Throwing shade

Think about when you decided to move to Florida. You probably did so from some colder climate location such as Michigan or New York. And the proverbial straw likely had something to do with snow and ice.

So you began daydreaming of the Sunshine State — of lazy evenings watching the sunset while sipping an Arnold Palmer on your lanai.

And then you moved here. And you hadn’t considered the mosquitos, the humidity and Central Florida’s thick, heavy, suppressive heat. So in the summer, you peek out into your backyard from time to time — form the comfort of your AC. It’s just too hot, you tell yourself.

It’s a shame, really. Because no one moves to Florida to sit inside.

And that’s precisely why Brad and Debra Flora started A1 Aluminum in 2016. Specializing in aluminum and screens, A1 offers custom-built pool cages, screened enclosures and, yes, roofed pergolas that, quite literally, can beat the heat.

“We want to build an exclusive, private, elegant resort in your backyard,” Debra Flora said.

By using unique, over-engineered products, partnering with key companies and drawing from Brad Flora’s 25-plus years in construction, A1 creates outdoor spaces that add dramatic value and livability to clients’ homes.

In particular, A1’s custom insulated panel roofs can transform not only the aesthetics of your backyard but also its functionality in the summertime.

“It’s amazing; it feels like a 10- to 15-degree difference when you step under the roof,” Debra Flora said.

For many, that difference in temperature can instantly make lounging on the lanai a comfortable possibility — even in the summer months. And suddenly, instead of daydreaming from the AC, you and your family can take the party outside.

Furthermore, the insulated roofs can offer several other benefits, Debra Flora said. Having a roof protects your patio from weather and makes it usable even during daily downpours. And, because they offer shade adjacent to the house, the insulated roofs also can lower the energy cost of cooling your home.

“Think about it: The sun isn’t beating on the back of the house,” she said.

Customers also can increase the comfort and ambiance even more with ceiling fans, motorized shades, decorative beams and sconces, which can offer a more elegant look than stringed lights dangling from the rafters. And if you’re seeking a screened-in structure, A1 can offer designs that eliminate the need for center posts that would disrupt your view.

The Floras enjoy staying current with the latest technologies and advancements in the aluminum and screen industries — ensuring the products they create are the strongest, most energy efficient available.

“Some other companies have been doing it the same way for 30 years,” Debra Flora said. “But we like seeking out new ways and different technology.”

And for proof, you need to look no further than The View at Clermont National Golf Course. Two weeks before Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, A1 had completed a 4,000-square-foot covered structure for the venue. In the aftermath, there were plenty of pool enclosures and aluminum structures that had collapsed in the storm. But at The View, A1’s structure stood proudly, unfazed.

Above all, the Floras said they’re excited to serve the Central Florida community they love. They’re active in the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and have earned multiple Best of South Lake Awards. The Floras also are dedicated to supporting other locally owned business and keeping local dollars in the community.