If you have a patio, porch, or deck that you enjoy using, you might probably want to consider the option of converting it into a screen enclosure. A screen room or enclosure is an excellent oasis to experience the best of both indoor and outdoor living spaces. The windows or walls are screens, not glasses, which provide a wonderful feeling of being outdoors without having to worry about pesky bugs, the beat of sunshine, and dirt. There are several benefits of adding a screen room to your home, but there are also drawbacks that you need to consider when building one. Here are a few things you need to factor in when screening your patio, porch, or deck. Let’s run down the advantages and disadvantages of screen enclosure that you should know before starting the project.
Advantages Of A Screen Enclosure
There are myriad benefits of getting a screen enclosure. Enumerated below are the perks that you can expect if you plan to build this home addition.
Keeps The Bugs Out
The first thing that usually comes to mind when you think about a screen room is probably “zero bugs”. This is also one of the main reasons why homeowners decide to build a screen enclosure. Imagine that you are relaxing outside your deck or porch on a beautiful day until some bugs or mosquitoes are pestering you. A screen room keeps those bugs away, so you can simply enjoy your outdoor living space.
Provides Privacy
If you don’t really have enough budget to build a private wing to your home, a screen room is an ideal choice. The best thing about a screen enclosure is that it allows you to experience a great outdoor view without the feeling like you are on a display. It gives you a little bit of privacy, where you can just relax, share good memories with your family, or read a good book.
Keeps Critters Away
Aside from bugs and pests, a screen enclosure can keep all rodents and raccoons away. This is particularly beneficial if you leave your food or other items unattended. If you have an open outdoor living space like a deck or porch, you can expect that rodents and other critters can easily get into your yard and enjoy a good feast. However, if you have a screen room, you can leave any food or items without the need to worry that animals will quickly go after them.
Gets Cleaner
One of the main problems of an open porch and deck is that it can quickly get dirt and debris because it is directly exposed to the harsh elements outside. During the fall season, you need to sweep up acorns, dirt, and falling leaves. In spring, you can expect that pollen can coat your deck or any furniture therein. With a screen enclosure, on the other hand, your outdoor living space stays much cleaner. While you still need to clean it, just like any room in your house, the screen walls or windows can block the debris and falling leaves from the outside. Hence, it saves you from the headache of too much cleaning.
Offers Multitude Functionalities
A screen room serves different purposes and functionalities depending on your preference, style, and needs. You can use it as an extended living area where you can entertain your guests if you typically love to throw parties and gatherings. Another way to get creative with your screen enclosure is by adding flavorful dining elements, where you can enjoy great food with your family. And since the screen shields your porch or deck, you can safely incorporate furniture, electronics, and other features therein. A professional screen room contractor can help you maximize your outdoor living space and transform it into a more functional enclosure.
Provides A Cost-Effective Option
As compared to building sunrooms, a screen enclosure is much more cost-effective. In fact, it is usually the most affordable choice of enclosing an existing deck, patio, or porch. This is due to the fact that getting a screen room needs less construction and fewer materials. You don’t have to spend much money on the insulation unit and HVAC system, as you only need to enclose the room using screen walls or windows. However, if in case you want much better ventilation inside, you may want to install ceiling fans instead. This makes a screen enclosure an economical choice in bringing the outdoors inside your home.
Brings The Outdoors Inside
Screening your patio, porch, or deck allows you to bring the outdoors inside your home. It provides you an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without being outside. If you love spending your free time outside—listen to the sound of nature, savor the morning sunshine every day, or feel a peaceful breeze—a screen enclosure is the best spot in your home.
Promotes Child Safety
The problem with an open backyard is that it gives less security for young kids at home. They can play and roam around in open spaces that may compromise their safety. But with a screen enclosure, it is much easier to keep an eye on your young kids. You can guarantee that they are only within reaching distances, giving you peace of mind.
Disadvantages Of A Screen Enclosure
While a screen enclosure provides a lot of benefits, there are a few pitfalls that you must also consider. Here are some of the disadvantages of building a screen room for your home.
Potentially Blocks The Outdoor View
Your screen enclosure can surely allow you to enjoy the view from the inside. While it may not entirely block the outdoor view, it may obscure it due to the screen in your enclosure. This could ruin your ultimate experience with nature, especially if you have a beautiful landscape and yard to view at. Adding screens could possibly get in the way.
Limits Year-Round Use
A screen room is ideal in areas where the climate is consistently moderate. It is only beneficial for seasonal use. In a geographical location where the weather turns cold, a screen enclosure can no longer be fully functional. During rainy conditions, you can expect that the screen room will fail from protecting you against the harsh elements outside. Also, keep in mind that staying in a screen room during extremely cold or hot temperatures could be uncomfortable. So, if you intend to use an enclosure all-year-round, you may want to convert your screen room into a sunroom or better yet install a four-season sunroom, to begin with.
Requires Frequent Repair And Maintenance
Depending on the materials you use in building a screen room, you may need to clean and maintain it more frequently. While it is true that a screen enclosure can prevent any pollen, dirt, or debris from entering your home, you must also keep it in pristine condition. This means you have to remove any buildup on your screen. It is also necessary to clean the roof and do some repairs.
Needs Waterproofing
During heavy rainfall, you cannot guarantee that water damage on your screen can be prevented. It is very likely that your deck or porch will get wet, so you may want to invest in waterproofing any décor or furniture inside the enclosure. If not, you can expect a risk of water damage in your property and the growth of molds inside.
Special Considerations In Building A Screen Enclosure
When converting your patio, porch, or deck into a screen room, you need to consider the following:
Weather-Resistant
If you plan to add furniture and features inside your screen room, always think about waterproofing. Remember that screening in your porch or deck won’t entirely protect your home from water damage, particularly during heavy rainfall. With this, you need to add weather-resistant features and furniture. You may want to talk to a professional contractor to provide you recommendations and options.
Ventilation
While your enclosure allows you to enjoy a great breeze of air from the outside, it is more beneficial if you consider adding a ceiling fan. A fan provides extra ventilation, especially during summer or hot weather.
Lighting
In case you want to use your screen room during nighttime, it is best to keep your space well-lit. Good lighting will not only brighten up your outdoor living space but will also add character to your enclosure. Make sure to choose lighting and fixtures that will complement the design and style of your space.
Seating Areas
Whatever the reason for building a screen room, you always have to consider adding multiple seating areas in your enclosure. Whether it be for relaxing, dining, chatting with friends and families, or playing games, these seating areas can add appeal and character to your screen room.
Final Thoughts
A screen enclosure has its own share of merits and drawbacks that you need to consider first before you move the project into construction. It may be an excellent way to bring the outdoors in, and enjoy the nature outside; however, it may not be functional if you plan to use it all-year-round. With the pros and cons mentioned earlier, we hope that it allows you to make an informed decision. But if you still have questions about screening or enclosing your deck, patio, or porch, then feel free to connect with us. Schedule a free in-home consultation today!
