Best Materials For Keeping The Dirt Out Of Your Screen Enclosure

Written By Kenneth Wilson  |  1 Comments

An array of location specific issues can occur with the bottom panel screens of an enclosure. One of the most frequent concerns that we hears is “how can I prevent dirt and debris from getting into my cage”. While Phifer products are wonderful at preventing small animals and insects from getting in the issue of incoming dirt and debris can sometimes remain a valid concern. The article highlights some reasons why these issues occur and what you can do to prevent this from happening again.
REASONS:
A lot of debris buildup occurs where gutter downspouts are located. Heavy Florida rains create a large amount of water pressure that can expel mud and dirt into the lanai. Also, heavy rains will sometimes overflow rain gutters, which fall down splashing mud into the lanai. It is very common for ground level condo units to experience this gutter run off water issue. Community gardeners are wonderful and keep our communities looking pristine. Sometimes they can blow debris or even accidentally cut standard screen while working resulting in dirty lanais.
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blog-post-dirt
Florida Glass around the bottom of screen enclosure.

OPTIONS:
Florida Glass (Privacy Screen) – is a very popular product to combat dirt and debris while having privacy along the bottom of your enclosure. Florida Glass has a special opaque vinyl coating, almost like a plastic, that acts as a barrier against dirt and debris. It is very common to see the entire bottom portion of a screen enclosure covered in Florida Glass.

Kick-plate:  When you need a rigid, option, this is the best choice.  Kick Plate is a solid aluminum panel that goes around the base.  Like Florida Glass, it prevents splatter as dirt and water cannot get through it.  Being a metal, it is resilient to pets, wildlife, and even the lawn mower making a great choice for the

White kickplate installed around the bottom of this patio enclosure
White kickplate installed around the bottom of this patio enclosure

bottom of the screen enclosure.

Patio Scene – An aesthetically pleasing option is a Patio scenes. Since patio scenes are a can be on a solid screen they act as a barrier to the outside elements yet include a picturesque scene for homeowners to enjoy.

The Images below are credit to: City-Data.com and a customer review of patio scenes installed by Gulf Coast Aluminum.

About the Author

I can build it, and I can help you get the patio enclosure you want! I got my start in the Florida patio industry back in the 70s as a young general laborer looking for something to make a few bucks. At the time I never thought it would end up as my career. Over the years I grew beyond the laborer position, becoming a foreman, superintendent, and then into executive management for some of the largest patio contractors, and material vendors. Now into retirement and slightly bored, I offer consulting services to new and existing contractors, and publish this website to help the people who love their patio's and screen enclosures the most - YOU!

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