Transform Your Outdoor Space with Screened Porches

Spending time outdoors is one of life's great joys. Lounging with a book as a soft breeze drifts by, hosting a summer dinner party under the stars, simply relaxing after a long day--an outdoor living area expands your home's livable footprint in the best possible way.

Yet as every porch-lover knows, our flying, crawling friends have an open invitation to crash the party. Mosquitos, gnats, wasps, and flies descend the moment you break out the barbeque or open a soda. The constant need to swat away pests takes the fun right out of outdoor fun.

Keep Bugs at Bay with Screened-In Porches

This is where screened porches provide the perfect solution. Screen enclosures transform your patio, balcony, or porch into a usable living space protected from nature's party crashers. Built-in screening acts as a barrier to keep out mosquitos, gnats, wasps and other unwelcome critters trying to horn in on the fun. Your screened oasis allows fresh breezes to flow through while blocking tiny infiltrators. Relax outdoors without constantly fending off flying pests!

Types of Screen Enclosures

Not all screen enclosures are created equal. Depending on your needs and budget, there are a few options when it comes to constructing your bug-free hangout zone.

• Partial enclosures: Excellent budget options. Screendoors, roll-down screens, and single panels protect entryways without fully enclosing the entire porch.
• 3-season screened porches: Fully screened to create a usable covered space spring through fall. Provide protection from rain, wind, and cold.
• 4-season enclosed porches: Fully-insulated and sealed rooms, usable year-round. Essentially converts porch into indoor sunroom.

Screen panels typically utilize durable aluminum frames paired with fiberglass, vinyl mesh, or pet-resistant screen material. Retractable screens and custom patterns cater to any style. Get the benefits of the outdoors with none of the hassles!

Unbeatable Benefits

Installing a screen enclosure delivers some pretty sweet perks:

Beyond pest protection, screened porches simply enhance outdoor living. Turn your porch into a true extension of your home and enjoy it safely no matter the season or weather.

Designing Your Dream Screened Porch

Ready to start your screened porch project? Hold those hammer and nails for just a moment...

While a DIY screened porch seems simple enough, adequate planning prevents poor performance. There are a few key considerations when it comes to construction:

Choose the Perfect Spot

Identify your ideal location based on sun exposure, traffic flow, and connections to indoor rooms. Measure the area to determine optimal dimensions. If adding a screened porch in conjunction with a new or existing deck, patio or pergola, make sure the structures complement one another.

Know Your Local Building Codes

Check with your hometown permitting office to learn relevant regulations for porches and enclosures. Most municipalities require permits for any structural additions. Your Homeowner's Association may impose style or material guidelines as well.

Hire the Pros or DIY?

Instaling a complete screen enclosure requires solid carpentry skills. Factor cost of materials plus your sweat equity for a DIY, or make it easy by hiring a professional screened porch contractor. They'll ensure proper construction to withstand wind, rain and heavy use.

The beauty of screened porches lies in their low-fuss nature. A simple periodic sweep keeps the space clear of debris and leaves. Use a soft brush and soap-water mix as needed to clean vinyl or aluminum-framed screens. Remove panels seasonally for a deep clean and store safely until next use.

Your screened paradise is a relaxing refuge for years to come. Turn wasted outdoor space into protected square footage the whole family can enjoy. Discover the possibilities with screened porch enclosures!