insulated aluminum cover, the goal is to create a space where you can actually enjoy the Florida outdoors.
At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we pride ourselves on our craftsmanship and structural integrity. We’ve spent over 30 years helping homeowners across Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, and the rest of Brevard County transform their backyards. We don't just build roofs; we build custom solutions designed to last a lifetime.
Ready to take your backyard to the next level? Request a quote for patio enclosures today, and let’s design a space you’ll love for years to come.
"Lafferty did an amazing job! We love our new screen. They were very professional and we had our finished screen before expected. We recommend Lafferty to everyone."
"Lafferty did an excellent job on our unconventional screening project. The office staff was responsive and friendly. From consultation to installation, all of our questions and concerns were addressed."
"Lafferty did an excellent job installing our pool screens. The are prompt and keep you well informed concerning the job! I would definitely hire Lafferty Screens again!!"
"We are very satisfied with our new fence and work done by Lafferty Aluminum. Quality, professionalism, and reliability working with Lafferty has been very good and I am happy we chose them."
"Lafferty was one of the easiest and smoothest company's to work with. We are building our home and these guys were so customer friendly, answered all our questions, was available to take our call if we had questions."
"Friendly service, professional attitude of employee, polite and they cleaned up as they worked. We had our pool enclosed redone after hurricane damage and now it looks great. Thanks"
"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"
"I couldn't be happier with the work performed by Lafferty. They replaced my original screen house in February in a professional and timely manner. I would highly recommend them for your screen enclosure needs."
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
