We’ve put together a guide that will help you sort through your choices and make the best decision.

Form some questions

It’s important to find out some essential information about the person or company with whom you choose to do business.

Here’s a list of questions that you need to ask.

Are you licensed by the state of Florida?

State licensing provides proof that the contractor or company is legitimate. Moreover, it’s a layer of protection for homeowners providing an avenue for recourse should a problem arise. They should be willing to show you their business license upon request.

Are you insured?

You need to ensure that the company, or contractor if self-employed, is adequately insured. If not, and an accident occurs on your property, you could be held liable.

Ask if they are covered by workers’ compensation insurance and liability insurance. Both are a must.

How long have you been in business?

The longer a company has been in business, the more experienced they should be. Ask if you can have some references from former customers while you’re at it.

What types of materials do you use?

Screen enclosures framed out in aluminum are more weather-resistant than wood. Gazebos are often built with wood, however, Florida’s semi-tropical climate and salt-infused air are hard on wood. Your contractor should make you aware of that fact and may make other suggestions.

Additionally, if anyone mentions using Artisan wire screens, cross them off the list. This cheaply manufactured screen holds up for three or four years tops and possibly less here due to the climate. Phifer screen is often viewed as the best choice. It’s used by many professionals and is viewed as the best enclosure screen on the market. In fact, it’s ranked number one in the nation and has expanded globally from there.

Do you guarantee your work?

Contractors and pool screen companies that guarantee their work are a cut above those who don’t. Again, failure to offer a guarantee is a sign of shoddy workmanship.

If the answer to your question, or any of the others listed above, is no, we suggest removing them from your list immediately.

Get some estimates

Once you have made up your list of questions, it’s time to make some choices. Check with family and friends to see if they have anyone that they would recommend for the job. You can also search local community boards or posts—and, of course, there’s always Angi. We’d opt for checking with friends and family, though. Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement!

We suggest you contact three potential contractors or pool screen companies—which can be a mix of the two, of course—and inquire about them coming out to give you an estimate on the cost of your project. Once the estimates are completed, pitch the lowest as its the most likely to be a corner-cutter bid. That means they may use cheaply made materials to increase their profit line while leaving their customers to make do if things begin falling apart.

One last tip

Find a company that customizes your screens using digital imagery. The dyes are resistant to ultraviolet rays so the images remain vibrant for years. Imagine walking through the door of your enclosure and immediately feeling as if you’ve been transported to the beach, a rainforest with flowing waterfalls, or any other destination that appeals to you.

The transformation is truly amazing! Homeowners report feeling an even greater sense of privacy. Peace and tranquility abound which increases your ability to relax. Once you’ve added your own decor, your backyard getaway will be complete—unless you decide to carry the theme on out into the yard with landscaping ideas.

Best of both worlds

In addition to increased privacy, mesh screen enclosures provide your family with many benefits that include:

• A bug-free environment—Can you imagine being outdoors and not being bothered by any bugs or insects? It becomes a reality when you’ve enclosed your outdoor space.
• UV protection—You won’t be totally protected, but screen enclosures do help because the UV rays are filtered as they pass through the screens. It lessens their intensity.
• Free air flow—Because air flows freely throughout your space, mold and mildew won’t have a chance to take hold because—even after a particularly “splashy” day in the pool—every nook and cranny dries completely.
• Even a safety feature—Because the door locks, you can keep the kids and pets out of the pool area or—if you’ve enclosed your patio or lanai—in so they won’t wander off.

Once you’ve decided who will install your enclosure—and whether or not you will customize your screens—all that’s left to do is wait for the day the crew arrives. Are you going all out with new furniture and decor as well? In addition to throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and the other eye-catching elements you could add, table top water features are another great idea. They aren’t just eye-catching though. The sound of running water increases our sense of tranquility—and in today’s crazy world, we need all of that we can get!

The post A Guide for Choosing a Contractor appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

You could purchase a kit and put it up on your own, however, if you aren’t a seasoned Do-It-Yourselfer, we suggest working with an experienced screen enclosure contractor. Many contractors offer to come to your location and give you a free estimate of the cost. As a rough rule of thumb, here in Florida, the average cost of a screen enclosure per square foot is between $10 and $24.

