Knowledge Builders

can i screen in my front porch

by Connie Terry DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Screening in a porch is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable, bug-free environment. However, the screen itself can sag, develop holes and need replacing every few years. This guide will teach you how to screen in a porch with a screen framing system and how to stretch porch screen to fit the framework.

Full Answer

How to professionally screen a screened-in porch?

With a utility knife, cut a section of screen slightly larger than each opening. Roll the screen into the groove of the top horizontal base first, using a screen spline rolling tool. Pull the screen fabric tight with one hand as you roll the spline to keep the screen in place. Now, roll the two sides, keeping the screen centered in the opening. More items...

How much does a screened porch really cost?

The cost to screen in a porch can vary depending on the size, the material you choose, and more. If you have an existing porch frame, screening it should cost around $2,000 to $2,800 for around 200 square feet. If your porch is smaller, it will be closer to between $1,300 and $1,900.

How do I build a screened porch?

Screened In Patio overview

  • Laying the foundation for the screened in porch. Lay out the perimeter lines of the closed in porch enclosure with mason’s string for the outside of the foundation timbers (Photo ...
  • Assembling the closed in porch framework. Mark and notch all the vertical posts into which the horizontal framing cross members fit. ...
  • Framing the roof. ...

What type flooring can I use on a screened porch?

Using porcelain tile is another popular option for a screened porch. With porcelain tile, you can create a beautiful, customized look for the floor. It comes in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes.

image

How do you put a screen in a front porch?

1:593:29Installing a Screen Tight Porch System | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the knife cut a section of screen slightly larger than each opening roll the screen into theMoreWith the knife cut a section of screen slightly larger than each opening roll the screen into the top horizontal base. First using the spline and screening. Tool.

How much does it cost to screen in a front porch?

How Much Does a Screened-In Porch or Deck Cost? When looking at average costs online, you may get excited at the prospect of a low-cost project – HomeAdvisor reports the average cost to screen in a 200-square-foot porch is between $2,000 and $2,800.

Is it worth it to screen in a porch?

A screened-in porch is a good financial bet as a homeowner, but so are most other outdoor remodeling projects that add usable space to your home. This includes decks or porches that aren't screened in. Screened-in porches are good for areas where bugs, privacy, and rainy weather are concerns.

What are the disadvantages of a screened-in porch?

The Cons to a Screened-In PorchCost – It is more expensive to screen-in your porch. It requires more materials and time to build.Maintenance – This can fall under cost too. If it rips, it needs to be replaced. ... Your View – While it won't obstruct your view completely, it isn't wide open and unfiltered.

Does adding a screened-in porch add value?

A porch is a great way to add livable square footage to your home. Though screened porches are typically not included in the appraised square footage of your home, they do add value.

How much does a 12x12 screened-in porch cost?

between $20,000 and $24,000How much does a 12 x 12 screened in porch cost? Since most screened in porches cost between 140 and 165 dollars per square foot, a 12 x 12 porch would likely cost between $20,000 and $24,000.

How long does a screened-in porch last?

roughly six to eight yearsSo, on average, how long do screened porches last? The general average that does not take into consideration materials, age, and quality of materials of frame and screen, estimates screened porches last roughly six to eight years before needing repair.

How much does it cost to screen in a small porch?

The average cost to install a screen in porch is $12 per square foot, with prices ranging between $10 and $14 per square foot. This price will vary based on several factors like materials or where you live. For a project of 200 square foot the average cost is $2,400 with a range between $2,000 and $2,800.

How much value does a front porch add to a house?

As a homeowner, if you intend to sell your home in the future, you naturally hope to recoup the money you spent to add a porch. Some sources say the average return on investment for a porch addition is around 84%. With this in mind, market conditions for real estate place a huge role in determining that number.

What can I use instead of a screen porch?

3// Instead of a Screen Opt for Porch Curtains. If you don't want something permanent like a screen, try some stylish outdoor curtains. Not only will they help with the bugs but also filter the sunlight and offer the privacy you're looking for.

Is it better to have a screened porch or sunroom?

If you want a space to keep house plants year-round, a screened porch isn't it. A sunroom is the better option for keeping plants — and people — comfortable in the winter.

What is the best screening material for porch?

fiberglass meshBy far the most common type of screen used for porches, fiberglass mesh is inexpensive and offers good visibility due to minimal glare from sunlight. Fiberglass screen won't crease like metal screening, and its flexibility makes it the easiest type to work with.

How much does it cost to screen in a small porch?

