You know what’s funny? Living here in Colorado Springs at over 6000 feet elevation, I’ve watched countless neighbors get absolutely torched during their backyard barbecues while insisting they don’t need any shade because “it’s not that hot up here.” Well, let me tell you something – altitude changes everything when it comes to UV exposure, and if you’re not protecting yourself and your outdoor spaces, you’re in for a world of hurt.
I’ve been working with Stewart Remodel Design Build for years, helping folks around Colorado Springs, Monument, and Larkspur create amazing outdoor spaces. And honestly, the number one thing people don’t realize is just how brutal the sun can be at our elevation. We’re not talking about a gentle summer day at sea level here – we’re dealing with some serious solar radiation that can fry you faster than you can say “mountain living.”
Why Altitude Makes All the Difference
Here’s the deal: for every 1000 feet you climb in elevation, UV radiation increases by about 6-8%. That means here at 6000+ feet, we’re getting roughly 40-50% more UV exposure than our friends down at sea level. Think about that for a second – nearly half again as much harmful radiation beating down on your patio, your furniture, and most importantly, you and your family.
The atmosphere is thinner up here, which means there’s less air to filter out those harmful UV rays. It’s like nature decided to remove some of the protective layers between you and the sun. And don’t even get me started on how snow reflection can double your UV exposure during winter months – it’s like getting hit from above and below!
I remember working with a family last year who moved here from Florida. They thought they knew sun exposure, right? Wrong. Within their first summer, their beautiful outdoor furniture was already showing serious fading, and they were getting sunburned during activities that never bothered them back east. That’s when they called us about installing a proper patio cover.
The Real Cost of UV Damage
Let’s talk dollars and cents for a minute, because UV damage isn’t just about comfort – it’s about protecting your investment. The average homeowner spends between $3,000 and $8,000 on outdoor furniture, grills, and patio accessories. Without proper UV protection, you’re looking at replacing or refinishing these items every 2-3 years instead of every 7-10 years. That really adds up!
I’ve seen gorgeous hardwood patio furniture turn gray and brittle in just one Colorado summer. Fabric cushions that cost hundreds of dollars fade to unrecognizable colors. And don’t even think about leaving electronics like outdoor speakers or TV screens exposed – the UV degradation on plastic and screen components happens fast at our elevation.
But the bigger concern? Your health. Skin cancer rates in Colorado are among the highest in the nation, and it’s not a coincidence. The American Cancer Society reports that Colorado has a melanoma rate that’s 25% higher than the national average. When you’re spending time on an unprotected patio at 6000+ feet, you’re really playing with fire.
How Patio Covers Actually Work
A quality patio cover isn’t just a fancy awning – it’s engineered protection. The best covers block 95-99% of harmful UV rays while still allowing air circulation and natural light. We’re talking about materials specifically designed to handle our intense Colorado sun and dramatic weather changes.
There are several types that work particularly well at our elevation:
Solid roof covers give you maximum protection and can handle our surprise hailstorms and heavy snow loads. These are great if you want to create an outdoor room that’s usable year-round.
Louvered systems let you adjust the amount of sun and shade throughout the day. I love these for clients who want flexibility – you can close them completely during the intense midday sun, then open them up for evening entertaining.
High-quality fabric covers with proper UV ratings can be incredibly effective and more budget-friendly. Just make sure you’re getting commercial-grade materials rated for high-altitude conditions. Anything less just won’t cut it here.
The Health Benefits You Can’t Ignore
Here’s where things get serious. At our elevation, you can get a sunburn in as little as 15 minutes during peak hours. I’ve had clients tell me they got burned through their shirts while doing yard work. That’s not normal – that’s high-altitude UV exposure doing its thing.
A properly installed patio cover creates what I call a “safe zone” where you can actually relax outside without constantly worrying about sun exposure. Your kids can play, you can read a book, have dinner outside – all without that nagging worry about getting fried.
One of my favorite success stories involves a family with young kids who were basically prisoners in their own home during summer days. The mom was so worried about sun exposure that they rarely used their beautiful backyard. After we installed a louvered patio cover, their whole lifestyle changed. Suddenly they’re eating meals outside, the kids are playing in the shade, and they’re actually enjoying their outdoor space. It was a game-changer for them.
Energy Savings That Actually Matter
Here’s something most people don’t consider: a patio cover can significantly reduce your cooling costs. When your patio doors and windows are getting blasted with direct sunlight all day, your air conditioning works overtime trying to keep up.
We’ve had clients report 15-20% reductions in their summer cooling bills after installing patio covers. That’s real money back in your pocket every month. Over the life of the cover, it can literally pay for itself through energy savings alone.
The thermal protection works both ways too. In winter, a solid cover can provide some insulation benefits, helping to moderate the temperature swings that are so common at our elevation.
Protecting Your Investment
Let’s get practical about protecting your stuff. UV damage is cumulative and irreversible. Once your deck furniture starts fading or your outdoor cushions begin to deteriorate, there’s no going back. You’re looking at replacement costs that add up fast.
