It’s nearly summer and you know what that means! Beautiful, sunny days, refreshing dips in the pool, and hanging out on the lanai with family and friends whenever possible! Hopefully, this is the summer you’ve decided to get on board and enclose the space. Lanai screen is going to make your summer experience even better.
Imagine sitting out back on our balmy summer evenings without needing to swat and slap at the bugs and mosquitoes hovering all around. Another benefit is that it affords you some protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Now, a lanai screen won’t totally eliminate UV rays because it’s woven. However, every little bit of shade is worth its weight when you live in Florida!
Are we right?
Enclosing the lanai will provide a degree of shade from the sun’s harmful UV rays for sure. Lastly, should an unexpected shower hit, you won’t be sent running for the door. Instead, you can stay right where you are and enjoy the slight drop in the temperature that can accompany the rain. It’s the best of both worlds, really, because you can enjoy more quality time—free of bugs and debris—with the ones you love. Before you get the installers on the scene though, we’ve got a few questions you should consider before beginning your project.
What’s the main function of the space?
You know what we mean, right? How do you spend the majority of your time when you’re out on the lanai?
Ways to use your lanai include:
- Workout space
- Breakfast nook
- Outside entertainment area
- Rest and relaxation
- Play area for the kids
Considering how you use the space the most will help you decide which features you’ll want to add. Things such as lighting, outlets, furniture… giant movie screens… you get the idea.
Will you enclose the entire area?
If you have a large outdoor living area, you may decide to partially enclose the space. Perhaps separating the pool area with a lanai screen that includes a doorway directly to the pool is something to consider. That could prove to be beneficial if you have young children for sure!
On the other hand, you may decide to enclose the pool area and leave the lanai untouched. You’ll know what works best for your family. The beauty of using privacy screens to enclose your outdoor space is that they can be easily customized in various shapes and sizes. Another consideration is whether or not you want your structure to be free-standing or attached directly to your home.
Live your dream!
What’s your security level?
Keeping your kids and pets safe is at the top of every homeowner’s priority list. Maximum security can be obtained by installing doors that can be latched or locked. It keeps your littles and your pets safely contained either inside or outside the area. If your pets… or kids for that matter… have been known to tear through a screen, installing a stronger grade screen is an option you may want to include.
Will your new space increase the value of your home?
The answer to this question is yes, however, how much it will increase the value of your home depends on several factors.
They include:
- Size of enclosure
- Build materials
- Freestanding or attached to the home
- Amenities, such as lighting, electricity, design, and decor
- Privacy features
Outdoor structures that match the aesthetics of your home have a stronger impact when it comes to adding to your home’s overall value. Remember though, when it comes time to sell your home, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Do your best to update what you can and stay positive.
How important is your privacy?
Did you know that the number one reason that homeowners give for installing outdoor enclosures is to increase their privacy? Neighbors are great, but when the yards are proportioned for packing as many of us into one neighborhood as possible, they can seem a little too close for comfort from time to time.
Are we right?
Some days are better spent without feeling as if the entire neighborhood is looking on. Did you know that some privacy screen companies offer their customers a customization feature? They use digital imagery to reproduce an image—any image—directly onto the screens. Not only does it increase your privacy level, but it also allows you to completely transform your outdoor space into a private getaway. Can you envision yourself stepping out of your backdoor and feeling as if you’re in your favorite vacation spot? A customized lanai screen can make it happen… every day!
Can you keep up with the maintenance?
It’s recommended that we, Floridians, wash accumulated salt deposits from the outside of our homes and outdoor possessions at least twice a year. If not, we risk falling prey to salt erosion. In reality, it’s going to happen eventually, but keeping up with the maintenance extends the lifespan of our stuff considerably.
If you’re installing mesh screening, all you need for upkeep is a powerwasher or a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush. Hosing down furniture, window sills, and door frames as well as your screens is probably your best course of action.
When is the crew arriving?
Now that you’ve got all your priorities laid out, it’s time to schedule the job! If you haven’t decided which company to work with yet, it’s a good idea to ask around. Friends and family are usually glad to share the names of companies or contractors that they were happy working with. Online communities and review boards are other sources of reference to utilize.
We suggest getting three bids, tossing the lowest bid as they’re the most likely to cut corners, and, then, making your final decision from there.
Enclosing your lanai, pool, or both is going to have a positive impact on your summer experience! You’ll spend your time outside without being attacked by bugs and mosquitoes. Your outdoor living area is going to stay much cleaner. And, lastly, just wait until you realize what a difference having an increased level of privacy is going to make!
You might just wonder why you waited so long!