Several factors affect your budget

Numerous variables impact your final budget and they include:

• The size of the area you’re enclosing affects the final cost.
• Materials, such as flooring, affect pricing.
• Installing unique features, say a water feature, for instance, increases the cost.
• Will you use standard screen panels or install specialty screens?
• Is the enclosure new construction or are you incorporating space already under your roof line?
• If you need a roof, will you choose screen or aluminum?

Consider the added benefits

As you make out your budget, it’s important to consider the range of benefits you and your family will enjoy as soon as your new screen enclosure is complete.

Ups your privacy level

The number one reason people choose to enclose their outdoor space is the level of privacy they add to the mix. Neighbors are great, but sometimes—and especially when you’re gathered at the pool—it can feel as if you’re on display for all the world to see. Screen enclosures provide you with an added level of privacy that enhances your ability to rest and relax. And speaking of pool enclosures, if you install a kickplate at the base of your enclosure, it may completely shield you from being visible at all.

Creates bug-free zone

Your screens will be so finely woven that they create a barrier that keeps all manner of bugs and insects out of your environment. You can put away the bug repellant and fly swatters because mosquitoes, flies, noseeums, and all the rest won’t have access to you or your family when you’re enjoying time outside.

Imagine the sensation of enjoying your meal outdoors and not continuously swishing and swatting at swarming flies intent on contaminating every bite of food. And, have you considered what a difference an enclosure will make when family and friends gather for a night swim? No more diving underwater to escape the mosquitoes that hover around you every time you surface.

UV protection included

We don’t often consider screens as providing ultraviolet (UV) protection, but they do. As those harmful rays pass through the screen, they become less intense. That means you won’t be reapplying sunscreen as often. Your belongings aren’t going to suffer sun fade as quickly either.

Fights mold and mildew

Mold and mildew are types of fungi. Our hot, humid climate provides the perfect environment for them to thrive. Screen enclosures naturally combat mold and mildew because they allow air to freely circulate throughout the entire space. Any wet nooks and crannies dry out entirely making it impossible for mold and mildew to get a foothold. That’s a good thing because once started, they spread.

Blocks unwanted guests

Florida is known for a wide array of wildlife, including snakes, lizards, small mammals, and even alligators. It’s never a fun experience to discover one of the above on your lanai, in the pool, or curled up under a cushion or pool float, but it happens.

Mesh screen enclosures create a wall of protection that keeps them away from your living space and out in the yard where they are free to continue their journey through—and out—of your yard.

Safe space

Screen enclosures provide you with some peace of mind. Your small children have a safe place to play while they’re getting some fresh air and sunshine. You can have a bit of free time to sit and read your book, pay some bills, or scroll your phone for a while without looking up to realize your littles have wandered out of sight.

Adds value to your home

Installing an outdoor enclosure increases the value of your property to some degree as well. How much is determined by such things as the size of the structure and building materials used.

Another plus to consider

When deciding which contractor to hire to build your enclosure, consider working with a company that customizes the screens. They use digital imagery to print your choice directly on the screens using dyes infused with added UV protection to resist fading. Images are guaranteed to remain vibrant for years.

The screens further enhance feelings of privacy. Moreover, they completely change your environment! If you choose a scene that reminds you of your family’s favorite vacation spot, warm and fuzzy memories will envelop you every time you enter the space.

The phrase, backyard oasis, becomes a reality with customized screens.

Pulling it all together

After considering all the added benefits that screen enclosures provide for you and yours, deciding to move ahead with the project is going to be a lot easier. Let’s review.

Providing your family with more privacy and a safe place for young children—pets too—to play can only be considered a plus, plus. Less UV exposure is certainly another. Getting rid of bugs and other unwanted guests is a great incentive to enclose your space too.

Customizing your screens makes creating a backyard getaway a reality. And when you consider that adding an enclosure increases your property value, too… Wow! Is there any reason to wrestle with the decision a minute longer? Moving ahead with creating a budget for this project will be a decision you’ll never regret.

