Once you’ve forked over the expense of installing a mesh screen enclosure around your lanai, patio, or pool, you want to keep it in good condition for years to come. Who can blame you? More than likely, your new outdoor space became the favorite spot in the house the day that it was completed!
Living in Florida, there’s always salt in the air. It’s extremely corrosive and eats away at everything that isn’t made of plastic. It’s recommended that we clean all outdoor surfaces up to three times a year—that includes your screens. All it takes is a bucket of sudsy water and a scrub brush or if you have a power washer, your job just got even easier!
While you’re out there, it doesn’t hurt to inspect your enclosure at the same time looking for any small rips or tears. Make sure and take a good look at the bottom of the screen. It’s one of the areas that are prone to damage.
Children poke and prod
If you have young children, you already know that they have a tendency to run things into walls. Your screens meet the same fate. Playing out on the lanai or patio includes taking toys along and if they have wheels, you can bet they’re going to be crashing into the base of your screens—probably repeatedly. Eventually, it’s going to do some damage.
Kids are known for their impulsive behavior. Once there’s a tiny hole exposed, it won’t be long until they begin to fiddle with it. Before you know it, a tiny tear in the screen can become huge.
Pets play a part
Does your pet scratch at the door when they want to go outside? Imagine the damage they could do to the bottom of your screens if they see something on the other side that piques their interest! It wouldn’t take long for most pets to scratch, claw, or chew their way through a mesh screen enclosure if left unsupervised.
Even if your pet’s not so active these days, they can still damage your screens if they press against them continuously while they’re lounging in the sun.
Wind, water, and debris
Mowing, landscaping, even blowing wind can leave an array of debris along the base of your mesh screen enclosure. The process of raking might damage screens that aren’t protected in some way.
Moreover, water from rain, roof drainage, or runoff from your sprinkler system can damage your flooring or outdoor furnishings.
Kickplates prevent damage
A kickplate is a thin, durable piece of material that is attached to the bottom of the screen panel. They normally range between eight to sixteen inches in height—but, of course, custom sizes are also available.
They’re installed around the entire enclosure to provide your mesh screen enclosure with maximum protection against the elements, your pets, the kids, their toys… You get the idea.
Kickplates are an excellent choice when looking for ways to extend the life span of your outdoor enclosure. And, we know you want it to last as long as possible! It’s everybody’s favorite place to hang out!
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