Covered patio or not for sun protection? (new home, living)

[bluejay50]

I am building a new home and the backyard faced west. The master bedroom has large windows on the west side and I am worried about the sun hitting them in the summer and heating up the house. I have the option of extending the covered patio which would cover these windows. The covered patio is about 8 feet deep. I am only hesitant as it is an expensive upgrade ($6k) and I don't really need the extra patio space outside but would just do it if it would really help keep the sun off of the windows. OR would it be just as effective for me to place reflective window film on these windows? As this would be a much cheaper option. Thank you for any advice!

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by bluejay50

I am building a new home and the backyard faced west. The master bedroom has large windows on the west side and I am worried about the sun hitting them in the summer and heating up the house. I have the option of extending the covered patio which would cover these windows. The covered patio is about 8 feet deep. I am only hesitant as it is an expensive upgrade ($6k) and I don't really need the extra patio space outside but would just do it if it would really help keep the sun off of the windows. OR would it be just as effective for me to place reflective window film on these windows? As this would be a much cheaper option. Thank you for any advice!

Rule number one for Arizona living: shade! You will never regret having more covered area and shade on your patio, NEVER. 6K is nothing - you will get it back if you sell (in which case you have only paid a small part of it) and you will enjoy the outdoor space and the cooler room.

[youthinkso]

Just put some sun screens on the window. In the winter you can remove them and enjoy the sun through the windows. This winter was a good example, it was so cold people were looking for the sun.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Rule number one for Arizona living: shade! You will never regret having more covered area and shade on your patio, NEVER. 6K is nothing - you will get it back if you sell (in which case you have only paid a small part of it) and you will enjoy the outdoor space and the cooler room.

I'm totally agreeing with this!

[LBTRS]

Your backyard faces west which is the worst possible exposure you could have. I would do everything I could to avoid this exposure or minimize the effects of the sun that will be cooking this side of your house. I'd extend the patio without another thought.

[maverick974]

With a west facing backyard and large windows, you WILL shade them soon. Either now or in about 3 months.
Guaranteed.......

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by bluejay50

I am building a new home and the backyard faced west. The master bedroom has large windows on the west side and I am worried about the sun hitting them in the summer and heating up the house. I have the option of extending the covered patio which would cover these windows. The covered patio is about 8 feet deep. I am only hesitant as it is an expensive upgrade ($6k) and I don't really need the extra patio space outside but would just do it if it would really help keep the sun off of the windows. OR would it be just as effective for me to place reflective window film on these windows? As this would be a much cheaper option. Thank you for any advice!

I agree with Ponderosa, Bluejay . . . you can never have too much shade.

As far as the window film is concerned . . . that would be my last choice.

I have a fully exposed West Facing Wall and a covered patio was not an option so I chose Oleanders. Although they took a couple years to mature, the positive effect on the two bedrooms along that wall has been significant, however, I would greatly prefer a full shade cover.

Good Luck

[AZ Tracy]

If you can afford it, I'd go with the extended patio. When it's time to sell, you will get it back. If you can't afford it I'd recommend both sunscreens and plant something that will provide some shade. I don't know much about reflective film, but that would probably be my last choice.

[AZJoeD]

Extend the patio! You can never have too much shade in AZ. Plus you will spend a lot of time outside and you be thankful for the additional room whether dining outside or just relaxing on a hammock. You will recoup some of your money when you sell.

[CheyDee]

Originally Posted by LBTRS

Your backyard faces west which is the worst possible exposure you could have. I would do everything I could to avoid this exposure or minimize the effects of the sun that will be cooking this side of your house. I'd extend the patio without another thought.

^^This.