Your friends and family are going to love the new space. We should warn you to prepare to become the favored place for gatherings… and with good reason! It won’t be long until you realize that enclosing your outdoor living space was worth every penny spent.

The post How Much Should I Budget for an Outdoor Enclosure? appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

These outdoor living spaces are very versatile and provide your family with an array of opportunities as to how to use them.

Work out rooms

Exercise equipment is often large and cumbersome. If yours is scattered throughout the house, it’s likely taking up needed space. It can make your home seem cluttered and take away from the overall decor.

If you and your family like to stay in shape, consider making the lanai your workout area for the winter. You’ll be glad you did come springtime! The convenience of having everything all in one spot could encourage group workouts. There should be ample room for weight lifting or cardio equipment. And, while you’re all working out together if someone beats you to the weights, just use one of the kids instead.

They’re sure to love that idea and we bet you will too!

Love dining outdoors?

Our weather is great for outdoor dining in the winter. It’s a pleasant way to spend time with family and friends enjoying each other’s company. You can create an outdoor dining room in your enclosure that may be used every day! And when you’re not eating, the table and chairs can be used for game nights.

Screen enclosures provide your family with an open-air bug-free zone, making way for the perfect outdoor dining experience. It’s far better than trying to eat with one hand and constantly shoo away flies with the other!

Gardening soothes the soul

If you have a green thumb, you may want to consider turning your enclosure into a gardening space. They provide plenty of natural light. Outdoor enclosures normally have hard surface floors making it easy to clean up any water or soil messes that occur.

Plants are beautiful to look upon. Surrounding yourself with them creates a serene environment, which enhances feelings of relaxation and provides a sense of well-being.

Need a rec room?

Enclosures are the perfect space for groups of people to get together. The space is often large enough to accommodate common elements associated with rec rooms. We’re talking air hockey tables, pool tables, or even large free-standing video games. However your family and friends like to spend their time together the most, you can set the stage for fun in your outdoor enclosure.

Whether your family enjoys board games, video games, or watching movies and starting popcorn fights, you have the perfect place for it!

Make it your hobby lobby

Homeowners often designate a spare bedroom as their hobby or craft station. Free up that area in your home by moving your craft or hobby supplies out to the enclosure. Being outdoors enhances your sense of relaxation so you’ll enjoy your time even more!

Winter, spring, summer, or fall

Of course, living in Florida allows you to use your outdoor enclosure all year long for anything that you want! The space provides your family with a bug-free area that is perfect for outdoor dining. Actually, anything you do outdoors will be more enjoyable if you aren’t battling bugs and insects all evening long!

Pack away your fly swatters and get out the ping pong paddles instead! Your enclosure provides you with a safe area to send the kids out to play a game without having to worry about unwanted wildlife wandering… or slithering… into the area. If you have younger children, you can flip the lock on the door to guarantee they stay put if they’re left on their own for short periods.

Screen enclosures allow air to flow freely throughout the structure which is the best defense against mold and mildew. The salt in the air doesn’t affect the screens and since most screen enclosures are constructed of aluminum, it’s not affected either.

They’re considered low maintenance and cut down on cleaning time because they keep yard debris out of the area. The screens, themselves, are easy to clean. All you need is a bucket of warm sudsy water and a scrub brush–or if you have a power washer, feel free to break it out! The chore will be completed in record time.

The sun isn’t as intense during the winter, but ultraviolet (UV) rays are still dangerous. Screen enclosures filter them as they pass through your screens making them less of a threat.

Dreaming of a backyard getaway?

If you haven’t installed an outdoor enclosure yet but plan to do it soon, we want to be sure you’re aware of screen customization. Some companies print images directly onto the screens creating an incredible visual that completely changes the ambiance. The environment completely changes and so does how you feel when you step through the doorway.

Images are printed using dyes treated with added UV protection guaranteeing the images remain vibrant for years.

Enclosing the lanai, pool, or patio area creates awesome opportunities for homeowners to enhance their family time. It’s worth installing one. You can easily create a truly unique space to enjoy for years to come. Family and friends will love spending time there… no matter what is going on at the time.

