There is no sense in keeping you guessing so we’re just bringing it right out in the open. Yes, there are two cons to consider when thinking about enclosing your lanai. We want to add, though, that once you’re aware of them, both scenarios can be easily avoided.
Do you want to learn what they are?
Leaks at the seam
The seam that attaches the enclosure’s roof to your home may leak if the installer isn’t on top of their game. Water follows the path of least resistance. It needs to be level for starters. Additionally, if the flashing running across the seam connecting the enclosure and your home isn’t installed properly, it will find a way to get underneath it.
Once that happens, you eventually discover leakage. If not repaired, it can lead to other problems such as rotting materials. Also, because our subtropical weather is so hot and humid, it provides a prime environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Unattended, this can lead to deteriorating health conditions for humans and their pets.
The solution to that problem is simple. Work with professionals. Do your due diligence and research the company before making a decision. Local review boards can provide you with accurate information. We’ll remind you that if you see a 5-star review after a 5-star review and suddenly a scathing review pops up, you should probably disregard it.
Foundational damage
Improper construction techniques can lead to drainage problems that can cause heaving and eventually affect your home’s structural integrity. Failing to consider proper foundation support creates problems. including cracking and settling. Moreover, if your lanai floor can’t withstand the structure’s weight, it can sink or shift leading to costly repairs.
Once again, due diligence can prevent this scenario from becoming a reality. Working with a professional installer minimizes the risk of poor workmanship. An experienced contractor can quickly determine if there are any problems to address before installation even begins.
More pros than cons
If you commit to finding an experienced contractor who doesn’t cut corners as far as materials and work ethic go—reviews are the best way to determine that—you shouldn’t have to worry about either of the cons for enclosing your lanai or pool.
Once your job is scheduled, all that’s left for you to do is look forward to all of the benefits you will soon enjoy. We’re sharing those with you now.
Added privacy
The number one reason homeowners gave for deciding to enclose their outdoor living space is for added privacy. Even though screen enclosures don’t provide total seclusion, homeowners marvel at the difference the added level makes in how they feel. The outside world seems to melt away which enhances relaxation enabling their family to enjoy their time together even more.
Once you add furniture and personal decor you will have a backyard retreat that friends and family will love. You can take that thought a step further if you choose to work with a company that offers to customize your screens. The results are remarkable.
The images are printed using dyes boosted with UV protection ensuring that colors remain vibrant for years.
Bugs won’t be a bother
Your finely woven screens provide a barrier that bugs and insects can’t penetrate. You can store away the citronella candles and fly swatters. You’ll never be driven indoors by flies or mosquitoes again. Moreover, the noseeums aren’t getting through to you and yours either.
Enclosing your swimming pool creates the perfect environment for night swims because the mosquitoes can’t crash the party driving everyone indoors far too soon. You’re also free to light up the night without seemingly every moth in the county heading for the distant glow.
UV protection
Even though screens don’t completely block out those damaging UV rays, they do provide you and your family with a degree of protection. That’s because the screens filter the sun’s rays as they pass through them and it lessens their intensity. You won’t have to use as much sunscreen. Moreover, falling asleep in the lanai lounge chair won’t end with you getting fried to a crisp.
Creature features too
If you’ve never experienced the shock and surprise of stepping out the back door to find a snake, iguana, or some other type of wildlife waiting to greet you, it’s something you can live without forever. Enclosing your outdoor living area provides a barrier they can’t cross.
It eliminates the threat of them invading your space—and keeps the area cleaner too!
Safety and value
Your screen enclosure provides an area for pets and small children to enjoy being outdoors without having to worry they’ll wander away if you get distracted.
Screen enclosures increase the value of your home. How much, of course, depends on a number of factors such as size and materials, for example.
The final decision
While a leaking roof or damaged foundation would be serious issues, the odds that installing a screen enclosure will damage your home are nearly nonexistent when you choose to work with an experienced contractor. We suggest researching a few and looking for customer reviews on local boards first. Then reach out to three of them and have them come out to give you an estimate. Toss the lowest bid right off the bat because they are the biggest risk of being a corner cutter.
Once your enclosure is up your family is going to enjoy the benefits year around. Bugs won’t drive you and your guests indoors because if they swarm, it’s going to be on the outside of the screen. You’ll feel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood because your screens provide you with an illusion of privacy.
Florida wildlife stays in the wild and not basking in the sun on the lanai because the enclosure creates a boundary they can’t cross. That goes for yard waste and storm debris too so you won’t need to clean as often. Lastly, your new enclosure increases the value of your home to some degree and provides a safe space for children and pets.