It’s almost time for fun in the sun season to kick in here in Florida. After our cooler-than-normal temps this past winter, it’s a welcome thought! If you’ve left your Florida room unattended these past few months, no one is going to blame you for it! Still, if that’s the case, it may need a little sprucing up out there, huh?
Many homeowners across the nation define the term “Florida room” as being a sunroom. An actual room addition that is most often completely enclosed in glass to capture every possible ray of light throughout the day. However, those of us living in the Sunshine State, tend to take the reference more literally using our outdoor gathering space as a living room.
It doesn’t matter what you call it
We’ve heard tell of the “California room” as well which is defined as being “half porch, half room.” It doesn’t matter what you call it though—the ability to hang outdoors in comfort with family and friends is the ultimate goal.
Rather than encasing yourself in glass, however, we tend to prefer the more natural effect. The lanai is ample proof of that! It’s typically a roofless area that is attached to the back of the house. Back in the day, people lived on them to escape the sweltering heat indoors. They hung hammocks to sleep outside because the lack of air conditioning—and even electric fans—made it a next-to-impossible feat to accomplish indoors. The space was even used for cooking to allow the house to stay as cool as possible.
Today, families create outdoor living rooms to enjoy but that’s not saying the grill isn’t kept near at hand. Cookouts and summertime go hand in hand no matter where you live!
It’s not all sunshine and roses though
Even though our climate is conducive to being outdoors as much as possible, humans aren’t the only species that thrive here. Bugs and mosquitoes are often quick to invade your space with the with the end result being driving you and your guests indoors.
If the aroma of bug repellant and citronella wafting through the air is almost as intense as being attacked by biting flies, we can offer you a solution that puts you and yours in a bug-free zone. Moreover, it doesn’t include enclosing yourself in a glass box stifling free airflow.
Some people react negatively to the lack of free airflow and begin to experience feelings of claustrophobia. Oftentimes, it’s not alleviated until they exit the space which can sure put a damper on your gathering—especially if it’s one of your kids! Ventilation is key to ensuring everyone can enjoy the space. If you don’t have a system in place, you could lend an entirely new twist to the context of the phrase, “cooking out on the lanai.”
Yikes.
The simple solution
Installing a mesh screen enclosure allows you and your family to keep all manner of bugs and insects out of the space without hampering the natural airflow. Bugs may, on occasion, all but cover the screen on the outside but they aren’t coming in. Imagine spending your evening outdoors sans mosquitoes! That must be what luxury feels like!
Mesh screen enclosures are low maintenance. Rather than tackling all that glass, all you need is a bucket of soapy water, a couple of scrub brushes, and the kids! And maybe a bit of parental supervision on the side, just in case.
They also provide your family with several benefits that you will immediately enjoy.
They are:
- Additional privacy—It’s actually the number one reason homeowners give for enclosing their space.
- A level of UV protection—And we’ll take all we can get around here!
- Blocks dirt and debris—No more tidying up before sitting down to relax for a bit.
- Creates a barrier against intruders—You know the type, the neighbor’s wandering cat for example? You know when he’s been over because of the hairball left behind…
- Safety features—You have a safe space for small children to play without worrying they will wander off.
Your enclosure is sure to become a favored spot for gathering with family and friends making the cost even more affordable!
You can go a step further
Some companies offer their customers a customization feature that allows them to create luxurious—there’s that word again—getaway spots just outside the back door. Move over Florida room! You can feel as if you are anywhere in the world every time you enter the space.
The dyes used for printing images are treated with added UV protection guaranteeing your design’s vibrancy for years to come. Using your own flare when adding furniture and decor is sure to put the perfect cap on your project.
Customization further increases the level of privacy you experience too. The outside world tends to melt away as you revisit the feelings you had while on your favorite vacation perhaps or even a day at the beach. After all, it’s the reason a lot of us choose to live here!
Wherever you wind up
Choosing to enclose your outdoor family area provides you with a variety of benefits, such as added privacy, a bug-free zone, and saving you the surprise of discovering unwanted evidence of visiting animals on—or under in the event of a snake—your seat cushion.
Small children have a safe space to play while getting fresh air and soaking up a daily dose of Vitamin D with a level of UV protection in place. Moreover, you won’t have to tidy up before you sit down to enjoy your book while they do so.
If you choose to customize your screens, you add ambiance to the space that creates an even greater level of relaxation. Not to mention, reliving the memories of past experiences or envisioning what it will be like to set foot in that environment for yourself one day. It’s a place to dream dreams.
When you look at things in that light, a Florida room knows no bounds.