Outdoor Living Ideas

Patio Covers for Any Budget

Patio Covers for Any Budget

Covering an existing patio can be one of the most economical improvements to add additional outdoor living space.  Although many people consider awnings comprised of canvas materials, retractable awnings, or even homebuilt covers utilizing corrugated plastic and wood framing, there is an alternative that is eco-friendly, cost effective, strong, and looks great.

Insulated Composite Patio Cover

  The insulated composite aluminum roof system makes over any patio into a covered space while providing insulation and walkability.  It installs in as little as one day, and is engineered to be as strong as the home to which it is attached.

This patio cover system utilizes an upper and lower sheet of solid embossed aluminum sandwiching a 3 or more inch thick core of very dense polystyrene insulation.  These structural insulated composite panels can span great distances, don't require any under structure for support because they support themselves, and are so energy efficient they have earned the Energy Star rating. 

Patio Cover with Rain Chains

Unlike most patio cover systems, which cannot support weight, insulated composite panels can support the weight of  multiple people, making maintenance a breeze.  These systems can also incorporate internal chases which can afford the installation of lights and fans without unsightly external conduit or wires. 

Perfect for outdoor kitchens, covering decks and slabs, or other outdoor areas, these roof systems are an economical alternative to costly and bulky wood framed structures, yet are engineered to be just as strong.  Typically, these patio covers are attached to the eave of the home and have a very slight slope, which preserves height.  Because they usually don't entail disrupting the envelope of the home, there is no need for reworking of the homes roofline, which makes installation quick and saves money.

All Custom Aluminum has been constructing patio covers since 1995.  Call us for a free estimate (850) 524-0162, or visit our website at allcustomaluminum.com.

Protect Your Family from Mosquito Borne Illness

Screened enclosures protect against mosquito borne illnesses like Zika without hazardous and toxic pesticides.

With mosquito season in full swing, we at All Custom Aluminum would like to remind folks to be cognizant of the many mosquito borne pathogens which can affect the health and well being of our families.  Aside from Zika, which has been in the news lately, and is proving to be a potentially devastating problem, there are a host of other, lesser publicized, but no less dangerous pathogens to be wary of.  In the Continental United Sates, there are West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Chikungunya, and now Zika.

West Nile is an arthropod borne illness transmitted to humans by mosquitos which have been infected by feeding on an infected bird.  Symptoms range from mild to extreme, with the most devastating effects being encephalitis, swelling of the brain, and meningitis, swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.  Present in Europe and Northern Africa for decades, West Nile is now found in all the lower 48 States.  While most people infected are asymptomatic, Febrile illness which can  include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis happens in about 1 in 5 cases.  The severe and life threatening symptoms like meningitis occur in about 1% of cases.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) is arguably the most severe mosquito borne pathogen, resulting in a 33% mortality from encephalitis, and significant brain damage in survivors.  This virus is most prevalent along the Atlantic Gulf Coast of the United States, but it is also present in other states East of the Mississippi.  Like other mosquito borne pathogens, EEEV has no cure or vaccination, although, thankfully, only a handful of cases are reported annually.

Chikungunya Virus has been known in Africa for over 60 years, but has recently made its way into the Caribbean where unsuspecting American tourists are at risk of bringing it home.  Most people who contract the virus will display its symptoms which include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.  While not known to be fatal, many symptoms can be debilitating.  Those most at risk from infection are the young, old, and immuno-compromised.  Because of its presence throughout the Caribbean, Chikungunya stands to make its way into the mainland of the USA in time and become a more ubiquitous problem over time.


Most recently, Zika Virus has proven to be the newest threat from mosquitos.  While most of those infected display only mild symptoms, it is the effects to pregnant women and their offspring which make this one of the most alarming threats present today.  Zika has been linked to profound and debilitating birth defects such as microcephaly, and more recently even in problems later in childhood.  There is no cure or vaccine currently.  And although domestic cases of Zika have been linked to travel abroad, the potential for the virus to make its way into the native mosquito population is indeed frightening.
            

                                                              What You Can Do

Since there are no vaccinations available to prevent these illnesses, the only true way to avoid infection is prevention.  Repellant is an option, but also comes with its own potential problems.  Consider creating an area where you and your family can enjoy the outdoors during mosquito season safely and comfortably by hiring All Custom Aluminum to design and construct a screened enclosure on your deck, patio, or concrete slab.  If you don't have a foundation, All Custom can construct one for you.  Screened enclosures are affordable, aesthetically pleasing additions to your home that serve as more than just refuges from bugs. They provide space to cook, socialize, and entertain, and give you peace of mind that your family is protected from the illnesses outlined above. 

Visit our website at allcustomaluminum.com or call us today for your free estimate (850) 524-0162