[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by modhatter

I really like the looks of the pergola, but couldn't help wondering if it served it's purpose sufficiently, as some of the sun still gets through the slats. Wouldn't a solid one work better in keeping you cooler in total shade?

That misting system sounds interesting. They have them at a lot of the restaurants in Phoenix that have outdoor seating. Are they very expensive and is the install easy? I love to be able to sit outside and read and have a cup of coffee in the morning, so looking as you say to extend the pleasant time as much as possible. 'Thanks for your input.

Actually mine IS solid. It's a toss up -- a pergola lets in more sun, but heat has someplace to go. I have to rely on air movement to move the hot air (or humid air when misting) out of the patio. When the solar screens are down, they're as good as a wall. So I have a "long metal tube" for a patio. And when there's no wind, it's no use going out there.

As for the misting system, Mead Hardware on Lake Mead (East side of town) has everything you need. Mead Hardware is one of the best stores in the valley, period. They specialize in misters, evaporative coolers and similar. The kits are cheap, and anyone with a hacksaw and a cordless drill can install a system in an afternoon. And they have real customer service and better prices than the big-box stores. I can't recommend them highly enough. Every DIYer in Las Vegas should know about them, and pay them a visit just to get ideas, if nothing else.

[NLVgal]

The hard water killed my mister system in no time. I have a slatted patio cover with some sun shade fabric on top. We had saltillo put over the concrete floor. It looks nice, but we still need to use the roller shades on the side or it gets too hot.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by NLVgal

^^ This. The hard water killed my mister system in no time.

You're right. I should have mentioned that misters don't like hard water.

We don't have hard water because of our whole-house RO system. I often forget how bad our tap water is. Normal tap water will clog the misting nipples FAST. It's easy enough to soak them in vinegar occasionally though.

[modhatter]

I think the Pergola type are more attractive, but didn't think they would do the job as well. Thought maybe due to the winds there, that they were more practical as you wouldn't have as much wind lift. Just going by what you all are saying about the wind. Neither type actually shields completely from the sun depending on the time of day and which way your house faces.

They have them (the solid ones) with fancy columns and tile on the corners that make them look better, but I'm sure that comes with a big bump in cost.

Actually, I can't say I bought it yet, as it is a short sale, and it will be up to the bank if it goes through. It is not anything special at all, but will do for now. It was cheap and a single story, built in 2000. It is in area code 89131
It's positives is it is on a big lot, and room for RV parking. It is below Elkhorn near a large park, the Centenial Library, and University of Phoenix and 95. Lots of convenient shopping near by. Not Summerlin by any stretch. I am expecting the bank to come back asking for another $10,000. I had to agree to picking up all sellers cost, which added another $6,000 to price, but I figured that in price.

The landscaping is practically non existing, except for a big tree in the front with desert landscaping. The back and side yard is mostly dead grass. Luckily some neighbors planted some trees so there is some privacy in back, but sides will need some fast growing trees. But for the price, it's hard to get something that will give you RV parking and still have a decent size yard with a single story house on it.