The spending time together part means the most anyway—make sure that you enjoy it to the fullest!

The post 5 Ways to Use Your Enclosure During Winter appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

Screen enclosures provide you with several benefits for you and your family to enjoy—and an added level of privacy easily tops the list. It’s the main reason that homeowners put up enclosures. Moreover, many have stated had they realized the difference that it would make, it would have gone up much sooner. Even though the screens don’t provide total privacy, the feeling of increased seclusion tends to cause the sights and sounds of the neighborhood to fade into the background.

The feeling of seclusion enhances your ability to rest and relax. It also guards against the prying eyes of neighbors… or their kids… when there is an event such as a birthday party going on.

Screen enclosures provide other benefits too.

Bug blocker

The difference in the atmosphere certainly changes for the better when your family isn’t being bombarded by bugs and mosquitoes when enjoying time outdoors. Screen enclosures provide the perfect barricade. Mosquitoes eating you alive when your family tries to enjoy a night swim? Not anymore! Flies swarming the table before the family can even get seated at the table? Huh uh.

Even those infuriating little noseeums aren’t getting through the finely woven screen.

The creature feature

It’s never fun to step outdoors to discover that a snake—or some other form of wildlife, say a gator, maybe—has found its way up to the house. It’s even worse when something surprises you by popping out from under a pillow or cushion! Screen enclosures set a boundary that keeps those unwanted guests further away from the house.

No more surprises!

Keeps out debris

It’s no fun when you don’t get the pool covered before a storm blows through. Your unprotected pool can collect a lot of stuff in a short amount of time, can’t it? Enclosing your pool eliminates that problem. It also cuts down on the amount of yard debris that the kids drag into the pool via those short wild sprints across the yard only to dive into the water without taking the time to hit the footwash first. You know the times we mean, right? As in, immediately after you finish mowing the grass…

If you’re enclosing the lanai, you won’t need to clean up storm debris before sitting down to rest and relax. Your furniture will remain in better condition too.

UV Protection

Screen enclosures guard against the harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays relentlessly cast by the harsh Florida sun. The screens don’t provide much shade. However, the UV rays get filtered as they pass through the screens. It lessens the intensity which means you’re not going to burn as soon.

Your stuff won’t suffer sun fade as quickly either. That’s a big plus, right? Replacing things is on hold for a lot of families because everything is crazy expensive right now!

Double duty

Your screen enclosure can provide an area for young children to safely play outdoors without having to worry they’ll get away from you should you get distracted. It only takes a minute, doesn’t it? It’s a horrible feeling for a parent to look over and see… no child in sight.

Screen enclosures provide an area for your littles to get some fresh air and sunshine while keeping them confined to the area. That means you could intentionally sit down to read a chapter of that novel or maybe get some needed shopping done online. Having things come to you can be extremely helpful when you’ve got small children. No doubt about it.

Your pets would enjoy the space too.

If you’re enclosing the pool and have a child that can’t resist trying to find ways into the water, locking them out is an option they’ll find hard to get around.

Just saying…

Boost your bottom dollar

When built to complement the main structure, the added aesthetics bring immediate value to your home from a visual aspect.

Moreover, if ever you decide to put your home on the market, installing a screen enclosure increases the value of your property to some degree. Factors, such as materials used and the structure’s size, determine the amount.

One more thing…

If you choose to work with a company that customizes your screens, you can completely change the environment. Seriously. The results are astounding and the ambiance matches the mood! Love the ocean? Is being surrounded by a lush tropical garden your favorite spot on earth? You can create the perfect backyard getaway for you and yours to enjoy.

The images are printed using specially treated dyes to beef up the UV protection. That means the images remain vibrant for years and years. That’s saying something around here!

Once you’ve created the perfect backyard getaway, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy it—all year long. Good thing, too, because your family may not want to gather anywhere else.

The post Screen Enclosures Offer Year Round Benefits appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

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.

The post Any Cons to Enclosing the Lanai? appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.