Screen enclosures – enjoy a comfortable outdoor environment

Screen enclosures, also known as screen rooms are a valuable addition to any home. The offer many advantages to the homeowners and can transform a boring patio into a functional, modern and visually pleasing outdoor space. Screen enclosures are an excellent way to expand the living area of your home and add significant value to your property. In addition you can enjoy time outdoors without being bothered by bugs or insects or by the weather conditions. A covered space outdoors is a way to provide privacy protection as well and create an outdoor living room which will make your home more convenient and beautiful.

Choose the style and the design of your outdoor area

 

Patio screen enclosures can be divided in two main groups – a solid permanent structure or a retractable awning. Outdoor enclosures come in many styles and designs and you can choose one which will match your house architecture and garden design. Of course, the materials differ and glass patio screen enclosures are among the most popular customer choices as such enclosures do not block the view. Glass enclosures come with clear, frosted, engraved or painted glass, so you have the opportunity to select the type of glass as per your individual needs.

Another popular type of patio screen enclosures are the ones made of aluminum mesh and pet-proof mesh. A screen door is an option to ease going outside. Many people customize the framing of their patio enclosures and door hardware to achieve an uniform appearance and a harmonious look of the exterior.

What type of outdoor screen enclosure to choose?

Outdoor screen enclosures can be sunrooms, patio enclosures, glass patio enclosures, aluminum or vinyl patio enclosures. Usually sunrooms are permanent structures and are completely protected from the weather. Screen patio enclosures and glass patio enclosures are the most popular types of outdoor enclosure. An advantage of the glass enclosure is that it offers protection from wind and rain while screen enclosures are more suitable for warm climate conditions.

Other popular options are aluminum and vinyl patio enclosures. Vinyl is durable material, resistant to mold, and requires very little maintenance. It is also very easy to install and manufacturers offer vinyl enclosures in different colors with a wood-like or metal finish. Aluminum is equally durable, and is less expensive so if you are on a budget, this is an affordable solution.

A fixed screening system of the patio enclosure guarantees that your screens will not be blown out of the tracks in higher winds. If you opt for retractable screens, you should know that they require regular maintenance and cleaning so that the tracks do not get jammed.

One important thing to remember is to check the manufacturer’s warranty of your screen enclosure. If you hire a company for the installation, check the costs, as it is quite possible that you will have to pay additionally. Some dealers use only their own employees and the installation cost is included in the price.

Screen enclosures – what are the benefits?

Besides adding values to your property, investing in an outdoor screen enclosure offers many benefits to the homeowners. With the right style, design and finish, the exterior appearance of the house will be more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Make sure you choose an option which matches the style of your house. A patio screen enclosure will protect you from insects, critters and pests, even wild animals. It provides a better privacy and in addition, you will not worry for the safety of your kids or pets while playing outdoors. A screen enclosure will offer sun protection from harsh sun during the summer months and if you chose a permanent glass enclosure, you could install a heat/cooling system which will allow you to use it all year round.

Another advantage of screen rooms is that they do not require a new foundation and are easily built over existing decks and patios. Utilizing the living space creates many opportunities. The rooms are also the perfect place for entertaining with family and friends.

Screen enclosures – furniture and decorating ideas for your screen room

When you consider the idea of adding an outdoor screen room you need to plan the style, the size, the design, furniture and decoration. Modern rooms can have removable screens which offer a great flexibility as you may open or close the screens at a wish. Some screens are made with aluminum frames and usually are custom made to work as a big window screen. You can cover a part of your outdoor area and leave the rest uncovered. This will allow you to choose whether to spend time in the garden or take advantage of the mosquito protection that your screen room offers.

Think about the size of your room and how you want to use it. It must be large enough to be functional. If you have a large family or plan to use the enclosure as a place for entertainment you will need enough room to accommodate a dining furniture set, for example.

Your outdoor screen enclosure will need a comfortable furniture. A couch, a recliner, a daybed, lounge furniture, a dining set, side tables for serving drinks and any other furniture pieces that will facilitate the relaxing time for you, your family and friends.

Some storage space will be a valuable addition as it will save you from walking inside and out constantly carrying glassware or tableware. You can opt for a storage cabinet or some built in storage and use the space under the bench, for example. This will greatly improve the functionality of your screen room and allow you to spend a quality time outdoors.

Be practical and combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. Choose a color scheme that is pleasant to the eye and in harmony of the rest of your home as the screen enclosure is actually a continuation of your main living space.