The average cost to install a screen in porch is $12 per square foot, with prices ranging between $10 and $14 per square foot. This price will vary based on several factors like materials or where you live. For a project of 200 square foot the average cost is $2,400 with a range between $2,000 and $2,800.

How much does it cost to build a 16x16 screened in porch?

around $45,000Material Costs Make a Big Difference An average 16' x 16' screened-in porch will cost around $45,000 with pressure-treated wood and not a lot of accessories.

How much is a screen enclosure?

The question is “is it worth the investment”? An average cost for the screen enclosure is approximately $5-10,000.

How much is it to screen in a deck?

The national average materials cost to screen in deck is $4.78 per square foot, with a range between $4.21 to $5.35. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $14.14, coming in between $12.71 to $15.57. A typical 200 square foot project costs $2,827.72, with a range of $2,542.20 to $3,113.25.

What is high visibility screen fabric?

High visibility screen fabric is also made from fiberglass but it features a very fine weave and thin fiberglass threads that provide optimum visibility. While some types of high-visibility fabric may seem nearly invisible from inside your porch, they are typically more fragile than lower-visibility fiberglass screens.

How high above ground should a porch be?

Also, keep in mind that porch floors 30 inches or more above the ground must have a railing to prevent falls. Screen panels can be installed behind the railing, but the fabric, itself, is not substantial enough to ensure safety.

What is a screened porch?

After all, when protected from insects and blowing leaves, life on the porch takes on a whole new appeal. Just imagine enjoying outdoor meals without swatting away flies! A screened-in porch can serve as a second family room, a place to entertain friends and spend relaxing evenings with the kids.

How much does a screen room cost?

A typical 8-foot-by-10-foot kit contains everything needed to cover an 8-foot-by-10-foot section on a covered porch and sells for around $250 to $300 per section.

How much does it cost to screen a porch?

The materials to screen in an existing covered porch of approximately 200 sq. ft. could run as little as $450 dollars, including the lumber needed for building screen panels, the screen fabric, screws, and paint to finish the frames to match the trim on your home. If you hire a pro for the same project, expect to add another $300 to $600 to the total cost for labor.

Can you use solar screen fabric on a porch?

You can still install screen fabric with higher visibility on upper screen panels. Solar screen fabric is manufactured from synthetic fibers and designed to block or reduce the amount of sunlight that filters through, making it a good choice for porches with upholstered furniture that might fade in direct sunlight.

Do you have to submit a porch design to the governing committee?

Similarly, if you live in a homeowners’ association (HOA), you’ll have to submit your porch design to the governing committee for permission to screen in your porch.

Calculate Materials

Screen framing systems or porch screen kits make it easier to add or replace screen around your porch. The method provides much cleaner results than with stapling.

Types of Screen Material

Choosing the screen mesh material is another consideration when figuring out how to screen in a porch.

Install Base Strips

Start by removing the old screen, if necessary, and any hardware or fasteners used to attach it to the structure.

Attach Screen

Use screen spline to attach the screen to the base strips. Spline is made of hard rubber or vinyl and fits tightly into the groove of the base strip, or any screen frame, to pinch the mesh securely in place. The size of spline depends on the material the screen is made from.

Install Cap Strips

Cap strips conceal the area where screen is attached to the base strips.

How long does it take for a wood batten to sag?

It's a labor-intensive method, and screens installed this way typically develop noticeable sags after just a few months.

How to roll screen fabric into groove?

Pull the screen fabric tight with one hand as you roll the spline into the groove in the base strip.

Do you need to paint a vinyl screen door?

To complement the new screening system, we installed a matching solid-vinyl screen door. It never needs painting.

Why do people put screens on their porch?

A screen porch is great for an outdoor feel and to keep pesky bugs away. However, there are times when you wish you could close it up to the elements.

What is a sunspace porch window?

Sunspace porch windows are made intentionally to hit the middle ground. Our customers are looking for something that is going to allow them to maintain that screened-in porch feel – like an outdoor room – and also give protection when they want to keep out the rain, snow, dust, and wind.

Why are porch windows unstable?

In a porch setting, humidity and temperature are unstable due to a lack of insulation and climate control.

Do glass windows change the look of a porch?

Typical glass windows will really change your outdoor space, and not just visually. Glass windows will completely alter how your porch feels and how it’s used.

Can you put windows on a porch in winter?

Even if you put in the most energy efficient windows into a porch, it’s still gonna feel cold in the winter – especially if you don’t have a heat source. So, you’re stuck with an outdoor temperature without the outdoor feel. That doesn’t make much sense for an outdoor space.

