Screened patios used to be a more common design choice in southern architecture. Now, homes all over the country have adopted the idea. Not only do they provide a great aesthetic element to the home, but they’re also suitable for houses in all kinds of geographical landscapes. If a house already has an outdoor patio, it has the potential for a breezy sunroom with the addition of a screen. Here are more great benefits that may sway you into investing in a screen.
Benefits of a Screened Patio
Before you start dialing the contractor, consider the factors that might make all the difference in the design. Will it only be used in the summer or all year round? Do any other repairs need to be made to the porch? Will a special type of mesh (pollen resistant, fiberglass, UV filter, etc.) be needed? Can the project be a DIY, or will you need to budget in a builder? A well-designed screened patio provides the best of both worlds: an indoor and outdoor living space. If you’re on the fence about a screened porch, check out these other benefits.
- Privacy: If the house is on a busy street or has high foot traffic, it may feel like there’s a lack of privacy when you’re lounging on the porch. These add-ons can create an extra layer of security for the home with customized doors, locks and other construction features. Patio screens often deter unsolicited guests, especially at night.
- Insect protection: During the summer season, mosquitos, gnats, bees and flies may be frequent visitors. An open door or window is often not an option if bugs tend to work their way indoors. Instead of dousing the air with sticky bug spray, a screened porch could keep pests out while filtering fresh air.
- Weather protection: Sometimes the heat or elements are inescapable in the yard if there’s no shady tree. If you enjoy being outdoors but don’t want the weather to dampen the enjoyment, many mesh screen materials protect against UV rays and rainy days. Other fabrics are even humidity resistant.
- Pet safety: Some pets just prefer to be outdoors. Without a fence or time for numerous walks per day, this can be a challenge. The porch solution allows pets to spend time “outdoors” while you keep a close eye on them. It also helps pets avoid injury or disease by keeping them away from raccoons, possums and other wild animals.
- Saves energy: An open window or door isn’t always enough when a breeze is needed, especially if bugs or rain are an issue. A screened porch provides shade and ventilation, cooling the house on the hottest days. This in turn can have a positive effect on the HVAC and the monthly bill.
- Living space: A deck or patio doesn’t always get used enough if it’s not functional or practical. Take advantage of an existing area, even adding a retractable screen if the budget allows. A screen could increase outdoor and indoor living space, especially if you’d like an area to entertain guests.
- Home value: Adding a usable outdoor space adds appeal to buyers if you’re trying to sell. Even if you’re not ready to put it on the market, it can also increase the value if the time comes. A porch is already an extended living area, making a screened update a great project to tackle to add some style.
One of the best advantages to a screened porch is its versatility. Whether you need to get the dogs out of the house or want to entertain family and friends, it’s an addition to the traditional rooms that’s still protected from the weather and pests. If you already have a porch or deck that isn’t getting much use, a screen provides a wide range of benefits.
Author bio: Randy Wilson is CEO and founder of Metro Screenworks Inc. He has over 40 years of experience and specializes in all screen types, porch enclosures, rolls of screen and more.