Enclosing A Screened Porch Can Be A Simple Process
During the long, cold winter months, you counted the days until spring. However, the warm days also bring the annoyance of bugs, especially mosquitoes. Instead of relaxing in the lounge chair, you’re constantly swatting the insects away. This was not how you envisioned spending your summer. Enclosing a screened porch provides you with freedom from insects and protection against rain showers.
Raleigh, NC ranks #6 on a list for the 20 worst cities in the United States for mosquitoes. While many times a mosquito bite results in an itchy bump, some people are allergic experiencing more severe reactions. Also, mosquitos carry deadly diseases that they can transmit through a bite. Malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, West Nile, and Zika are some common illnesses you can catch from mosquitos. Moreover, mosquito season lasts from April to October, the time most of us like to be outdoors.
Many people turn to citronella candles or insect repellants when spending time outside. However, a study has shown that many repellants simply do not work. Even if you use an effective product, you need to apply it in sufficient concentration to reduce insect attraction. This study also found that citronella candles did not repel mosquitoes at all.
Does this mean you should avoid the outdoors entirely? Of course not! You can enjoy the outdoors by building a screen room onto your home. The screens are a barrier against all insects while allowing fresh air into your room. If you’re looking for a design specialist for your screen room, call the experts at Structurally Speaking. Our owner, Jim Brennan, personally meets with each client. He’ll give you a detailed consultation focused on your function and aesthetic goals. And there’s no obligation with our estimates.
What’s A Homeowner to Do?
When the warm days are beckoning outside, what should we do? Brave the mosquitoes outside or remain inside shut up in our homes? A better solution is to build a screen room. Then you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors without the threat of insects. Plus, your roofed structure will protect you against sudden summer storms.
Many people love feeling connected to nature. Protected living spaces give homeowners the feeling of outdoors without the inconveniences of bugs and inclement weather. No longer will you have to worry about flies or wasps interrupting your dinner. You’ll be able to enjoy the view outside and pesky mosquitoes won’t be able to reach you.
Do you have an existing patio or deck space? Are you constantly sweeping leaves, grass, and other debris off? A patio enclosure will keep nature’s debris from your outdoor living space. Plus, the overhead roof will protect your furniture from harmful UV rays as well as any bad weather.
Should I Choose A Deck, Screen Room, or Sunroom
When considering your options for extending your living space to the outdoors, you have several choices. Begin by thinking about how you plan on using the additional space. Will you be hosting many outdoor parties? Do you want an additional dining area or family room?
Primarily, your budget is always your first consideration when considering any home improvement project. Knowing how much you can spend will determine the scope of your project. For example, a deck is much cheaper to build than a 3-season room. And a screen room is less expensive than a sunroom.
However, you need to balance your budget against your needs. How do you plan on using the additional space? If you plan on entertaining, you’ll want tables and seating with space to maneuver around. You may even want a screened-in area for protection against insects and bad weather. And if you plan on using the room throughout the year, you’ll want a sunroom.
The Differences Between Each Structure
So, which structure will be best for your needs? Each one is slightly different with varying price levels. Structurally Speaking can help you create, and design a deck, screen room, or sunroom perfect for your needs and budget. Let’s take a look at the basics of each construction.
Decks are generally elevated structures attached to a house. They can be different levels, sizes, and shapes. Typically, builders construct decks from pressure-treated wood, hardwoods, or composite wood. Most decks don’t have roofs to provide shade and protection from the elements.
A screen room is a roofed structure attached to your home. You can build an entirely new structure or build an enclosure around a porch or a patio. Screen panels keep insects and debris out while letting fresh air in. However, you can’t use this type of enclosed structure once the weather turns chillier.
Sunrooms can give be either 3- or 4-season rooms, depending on the windows, insulation, and heating system. Builders construct 3-season rooms with glass windows. Glass provides added protection against the cold for longer use. However, 3-season rooms usually have single-pane windows without insulation or a heating system. Thus, you can’t use your room during the coldest winter months.
Contractors build 4-season sunrooms with double-pane energy-efficient windows and insulation. With insulation, the homeowner can heat and cool the room. This allows for year-round usage.
Options to Consider for Your Screen Room
Once you’ve decided on the structure you want, you can think about extra options. These are amenities you can add to make your space more usable, inviting, and comfortable. When your room is more welcoming, you’ll use it more often.
Ceiling fans are always are an appreciated addition to increase air circulation. Choose a fan with a light fixture and you can use your room after the sun goes down. A fireplace can make a chilly outdoor room warm and cozy allowing you to use it late into fall. While the addition of a television will make your room seem more of an extension of your home.
