With just about everything, you will find a few misconceptions. Some myths and stories that just aren’t 100% true. The great thing is, now we have the world re-known Google, loads of great information guides and knowledge centers at which we can get some facts! Although there are only a few misconceptions about screen enclosures, and everything is pretty straight forward, as professionals in the industry, there are a few corrections we’d like to clarify!
Myth: Screens are pet safe
Pets love the outdoors! Especially the household cats and dogs. They enjoy sitting poolside, sunbathing, or napping in the shade with the fresh air. However, that the majority of screen is not pet safe! If the cat or dog goes after a sighted lizard or squirrel with full force, they are likely to go right through that screen into the wild! And losing a pet is never an easy thing. You do have some great pet options to consider. There are 4 screens that are pet smart (not to be confused with Pets Mart the store):
- SuperScreen
Its durable with a ball burst strength test that rates above 180 lbs. This is great for smaller pets that are quite oblivious to the outdoor world. - Florida GlassThis is a vinyl like material that slightly stronger than regular screen but it greatly aids in limiting outward visibility.
- Pet Screen
This comes highly recommended as it is very thick material. It has a bursting strength of 538 psi compared to 154 psi for a standard phifer 18/14 screen. It can withstand cats climb on the screen, or large dogs playing rough. - Kickplate
This is the most rigid of all options. It is a solid aluminum panel that is installed along the bottom of the screen enclosure that does not allow pets to see or break out of.
Myth: My screen enclosure will be done in 4 weeks.
Sorry, but if you are told this, it probably isn’t true. You might be hearing what you’d like to hear to get that dotted line signed as is explained here in the #1 Lie Of Screen Enclosure Sales. Building a screen enclosure is a project that requires time, permitting, a site plan, and construction. It takes around two months alone just to get the permit, engineering, and site plan completed. Excerpt patience, quality work and details often take more time.
Myth: “We’d like a privacy screen you can see out of, but no one can see in”.
This myth is based on the fact that most people have screens on their windows that make it difficult to see through during daylight hours. This is only because of the lighting and the science behind it. If it is bright outside, and darker inside, you can’t see in. If on the other hand, it is dark outside, and all the lights are turned on inside, you can’t see out. The truth is, not such privacy screen exists. There are darker shades of screen called solar screen, but they are still see through. Here is a really good post, which further explains the myth of privacy screen.
This section is regular Phifer 18/14 screen.
There is however, another option. If you go with a patio scene screen, which is a special screen that displays a picturesque design for you and your family on one side, and then completely dark on the outside, you have established a level of privacy, yet you are unable to see out from the inside. It is the only option in privacy screens.
Myth: “I will use all my savings”
No, this is not a project that you must save up for. You don’t need to invest your savings in a new screen enclosure, unless of course you are one of those people who prefer to pay cash, then of course go ahead! It is understood that most projects average between $5,000 to $100,000, and that is no small chunk of money. There are many companies out there that offer third party financing for these types of structures, such as Lightstream Financial. Going through a 3rd party financing company usually gets you better rates, and lets you focus on only the bottom line price with your contractor, as opposed to playing ‘car lot negotiation’ games, when dealing with interest rates and the such. More awesome information on financing for patio’s can be found at hiladvisor.com
Myth: “The screen enclosure does not add any value to a house”
Wrong again! Outdoor remodeling projects that add additional livable space to your house, and make the backyard more feasible are often the best investment you can make to improve your home’s resale value! Unscreened decks, porches and pools are great options, but adding the screen is optimal for areas where bugs, privacy and rain are of concern. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, a new patio, had an estimated cost recovery of 102%!
As you can see, there aren’t many misconceptions about screen enclosures, most information is straightforward, but there are a few issues that needed clearing up. Hope this helps in clarifying all those myths out there!