Motorized Louvered Roofs, Acrylic Patio Covers, Solar Shades, Steel Framing & Weather-Ready Deck Materials.
If you live in Naperville and own a home, you know the freedom it gives you in terms of indoor and outdoor areas renovations. You can do whatever you want without having to deal with the HOA and other rules if you want to customize your deck or patio. There are so many add-on services you can add to your existing deck that sometimes it is overwhelming to choose from. If you are planning to build a new deck, or maybe just to upgrade your existing deck, or maybe it’s time for a deck resurfacing, and you want to add something special like a motorized louvered roof, or motorized solar shades, or maybe you are interested in creating your new deck with a steel deck framing and don’t know how to combine all these into a nice beautiful outdoor area, this post is for you. We will discuss here the best add-on services you can upgrade your deck with for Naperville homeowners. We mention the location because the climate here is different than in other areas like Arizona for example. Based on that, deck materials also change a little, as well as the type of solar shades and other products. Let’s get into it.
1. Motorized Louvered Roof Systems: All-Weather Comfort & Control
Enjoying the pleasant weather? Thanks to the innovative louvered Pergola systems, you can design an outdoor space where it’s perfect to unwind at any time of the day. Whether you select louvered blades or a laminated awning fabric, this is the ideal system for larger residential areas and even restaurant patios. These systems provide both sunshade and rainy weather protection, with built-in gutters to channel water. All pergola models are custom made to suit your space. They can be free-standing units or attached to existing building walls. Shielding your guests and outdoor seating from harsh mid-day sun and inclement weather keeps your visitors happy and comfortable.
Some people are curious about the noise of these louvers, the decibel levels on aluminum louvered roofs are approximately 50 decibels (dB). However, the noise could creep gradually to 55 decibels. To put it in perspective, sounds produced during normal conversations are approximately 55-60 dB.
These systems are a great addition to almost any type of deck anywhere in the USA. Even people from Washington State install them on a regular base.
2. Acrylic Patio Covers: Lightweight, Durable & Bright
An Acrylic Roof is crafted as a patio cover and a sunroom roof that will preserve high light transmission throughout the lifespan of the product! Built to last, it’s designed to provide protection from harsh weather and harmful UV rays, without reducing natural light. Acrylic panels are sturdy, 100% naturally UV stable and diffuse/soften intense light. An Acrylic roof will maintain 90% light transmission and clarity for approximately 30 years.
According to the local Wolf Spirit Deck builders of Naperville, the climate in this area is a little different than other areas of the country in terms of temperatures in winter, wind and the sun in summer time, that’s why most of the deck builders choose Acrylic over Polycarbonate Patio Covers.
Acrylic is also called Plexiglass, but Plexiglass is just one of many brands of acrylic. This particular material has several benefits, including:
- More affordable than both glass and polycarbonate.
- Resists yellowing from the sun
- Better clarity than glass transmitting 92% of light
- Easier to machine and form
- Shiny material that can be polished to a smooth finish
- Has an impact resistance that is 17x that of glass
- Available in a range of colors
3. Motorized Solar Shades: Privacy & Sun Control
Motorized screens will improve your home and provide shade, energy efficiency, and ventilation. These products commonly used by locals in the area are typically made by Rainier, which has a long history of delivering exceptionally crafted, custom-made retractable shading systems.
Designed to block most of the sun’s harmful effects while maintaining your outdoor view and giving you greater control over your interior lighting. This product minimizes glare on computers and television screens and reduces the damaging UV rays that fade furniture and flooring.
They come in a wide variety of fabric, style, and color choices. Fabrics can block sunlight, preserve your view, or create full blackout shade if desired. Fabric warranties differ based on your selection, but the most popular options include several fabric choices with ten (10) year limited warranties for exterior use.
4. Steel Deck Framing: The Foundation That Lasts
Traditional wood framing rots, warps, and deteriorates—especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles like Illinois. Steel framing is becoming the new standard for long-lasting deck builds.
Why Steel Is Superior Here:
- Unmatched durability against moisture, insects, and temperature swings.
- Perfect for composite decking manufacturers’ warranties (many prefer steel framing).
- Straighter, stronger, and longer-lasting than treated lumber.
- Won’t twist or sag over time.
If you’re building a new deck or replacing an old one, steel framing is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make.
5. Best Decking Materials to Use
One of the best material people use in this area is the composite which is a low-maintenance deck material backed by strong 25 – 50 years warranties directly linked to the deck boards you deck builders will install.
Top Materials for Our Climate:
Composite Decking (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon)
The most popular choice for local homes.
Benefits:
- Impervious to rot, moisture, and insects
- Fade-resistant and splinter-free
- Minimal maintenance
- Stays cooler and performs well in humidity
Trex and TimberTech both offer high-performance lines specifically engineered for cold climates.
Final Ideas
A new deck in your backyard is one of the best things you can have as a homeowner. It gives you more pleasure and it adds value to your property. Adding additional stuff like motorized louvered roof, motorized solar shades, maybe some heaters and a fan can make your deck an additional room that can be enjoyed year-round. The perfect option for a beautiful and durable deck, according to the local homeowners, is a composite deck with built on a steel deck frame with motorized louvered roof, motorized solar shades, heater, railings, LED lights on the louvered roof, and a fan for summertime for the airflow.
This post is more of an inspiration type of content than a recommendation. It was written based on the recent recommendations from the local deck builders as homeowners.