14 Fast Facts About Screen Enclosures

Written By Kenneth Wilson  |  3 Comments

Wanting to learn more about screen enclosures? Is it time to replace or repair an existing one? Or are you wondering if a screen enclosure additional is right for you and your family? Search no more! Here you will find all kinds of information on screen enclosures, sunrooms, and lanais.


  1. Should I replace the panels one by one or re-screen the entire cage?

    When considering whether to contract out for a full re-screen or just replace the necessary panels, in the long run, you get more screen for your dollar when you do a full re-screen.

  2. What does old screen look like?

    When you notice a white shade and tears at the edge, your screen has reached its life expectancy. You may think you can simply put the torn screen back in place, but it is so worn that just the slightest wind tears the screen.

  3. How long will a new project take?

    The correct answer is, it is unknown. One never knows how long the permit process will take, but it usually does not take less than two months. If you’d like your screen enclosure completed by summer, start preparing early.

  4. Which material is better, the Polyester or or Phifer?

    The polyester screens consisting of Ultra-screen and SuperScreen, have a longer lifespan and are warrantied against tears for 10 years.

  5. What’s the best choice, to restore or reconstruct a new pool screen enclosure?

    Restoration usually costs 40-50% less than reconstruction, and takes 2-3 weeks, tops. It is definitely the better choice.

  6. What is the average sized screen enclosure?

    The average size is around 270 sq ft, 12′ x 24.

  7. What is the average price for a 12×24 Screen Room?

    This price for the average size screen room would be in the $8500 – $10,000 range, excluding concrete. If foundation work is needed, an additional cost of $3,000 – 5,000 can be anticipated.

  8. Does privacy screen exist?

    There is no such thing as a screen in which you can see out, and no one can see in. The closest thing to that would be custom printed patio scenes, as it is completely dark facing the outside, yet displays a beautiful mural inside. I suggest reading the Myth Of Privacy Screen From Gulf Coast Aluminum.

  9. For a new screen enclosure, what does the base consist of?

    There are generally 3 types of foundation used; the most common 4” monolithic concrete slab, footers are used when a larger cage is built and requires more foundational sturdiness, and finally stem walls are required as extra fortification when the job site is on a gradient slope.

  10. What screen is best for pet owners?

    There is a special screen created for the durability required for pet owners called Pet screen. It is 7x stronger than the average screen.

  11. What are the top benefits of a screen enclosure?

    Screen enclosures provide protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun, prolong the life of the pool and equipment, keep dirt, debris and critters out while keeping household pets in, eliminate pesky bugs, provide clean outdoor dining experiences and most importantly, add value to your home.

  12. How much property value does a screen enclosure add to a home?

    According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, a new patio has an estimated cost recovery of 102% and a ‘Joyscore’ of 9.6 out of 10. Measuring the amount of joy families receive from spending time at home and using the screen enclosure.

  13. When is the best time of year to replace or build a screen enclosure?

    September through December is the best time for contracting a company to build or replace a screen enclosure. It is usually a bit slower during this time of the year, and customers can receive a higher level of attention, and not have to deal with the rainy or hot season.

  14. What options are best for keeping dirt and debris from seeping in through the bottom of the cage?

    Many homeowners use Florida glass, which is special opaque vinyl coating, almost like a plastic, that acts as a barrier along the bottom portion of the screen enclosure. A Kick Plate is also commonly used, it’s a solid aluminum panel that goes around the base. Another choice would be a Patio Screen Scene that is solid screen for decorative purposes, yet dually acts as a barrier from dirt and debris.

The facts are in: screen enclosures are the ultimate solution to outdoor living while still desiring that clean, bug free environment. The benefits are infinite!  Here’s 3 Types of Screen Enclosures and Discussion On Cost!

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!

  • Pouring a footer around my bricked patio for a Screen Room to be built.
    Should the concrete footer be 1/4″ or more ” below ” the brick level, so
    the water will drain properly from the bricks. ???
    Thank you

    • Always go lower. If you need to level out the pavers you can put sand underneath. Pour the footer too high and you’re fucked.

  • Kenneth,
    I keep getting directed to your site, but I noticed the information seems to be a bit old. Are you still helping folks out? I have many questions and can’t find answers.

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