Some homeowners dislike the barrier screens’ presence. Thus, retractable screens give you the choice of removing the screens. Available in both manual and motorized options, your screens can retract to open your room up to the outdoors. With protected inside casing, UV rays, dirt, and the weather can’t harm your screens. Thus, your screens will last longer.
Glass windows are another option that will turn your screen room into a sunroom. Bow, bay, casement, and sliding windows are among the most popular types of windows for sunrooms. Moreover, you may want glass with a low E-coating that reflects heat energy to keep your room cooler.
Which Is the Best Screen Material for My Porch Enclosure?
If you choose to enclose your patio, you’ll have to decide on what kind of screens to use. Today’s screens are available in several different materials. Bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, and fiberglass all make excellent screens. So, which is the best screen material for my needs? It all comes down to your budget.
Generally, bronze and stainless steel are the more expensive options. These premium metals offer more elegance and are suitable for maintaining the architectural integrity of classic homes. Both are strong, durable, and resist corrosion.
Fiberglass is the most popular screen choice for most homeowners due to its low cost. It offers good visibility due to less glare from sunlight. Plus, fiberglass screens come in a wide range of colors so you can match the exterior of your home.
Some homeowners prefer an aluminum screen due to its durability. On average, aluminum screens last 30-40% longer than fiberglass. However, your choice of colors is much more limited. Typically, aluminum screens are only available in black, charcoal, and silver.
Undecided about which screen is best for your project? Let us review your ideas and budget to suggest your best option. Since 2008, Structurally Speaking has been helping homeowners build the enclosed structure of their dreams. We have designed all of these home enhancement structures and will guide you to the unique solution for your home and lifestyle. You can view some of the projects we’ve constructed in the greater Raleigh Durham area here.
What Will A Screen Porch or 3-Season Room Cost?
Like many home improvement projects, your cost depends on several variables. The size, materials, and scope of the project have a direct effect on the price. Rather than trying to figure out costs on your own, it’s better to talk to a professional. At Structurally Speaking, Jim Brennan will personally evaluate your home to give you the addition you need.
Certain factors always drive up costs. A larger project with more square footage will be more expensive than a smaller plan. Likewise, the materials you choose have a big influence on price. We’ve already talked about the different screens you can choose from. But there’s also flooring choice and added accessories such as a ceiling fan. Decorative touches too can raise the price.
Finally, the scope of the project needs consideration. Do you already have an open porch that you want to enclose with a screen? Perhaps you have an unused patio with an existing roof that requires an enclosure? Or do you want to install glass windows in your screened porch for a seasonal room?
Trying to figure out the price of your project can be quite daunting. An easy way is to give us a call for a free no-obligation estimate. After consulting with you on your needs, budget, and design ideas, we present you with a proposal. We will present one that meets your needs and stays within your budget.
A Porch Enclosure Will Increase the Value of Your Home
Most likely, the reason you’re thinking of enclosing your existing porch is for your own use and enjoyment. You want additional outdoor living space without the annoyances of nature. Increasing the value of your home is an added benefit.
On average, the return on your investment for enclosing your porch is 70-75%. A screen room is a nice added feature that can make your home stand out from others. Many prospective buyers actively seek out a home with a patio, sunroom or porch enclosure. Most likely, you probably aren’t thinking about selling your home any time soon; however, it’s still reassuring to know you can recoup most of your costs at some point. It’s a great investment, since you and your family can enjoy the improvement for many years and then receive a good return in the future!
Are You Thinking About Enclosing a Screened Porch on Your Home?
The insects, especially mosquitoes, can be severe during the summer months. Instead of hiding in your house the entire time, call Structurally Speaking. Enclosing a screened porch can offer protection against insects, while giving you additional living space.
Hiring the right contractor for your project can eliminate much of the stress that goes along with it. At Structurally Speaking, we know all the local building codes and take care of all the permits. When you use a local, fully-insured and licensed contractor, you know that you will receive the best customer service and an outstanding result. We want you to recommend us to your family and friends! All you need to do is to decide on the design you like best.
We plan and build decks, screened porches, 3-season rooms, sunrooms, hot tub decks, and pergolas. Serving the greater Raleigh-Durham area, our personal touch is what sets us apart from other contractors. So, call us today at 919-786-4825. Or, if you prefer, tell us a bit about your upcoming project online. Either way, we’ll contact you for your free no-obligation estimate. The warm months pass by too quickly. Let us build a structure to give you greater enjoyment of the outside.