Lattice & Shade Covers in Santa Clarita, CA

Lattice and shade covers give a patio broken shade while leaving the sky partly open. A lattice cover has a grid or rows of narrow members over the rafters; a shade cover uses fabric stretched over a frame or between posts. They cost less than solid or insulated roofs, let heat rise straight out, and keep a back room from going dark the way a full roof can. For many Santa Clarita patios, especially on the east and north sides of the house, filtered shade is all that is needed.

Aluminum lattice

Aluminum lattice covers use the same posts and beams as solid aluminum covers, with an open lattice top instead of panels. Alumawood rates its lattice at reducing sun exposure by 40 to 60 percent while letting air flow. The lattice can be laid in different densities and directions, and it will not rot, warp or need repainting. Aluminum is noncombustible, which helps in fire hazard zones.

Wood lattice and shade bars

A wood lattice or shade bar cover uses rafters topped with closely spaced shade bars or other light lattice. The City of Santa Clarita's shade bar standard requires the top to be at least 50 percent open, with bars at least 1-1/2 inches apart, and says shade bars may not later be covered with roofing. The standard caps height at 10 feet above grade; the sheet dates from 2008, so we confirm the current rules with the city. In fire hazard zones, Los Angeles County treats trellises and patio covers near the house as structures that need ignition-resistant construction, so wood lattice close to the walls may need heavier members or treated lumber. Ventura County's policy, as one example, lists 4-inch nominal shade bars for heavy timber construction.

Fabric shade

Shade sails and fixed fabric canopies are the lightest and often least expensive option. Bob Vila lists sailcloth patio covers at $1,100 to $1,500. Fabric is good for odd-shaped spaces and pool decks, but it catches wind, fades over time and should be taken down or loosened when strong Santa Ana winds are forecast. Fabric also burns, so we keep it away from the house in fire zones and talk through placement at the estimate.

Getting the shade where you want it

Lattice shade moves through the day. With summer highs often over 100 degrees, the hottest problem is usually the afternoon sun from the west and southwest. Running lattice members north to south, tightening the spacing, or adding a solid section over the main seating area makes a big difference. We look at your patio's orientation at the estimate and show you how the shade will fall.

Upgrading later

A lattice cover can be the first stage of a larger plan. Some aluminum systems let you swap lattice for solid or insulated panels later, as long as the posts, beams and footings were sized for the heavier roof. Wood shade bar covers cannot be roofed over under the city's standard, so plan ahead if a solid roof may come later.