I always tell clients to think of a patio cover as insurance for their outdoor investments. That $5,000 you spend on a quality cover system protects thousands of dollars worth of furniture, grills, outdoor kitchens, and other accessories.
Plus, there’s the property value aspect. A well-designed patio cover effectively increases your usable living space. Real estate agents here in Colorado Springs consistently tell me that homes with quality outdoor living spaces sell faster and for more money. It makes sense – you’re essentially adding a room to your house that can be used most of the year.
Installation Considerations at Altitude
Installing patio covers at our elevation comes with unique challenges that not every contractor understands. Wind loads are different, snow loads can be extreme, and the temperature swings put extra stress on materials and connections.
This is where working with a local company like Stewart Remodel Design Build makes a huge difference. We’ve been dealing with Colorado’s unique conditions since 1999, and we understand what works and what doesn’t at 6000+ feet elevation.
The building codes here account for our specific challenges – wind loads up to 90 mph, snow loads that can exceed 30 pounds per square foot, and temperature swings of 50+ degrees in a single day. Your patio cover needs to handle all of this while still looking great and providing reliable protection.
We always recommend engineered solutions that account for these factors. It might cost a bit more upfront, but it’s worth it when your cover is still standing strong after a decade of Colorado weather while your neighbor’s bargain installation is getting replaced for the third time.
Material Choices That Make Sense
At our elevation, material selection becomes really important. Not everything that works great in Phoenix or Miami is going to hold up to our unique combination of intense UV, temperature extremes, and weather volatility.
Aluminum structures with powder-coated finishes tend to perform exceptionally well here. They don’t expand and contract as much as steel, they won’t rot like wood, and quality powder coating can last 15-20 years in our conditions.
For roofing materials, we’ve had great success with polycarbonate panels that filter UV while still allowing natural light. They’re virtually unbreakable (important for hail), provide excellent insulation properties, and maintain their clarity for years.
Fabric systems need to be marine-grade or better. We’re talking about materials designed for constant UV exposure and weather extremes. Anything less and you’ll be replacing it in a couple of years.
The Design Process
When we work with clients on patio covers, we start by understanding how they actually use their outdoor space. Are you morning coffee people who want eastern exposure? Do you entertain in the evenings and need western sun protection? Do you have kids who play outside during peak UV hours?
The orientation of your home, the size of your space, and your specific needs all factor into the design. We also consider things like snow shed patterns, wind exposure, and how the cover will integrate with your existing architecture.
I always encourage clients to think beyond just sun protection. Can we incorporate lighting for evening use? What about ceiling fans for air circulation? Maybe integrated speakers for entertainment? A well-designed patio cover becomes the foundation for a complete outdoor living system.
Maintenance and Longevity
One of the best things about quality patio covers is how low-maintenance they can be. Unlike umbrellas that need constant adjustment and storage, or awnings that retract and extend, a permanent structure just sits there doing its job year after year.
That said, our Colorado conditions do require some attention. Annual inspections for loose fasteners, occasional cleaning to remove pollen and debris, and checking for any weather damage should be part of your routine.
We typically see quality installations lasting 15-25 years with minimal maintenance. Compare that to replacing outdoor umbrellas every couple of years or dealing with retractable awnings that break down from constant use and weather exposure.
Making the Investment Decision
I get it – patio covers aren’t impulse purchases. But when you break down the costs versus benefits, especially at our elevation, they make a lot of sense. You’re protecting your health, your furniture, your home’s energy efficiency, and your property value all at once.
Most of our clients wish they’d done it sooner. The quality of life improvement is immediate and significant. Suddenly your outdoor space becomes usable during those intense summer afternoons. You can entertain without worrying about guests getting sunburned. Your kids can play outside safely.
If you’re thinking about it, I’d recommend starting with a consultation to understand your options. Every situation is different, and there are solutions for virtually every budget and need. At Stewart Remodel Design Build, we’ve been helping Colorado Springs area families create amazing outdoor spaces for over two decades, and we’d love to help you figure out what makes sense for your home.
Getting Started
The best time to install a patio cover is before you need it. Don’t wait until you’ve already damaged expensive furniture or had a family member get a serious sunburn. Colorado’s intense high-altitude UV exposure isn’t going anywhere, and it’s only getting more intense as climate patterns change.
If you’re ready to take the next step, give us a call at (719) 266-0336 or check out our work and reviews through our professional services profile. We serve Colorado Springs, Monument, Larkspur, and the surrounding communities, and we’d be happy to discuss what options make sense for your specific situation.
Remember, at 6000+ feet elevation, UV protection isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. The question isn’t whether you need protection from our intense Colorado sun, but rather what type of protection makes the most sense for your home, your family, and your lifestyle.
Your future self will thank you for making the investment in proper UV protection now, rather than dealing with the consequences of prolonged high-altitude sun exposure later. Trust me, I’ve seen the difference it makes, and it’s significant.