Can you use traditional windows without climate control?

Traditional windows are not built for spaces without climate control.

How to keep mosquitoes out of my porch?

One note of caution. If the floor of your porch is not solid, bugs will come up between the planks. We had a beautiful wooden floor with very, very tiny spaces between the planks. The mosquitoes in the South were relentless. The solution was to put screen on the underside of the porch to keep all winged creatures at bay.

Can you have a porch in Georgia in summer?

I'm in South Georgia and there is no way we can enjoy a porch during the Summer unless it's screened in. Y'all don't have the gnats or as many bugs as we do, tho… so if they aren't a problem I say leave it as is. Maybe y'all can get one of those mosquito fogger things for your yard and that will control the small amount you do have.

Can you protect a porch from West Nile?

Yes, such a dilemma. We had a screened in porch in our last home, and while it did save us from west nile, I abhorred the screens during pollen season. They caught every particle of pollen and they had to be removed and spray cleaned weekly. But, it did save the furniture from being covered in said pollen. It's such a beautiful porch—maybe glass? I'm sure the price is up there but then you could preserve your view and still be protected from west Nile!

What song is "To Screen or Not To Screen"?

To Screen or Not To Screen? – Dixie Delights

Do screens anchor a porch?

Going by the photo of the porch taken from the outside, I think screens will anchor it to the space. I like the thought that adding the subtle coloring of the screens will break up the white of the porch, making it blend with the dark gray of the house.

Can you pull curtains on a porch?

When the bugs are bad, you can pull it closed. But when they aren't a problem it can be pushed to the corners of the porch and look like voluminous sheer white curtains. I love white sheer curtains on a porch.

Do screens impede breeze flow?

ok, here's this southern gal's two cents: No screens. You really impede the breeze flow with screens–a lot more than you would think. And my Dad made this point years ago–bugs will still get in with screens (the door opening & shutting constantly) but with screens it's way more difficult for them to get out :)

Original Screen Tight

The simple system that revolutionized how to screen a porch or patio. Trusted in millions of homes across America.

MeshGuard

A new screening system created to eliminate the need for pickets, balusters and other visual obstructions below the porch guardrail.

Screen Wall

Modular screen porch framing system made of rigid PVC vinyl and composite fiber additives to withstand extreme wind and weather.

Screen Block

Two systems in one. The easiest way to convert your screen porch into an enclosed living space for use during 3+ seasons.

FASTtrack

A versatile aluminum framing system for unlimited screen porch configurations, complex screening and expansive openings.

MINItrack

A low-profile aluminum system that mounts discretely on the inside of porch or patio framing to enable custom porch trim options.

image

1.How to Screen in a Porch - The Spruce

Url:https://www.thespruce.com/diy-screened-in-porch-4845386

22 hours ago The railings, or balustrade, you decide to use can help set the overall style of your porch design. While you can always go with simple vertical balusters for a more craftsman look, there are …

2.How to Screen in a Porch - Installing a Screen Tight …

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRr2NMbOaYg

19 hours ago  · I say, you should screen your porch! Your porch is absolutely exquisite, but it would be safe to keep the bugs, pollen, leaves and what not out of your precious porch! =)

3.How to Enclose Your Front Porch to Build a Screened-In …

Url:https://www.hgtv.com/videos/screened-in-porch-tutorial-67991

21 hours ago

4.75 Screened-In Front Porch Ideas You'll Love - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/photos/screened-in-front-porch-ideas-phbr2-bp~t_726~a_34-542--38-250

30 hours ago

5.How to Screen in a Porch - The Home Depot

Url:https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-screen-in-a-porch/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9012167af12

8 hours ago

6.How to Screen in a Porch - This Old House

Url:https://www.thisoldhouse.com/porches/21016700/faster-way-to-install-porch-screens

10 hours ago

7.Can I Put Glass Windows in My Porch? - Sunspace Twin …

Url:https://info.sunspacetwincities.com/can-i-put-house-windows-in-my-porch

19 hours ago

8.To Screen or Not To Screen? – Dixie Delights

Url:https://dixiedelightsonline.com/2012/09/to-screen-or-not-to-screen.html

9 hours ago

9.Screen Porch & Patio Systems from Screen Tight - How …

Url:https://www.screentight.com/screening-systems/

32 hours ago

10.Videos of Can I Screen in My Front Porch

Url:/videos/search?q=can+i+screen+in+my+front+porch&qpvt=can+i+screen+in+my+front+porch&FORM=VDRE

10 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9