The main reason that lanais are so popular here is pretty obvious, right? When you live in paradise, you want to be outdoors as much as possible!
The Hawaiian word “lanai” dates back to the 19th century and means “back porch” or “patio.” They are typically added to the original design plan of the house. One main characteristic of the lanai is that the existing roofline of the house extends over a foundation incorporating it into the residence. The floors are typically made of concrete, stone, or pavers.
However, if your home wasn’t originally designed with a lanai in place, you can find an experienced contractor who can do the job after the fact. Moreover, they can do it so well that anyone who hadn’t seen your home before would never know the lanai was added at a later date.
What makes them so popular?
It’s true that our sub-tropical climate makes it seem as if Florida is as close to paradise as it gets here on earth. However, if we’re being honest, there are a couple of drawbacks with which many of us contend. Namely, the sun and bugs—and, the latter come out in droves, don’t they?
Lanais allow homeowners to check both of those annoyances off the list
Having a roof over your head does a lot to combat the sun. Its most dangerous element, ultraviolet (UV) rays, hammer down on us relentlessly for the majority of the year. Not only is it dangerous for our unprotected skin—causing varying degrees of sunburn and even skin cancers—but it damages our stuff. UV rays cause sun fade for sure. It’s evident in everything—outdoor furniture, swingsets, bikes, and the paint on our cars and homes.
Moreover, UV rays can damage the structural integrity of some materials causing them to weaken over time. If you’ve ever flopped down on a canvas deck chair only to hear a resounding rip as you crashed to the ground, you know exactly what we mean!
Of course, if your lanai isn’t enclosed, you haven’t rid yourself of the bug issue entirely. You can use torches, sprays, and other methods to repel them. You can keep an ample supply of flyswatters on hand too.
Maybe it’s time to end your bug problem for good! Screening in your lanai will do it. The grid is small enough to block all types of bugs. Mosquitoes aren’t getting in to drive you indoors either. Imagine what a difference that will make!
And, there are other benefits you and your family will enjoy as soon as your enclosure is complete.
Privacy
The number one reason that homeowners choose to enclose an outdoor area is to create a sense of privacy. Mesh screen enclosures create a greater illusion of privacy than those made of glass. Using a darker screen makes an even greater difference, of course. You can also look for a company, like ours, for instance, that customizes your screens using digital imagery.
It allows homeowners to create a private get-away spot just outside their back door. The results are pretty amazing. Especially, after adding your own personal style when choosing furniture and other decors.
Free airflow
Mesh screen enclosures keep the air circulating throughout the area and that’s your best defense against mold and mildew growth. That’s saying a lot here, in Florida, because we have such high humidity here. It creates the perfect environment for it to thrive.
Mold can cause health problems for you and your pets. Worse, if left unattended it continues to spread and allergic reactions grow worse over time.
Symptoms include:
- Watery and itcy eyes
- Redness of the eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Runny nose
Keep out debris and unwanted guests
It can be disheartening to look out back after a storm has gone through to see the lanai covered with storm debris. And, hopefully, you’ve never experienced the shock of discovering an animal or reptile that has taken shelter from the storm there!
Enclosing the space eliminates both of those scenarios—on day one!
Protection
Enclosing your lanai can allow your young children to experience a sense of freedom because you can let them out on the lanai to play without having to worry about them wandering off. Even if you aren’t letting them out the door without you in tow, you could sit and enjoy your novel or check in with social media without worrying about being distracted and losing track of your little ones.
How does that sound?
Floridians do love their lanais
Lanais allow Florida homeowners to have an attractive outdoor addition to their homes. Rather than deck or lawn chairs and a picnic table, people can furnish the space with the same types of furniture and decorating elements that they used throughout the rest of their home.
You won’t be driven indoors by swarms of bugs or mosquitoes. The sun isn’t as harsh when you are shaded either. What’s more, you can sit outside during a passing thunderstorm instead of watching at the windows from indoors—a pass-time that many find relaxing.
And, it’s worth mentioning, that homes with enclosed outdoor living areas appraise higher than homes without them. To what degree, of course, depends on the size of your space.
All in all, there isn’t a reason not to love lanais! It allows you, your family, and friends to gather together outdoors comfortably. And, when we’re comfortable, the good times roll, don’t they? You’ll be making memories that last a lifetime.
So, if your home doesn’t have a lanai or another type of outdoor living area, you may want to consider adding one. Odds are you aren’t going to regret it—ever.