1)
What are your patio covers and pergolas
made of?
Our vinyl
products are fabricated using 100% virgin
(PVC). To prevent deterioration by the elements
our vinyl is formulated with Titanium Dioxide
and impact modifiers. This assures that
our vinyl will never rot, rust, chip or
splinter. Rafters are fitted with aluminum
“I” beams this gives added strength,
while maintaining the light weight that
our vinyl structures are famous for.
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2) Will
my vinyl patio cover discolor and turn yellow?
No. To prevent
discoloration by ultraviolet light our vinyl
is formulated with a high percentage of
Titanium Dioxide, this makes our vinyl color
stable, our vinyl will not fade or discolor
like conventional materials. Your vinyl
patio cover is backed by a “Limited
Lifetime Warranty” against yellowing.
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3) Will
weather affect my vinyl patio cover?
Everyday environmental
factors like sun, rain and moisture will
not negatively affect your vinyl patio cover.
Your vinyl patio cover is engineered to
maintain its good looks, under even severe
weather conditions.
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4) How
Strong is Vinyl?
Substantial
physical impact may damage your vinyl patio
cover. Vinyl is considerably stronger and
more flexible than wood or other conventional
materials. Normal everyday use will not
damage your vinyl structure; our vinyl is
formulated with chemical impact modifiers
that keep the material strong and flexible
for the life of your structure. Our structures
are further reinforced with aluminum “I”
beams and post inserts.
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5) How
does your vinyl patio cover stand up to
wind and snow?
We are the
only company that installs aluminum “I”
beam inserted into each vinyl rafter; this
maintains the light weight of the structure
and adds rigidity for added support. We
also include a galvanized steel post base
within each support post, which provides
your patio cover with superb strength and
durability against high winds and heavy
snow loads.
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6) Is your
vinyl patio cover a safe structure for my
children to play around?
Unlike wood,
vinyl will not splinter. Vinyl has a smooth
surface and all fasteners are internal and
out of reach, you won't have to worry about
injuries from a rough surfaces or protruding
hardware. An added benefit of vinyl is that
there are no harmful chemicals such as Arsenic,
Lead and Creosote, which may be present
in wood patio covers.
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7) Can
I use my lawn mower and other garden power
tools near my patio cover?
Use caution,
with any power assisted garden tool near
your vinyl patio cover. Power garden tools
may mar the smooth finish of your structure.
Avoid hitting your structure with your lawn
mower. Taking care to avoid physical damage
to your patio cover will assure a lifetime
of enjoyment.
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8) Will
my vinyl patio cover meet my state's building
codes and do I need a building permit?
Our vinyl
patio covers are engineered to meet specific
structural requirements. Building codes
will vary depending on your location. Please
check with your local building department
regarding permits and code requirements.
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9) How
tall are your standard patio cover kit posts?
Standard posts
are 8’ to 10’long, with custom
lengths available. You will want to discuss
your installation with a customer service
representative if you think that you have
a special situation, not covered by our
“What to know before you order”
link.
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10) Is
it difficult to install one of your kits?
Our vinyl
patio cover kits were designed and engineered
to be easily installed. If you are purchasing
one of our larger structures it may require
two people to facilitate the handling of
long structural members. Most structures
can be installed in a matter of hours.
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11) Will
I need special tools to install my vinyl
patio cover?
Our patio
covers are designed for installation with
basic hand tools. Power drivers will help
make the installation easier. You will probably
have all the tools needed already. Please
review our “What to know before you
order” link for further information.
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12)
Will I have to cut any part of my vinyl
patio cover?
Most installs
do require some minor cutting to adjust
the height of the posts. Cutting is minimal
and should not take a great amount of time
or inordinate tools or skill.
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13) Will
your kit mount to my existing patio?
Our kits will
mount easily to most surfaces. These include
concrete, wood or composite decks. Our structures
may be ordered with longer posts, to allow
for installation into the ground. Please
see our “Customer Service Hot Line”
for further information.
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14)
Should I purchase a freestanding patio cover
or one that attaches to my house?
In most cases,
patio covers attach to the house. Free standing
units may be situated as close as a few
inches to your home if the design of your
home precludes attaching the unit to it.
Free standing units usually are set away
from the main building as a yard accent
or a cover near a pool or remote deck. If
you have questions regarding which unit
to purchase, please call our “Customer
Service Hot Line” for help.
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15)
What colors are available for my vinyl patio
cover?
Our patio
covers are available in white or tan. White
is the most commonly ordered color since
it coordinates with most any home color
scheme. Darker colors are not available,
as darker colors will tend to fade in time.
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16) Do
you offer custom size patio cover kits?
Yes. If our
standard kits will not fit your needs, contact
our “Customer Service Hot Line”,
(8am – 6pm PST) Monday – Friday,
one of our representatives will be happy
to assist you in ordering a custom kit.
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17)
Does my vinyl patio kit come with a warranty?
Your vinyl
patio cover is backed by a Limited Lifetime
Warranty against rotting, warping, discoloration,
cracking and peeling.
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18) What
are the advantages of a vinyl patio cover
over a wood or aluminum patio cover?
Patio covers
that are made of traditional materials require
on going maintenance. This includes treatment
for wood destroying insects, corrosion,
pealing paint, dry rot, cracking and material
replacement. This requires a substantial
investment of time and money; this can add
up to many thousands of dollars over the
life of a conventional patio cover. The
two main reasons for making an investment
in a vinyl patio cover are: Great looks
and no maintenance. Vinyl patio kits have
no natural imperfections; there are no knots,
warped material, uneven surfaces or exposed
fasteners. Maintenance under normal circumstances
is as simple as rinsing with a garden hose
to keep the structure dirt free. With a
vinyl patio cover you can enjoy a structure
that will look and stay attractive starting
the minute that you finish installing it.
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19) How
does the cost of a vinyl patio cover kit
compare with one made of wood?
The initial
cost of a vinyl patio cover kit is somewhat
higher than one constructed of common lumber
such as Douglas fir. If you were to choose
premium lumber like, Kiln Dried Cedar or
Heart Redwood, the initial cost would be
about the same. Unfortunately the cost of
a patio cover built of wood does not stop
at construction. Wood patio covers require
substantial ongoing maintenance. This includes
painting, every several years, wood replacement
and treating for wood destroying insects.
This alone can add up to thousands of dollars
spent over the life of a wood structure.
Your vinyl patio cover kit requires no maintenance,
since it is not susceptible to the ravages
of nature. This makes a vinyl patio cover
a much wiser investment.
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20)
How safe is vinyl for our environment?
Our vinyl
patio cover kits are manufactured from 100%
virgin materials, this makes them 100% recyclable
in the event that you ever decide to remove
your patio cover. Barring this, your vinyl
patio cover should outlast your home. Wood
structures, unlike vinyl ones are treated
in many cases with arsenic or paints and
stains that may contain harmful chemicals.
Treated wood in most cases is harmful to
your health and the environment. Consider
how many trees we would save if all patio
cover were made of vinyl. In short vinyl
is not only a good choice from a construction
viewpoint, but it is good for our environment.
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21)
How do keep my vinyl patio cover clean?
Most day to
day dirt is easily removed with a spray
from your garden hose. For more stubborn
dirt, such as caked on mud or bird droppings
you may have to use a sponge or rag to wipe
down the unit. Using a mild soap product
will help in some instances. Marks made
by children’s bike tires and crayons
may be removed with a moderate amount of
lacquer thinner. Use caution not to let
the lacquer thinner sit to long as it can
attack the vinyl. Be sure to wipe it off
quickly and follow up with a water wash
down.
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22)
How long after I order does it take to get
my kit?
Usually it
takes two to three weeks to get your kit.
During our busy season it can take little
longer. You will be notified when your unit
is shipped by e-mail or phone. This gives
you time to arrange things at your home
for the delivery.
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23)
What is the cost of shipping?
Unlike companies
that offer “FREE” shipping,
we do not average the cost of shipping and
include that average cost into the price
of every unit shipped. Our policy is to
charge only for the actual shipping cost,
from our plants located on the east and
west coast. This policy assures that you
are getting the best possible rate for shipping.
Please call to get an actual rate for shipping
from our plant to your house.
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